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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, GlobalMindED highlights Hispanic leaders, role models, and those who are committed to advancing Hispanic heritage, people, and culture.
From a Small Town in Zacatecas to Advocating for Underserved Communities: Denise Suarez's Journey to Empowering Change for a Brighter Future
Denise Suarez is a community outreach liaison for PASCO. PASCO was founded in 1992 by Barry Rosenberg. It is based in Colorado and offers services throughout the state. Some of the services PASCO offers are in-home support, personal care, and training for family caregivers.
What's your personal story?
I was born in a small town in Zacatecas, Mexico, but I grew up in rural Colorado, the daughter of two Mexican immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. I am the second of four children and the only one born in Mexico. At home, we spoke Spanish, while speaking English at school. My older sister and I served as interpreters for parent-teacher conferences, doctors' appointments, and anywhere we needed to. By the tender age of four, my older sister was teaching me English, and by the time I entered Head Start, I was fluent. We then taught our younger siblings English, so that they would be fluent by the time they entered school.
My father is a farm worker and my mother is now a retired entrepreneur and cook. They instilled in me the value of hard work, getting an education, and forging your own path. I remember my parents often telling me, "Tienes que ir a la escuela para que no trabajes en el campo como nosotros" (You have to go to school so you don't work in the fields like we do). Their words motivated me to pursue a higher education. In my eyes, there was no other path. In high school, I found Upward Bound, a TRIO program that helps first-generation students go to college. The staff at Upward Bound helped my family and me navigate the educational system.
I attended and graduated from Colorado College where I thought I would become an International Political Economy major and work in business. That all changed when I started volunteering for an organization that tutored immigrant children. This experience made me realize how much I valued that community and how much I wanted to help others succeed. While in college, I immersed myself in the social sciences, arts, and Hispanic/Latino culture studies and surrounded myself with an amazing support system. I completed a study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico, which profoundly changed my educational and career goals. I transitioned from focusing on personal success to a desire to serve others. I became the first in my family to go to and graduate from college.
My career has centered on education and healthcare. Whether assisting young adults in finding their path to higher education or helping people navigate the complexities of our healthcare system and removing barriers to access care, my goal is to empower others with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and access the care or services they need. I also enjoy creating opportunities for communities to connect, often by organizing resource fairs and events.
Today, I work to build a stronger network for underserved and marginalized communities, as I too am part of that community.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
For me, the drive to help others came from witnessing my parents' relentless hard work. They put in long hours to ensure we had a roof over our heads and food on our table. As a child, I didn't fully grasp the difficulties they faced navigating complex systems like healthcare, education, and work, often without proper guidance. They depended on information from family and friends. Information and resources should be freely shared so those in need can access the support they require. I am where I am today thanks to the support from my family and my community. I feel fortunate to have learned how to navigate systems and seek out the people who can guide me to access the resources I need.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion stems from a desire to make life easier for those in need by providing support that is both dignified and accessible on their terms. I believe that systems must evolve to create a more equitable world. My hope is that everyone can access the resources they need to be healthy and happy without having to know the "right" person. If I can assist one person who then helps another, we can create a chain reaction that fosters a more equitable future.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED has created an incredible network of individuals who are working collaboratively to increase access and opportunity for all. GlobalMindED can continue to provide valuable connections, resources, and tools that enable individuals to thrive.
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