Coordinator

What is my favorite thing about being a coordinator?

I have the privilege of serving students and families at Hawthorne Elementary in the Historic Highlands in Louisville, KY. My experience growing up with a single mother who struggled at times and was the recipient of many of the same services I now help provide has shaped how I go about my daily life, and while receiving help then was great, it is awesome to be on the other side and have the opportunity to give back. I know it is not always easy asking for help, so I stress that the goal and priority will always be the children, and the whole reason for this center and my being here is them. There will never be rejection or judgment, and they will never be made to feel they are a burden or nuisance because, again, my family and I have been there. 

What do you wish people knew about FRYSC?

The FRYSC program and coordinators are well known for helping with a clean change of clothes or needed school supplies at the beginning of the year, but we can and do offer so much more. 

I wish people would expect and seek services and help from our centers like everyone expects teachers to teach. Services include securing food for our families who may be going through an unexpected dilemma, connecting families to after-school childcare programs, or providing opportunities to spend time together during family night events. 

I truly believe what Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader, community organizer, and Latino American civil rights activist, said to be true, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

About Me

I was born and raised in San Jose, California, to parents who immigrated from Honduras in the 1980s. I was the first in my family to attend college, The University of California, Los Angeles, GO BRUINS!, where I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a Minor in Latin American Studies. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Israel, and we have 2 wonderful kiddos, Elliana, 8, & Illias, 6. Cooking, reading, and spending time with our families are some of my favorite pastimes, and I continue to further my education to be of service to others.