Q: Describe your current role. How do you think your role fosters our vision of all people leading capable, responsible, fulfilled lives? 

A: I’m currently a Family Support Caseworker working with unaccompanied minors especially in the Hispanic community. My main role is providing post release services and resources like legal, medical, and educational support to families to make them feel capable, responsible, and safe to settle in the community. When I was an unaccompanied minor in this program I saw how one of the case managers assessed my family, and I was inspired. I chose this career, because of the people who helped me as an unaccompanied minor. I went to college and got my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and always wanted to be in immigration field, which I'm doing right now, and I'm very happy. 

Q: What has surprised you most about working at Center For Family Services? The nonprofit sector, in general?

A: Despite the company being big it concentrates on the well-being of and working with families and youth. When I first started working here, I got a shelter tour. It surprised me seeing how the shelters worked with minors to make them feel like they’re with family. They provide food and clothes, get them familiar with other kids, and have activities. They make them feel like family as they wait to be reunified with their families. 

Q: What is your personal philosophy/vision? How do you tie these values to those of Center For Family Services?

A: My values go alongside some of the mission of Center For Family Services, like supporting families and communities and providing a better quality of life for minors through hope. Above all I would say empathy. I’d like to share this quote, “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes.”

Q: What three things do you hope to have accomplished at the end of your career? 

A: In the future I’d like to become an immigration lawyer. That’s my dream. Until then, I want to continue working with immigrants and advocate for minors and families. 

Q: If you could sing one song on American Idol (or The Voice), what would it be? 

A: “Who You Are” by Jessie J. To me, this song means to me that no one is perfect and that we can be unique in our own way. Like she says, there’s nothing wrong with who you are. 

Q: If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live? Why?

A: I love nature, and if I could live somewhere it would be a tropical island with water and nature. Nature brings peace.