Tattoos and Pearls - Latinas 100 Edition - A Latinas Journey in Pursuit of the American Dream

When I think about the next generation and what I want to leave them, I want them to understand that our path doesn’t have to be their path.  Many generations after ours, including some of our own, did not choose to walk this path, but somewhere along our lineage, it was decided that in order to find prosperity the best path to take was of discovery, hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow for themselves and the next generation.  With this expedition for a better tomorrow sometimes known to us as the American dream, they - simultaneously we - paid the price for the life we live today.  We are a story of resilience, inspiration and don’t underestimate us - we are most certainly a story of success.  We are marked by our experiences, but nonetheless have earned our pearls of wisdom.  

Our ancestors made a choice to live a life different from their family.  Many have traveled miles and miles away from their families that they love and hold dear in their hearts through memories because many may not even be able to return to see them because of the boundary between them.  They paved the path to be the first so we have already learned what it looks like to be innovative, to start over, to be resourceful and to rely on ourselves and our faith to keep us grounded with love and persistence.  

The first generations creating their American dream may have suffered, have worked tirelessly to gain momentum to individual and financial freedom.  Many have experienced small and big traumas, experienced pain, but many have survived and eventually have been able to also thrive.  Others may have taken a wrong turn, because navigating the unknown can lead people astray, off-course.  I hold these people who were unable to make it dear and let's all do the same to not let their disoriented path hold us back but set us on the right one. With each generation, as you navigate the maze, we that came before you, hope to give you some shortcuts so that you can get there faster and have the tools, strategies and secrets at your disposal. We want to see you win. We want to see you live your best life.  We want you to take full advantage of the path that sets you free.  The path that makes you feel alive and fills your heart with joy.  Also to love who you want to love and to find love in the way you want to be loved.  

Our experience does not equal your experience, but we do hope that you can learn from our good and not so good experiences.  We, like all humans, are not perfect.  Appreciate both equally because as I learned from my father who is incarcerated, he taught me to be the courageous, strong-willed fighter that I am, but I use my good trouble for advocacy and the courage to be who I am.  He undoubtedly was who he was with courage and was a strong-willed person, but unfortunately, he dealt with his circumstances, his pain and life experiences the way he knew how and ended up in prison for most of his life.  I hold him with grace and appreciate the day he carried me across the border at six months old to be able to live the life I live today.  Without him, I don’t know if I would be here. He and my mother at the young ages of 18 and 15 respectfully, decided to bring their baby daughter with them on the journey to a new country - a new life.  I know life could have been different, because I did experience many fatherless moments with him, but it was different for me and not for him. While he is living his life behind bars, I am still his legacy and I can choose to give our lineage a different outcome.  You can do the same for those who may have gone off kilter.    

We are also taking matters into our own hands as we create the spaces for you to thrive.  Take the baton and do the same for those coming after you.  Lets keep the momentum going by spreading our voice, spreading our wisdom and spreading our grace.