In the Latino community I also have plenty of experience. The Mayor and City Council appointed me to the City's Diversity Utilization Board, I am a member of the Hispanic Leadership Coalition and serve on many important committees around the local area.
So why am I nervous? The board selected me, from other qualified applications, and I have been well received in the media and throughout the community. I think what has been keeping up at night is the reason I am looking forward to this position...
I get to be the difference... and THE difference can be positive or negative. Through La Casa, my work can be THE change for a student to get on track with school, or THE change can be to support a family through hard times so they make it to good times, or THE change can be to see a student graduate who years before wanted to quit...
It keeps me up knowing there is great need, and I know we can't meet any of those needs without help from others. It will be my job to connect those who care, with those who need. To find ways to bring together those who need with solutions that work.
La Casa has been a cornerstone of the Latino community in South Bend for 40 years, and we need to solidify that foundation and grow our influence so we can push back the streets. We are at a critical time in our community, and I hope together we can make THE difference.