Doris Castañeda

My husband and I are proud of our children. We are proud that they work and study so hard and are working for a better life. After all, we left Guatemala in 1986 so that our children could have greater opportunities. It was hard to leave, but the poverty, corruption and violence in our native country clearly was going to be a major barrier to the dreams our kids had – so we came to America.

I am so inspired by the many dreams that are fulfilled in America. I think of our family as an example of what you can accomplish if you just work hard, have faith, and stick together. My husband and I own a cleaning company now. Sometimes I feel like there is not enough time in the day, working 10-12 hours a day and volunteering as much as I can. I volunteer at my church and on elections, and organized my neighbors to fight gang violence by forming Familias Unidas (Families United) of North Hills. I believe it is important to get involved to find solutions to the problems we all share.

In America we can change things -- that is the big difference for me. I really do think if we get enough people involved in making our schools better, our communities safer and are jobs better, we can succeed and reach our dreams. But we cannot sit back and wait; we have to work to make it happen.

I love to share my story so that people can see the world with endless opportunities. I truly believe that is why we are here, to help each other, to work together, and to always build a better tomorrow. Most importantly, we must keep our families together. I dream that my daughter like many mothers in her position will stop living in fear of being separated from their children. My hope is that she too will be able to have the opportunity to achieve all her dreams.