Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am part of a large family that came from Puerto Rico over 45 years ago to Rochester NY. I was raised by a single mother who came here looking for a better opportunity for herself and six children. All of us attended schools in Rochester and on to colleges around the city.  As a single young mother, my daughter attended schools in the city as well.

College for me was a bit overwhelming due to being a mom but I was able to attend Monroe Community College and Nazareth College. I worked full time in a Rochester City School District-totaling 32 years.  I ultimately developed knowledge of a variety city school issues especially with funding, mental health needs, food disparities and other issues that impacted of student’s wellbeing.

I needed to help and support many of students and families that came to me. Leaving the district and “tag teaming” with The Children’s Agenda now has instilled a sense of pride toward policy changes that can help support our students in the Rochester City Schools especially with the funding that can insure internal supports and changes to systems needed for all.

Why are you volunteering with Action for Education Equity? 

I met Laura Smith as I became the Parent Advocacy Coordinator at The Children’s Agenda in April. Listening to her positive approach to help the City School Districts funding issues, I realized that I must be part of this endeavor.  Her ideas as well as the teams need to “do something” approach made me want to support the team’s efforts.  It’s a serious situation regarding proper funding for our schools and the need is great. 

What do you bring to the project?

I supporting by advising and of course through policy awareness. I am proud of this organization and can see how others that may hear of it may want to join this amazing team.  

Where do you see Action for Education Equity going when your financial goal is met?

Honestly, I believe so much in this group of innovative people, that even though they want to be a temporary group I can see the group actually becoming a large piece of a puzzle toward changes in school policies and awareness. Their amazing innovative ideas as well the insisting to create change is remarkable.  I believe that Action for Education Equity has great potential to be an amazing collaborative group that that School District can pull as an ally. 

What’s your biggest hope for the project?

My biggest hope is that not only the Project helps the district but that it demonstrates that when people strongly believe in something, working together toward positive change can bring about positive outcomes. Even though the amount goal is large, I believe that this team of people truly can make a difference no matter if their goal is reached or not with solely their goodwill and solid intentions.