She is a born community leader and native to the indigenous community of Puacuaro Michoacan. Her mother language is Purepecha and she speaks Spanish fluently.
Honoring the Strength of Indigenous Leadership
Among the many remarkable people who make up our team, there is one woman whose journey stands out not only for her personal achievements but also for her deep cultural wisdom and enduring commitment to her community. She is a native of Puacuaro, a town nestled in the heart of Michoacan, Mexico, known for its vibrant traditions and strong indigenous identity. As a member of the Purepecha people, she carries with her a living legacy of resistance, language, and leadership.
From a young age, she demonstrated a natural ability to bring people together, mediate conversations, and create a sense of unity. These are not just leadership qualities. They are deeply rooted expressions of her culture, passed down through generations that have long valued community cohesion, mutual aid, and cultural preservation. Her upbringing in Puacuaro surrounded her with the teachings of her elders, the rhythm of traditional festivals, and the oral stories that form the backbone of Purepecha heritage.
The Power of Language and Identity
Her mother tongue is Purepecha, an indigenous language spoken by fewer and fewer people in Mexico today. For her, the language is not just a means of communication. It is an act of preservation and resistance. Every time she speaks Purepecha, whether with her family, in community meetings, or during cultural events, she helps keep the language alive. She understands that language carries culture, memory, and values.
She is also fluent in Spanish, which allows her to move fluidly between her indigenous roots and the broader Mexican society. This ability gives her a powerful toolset not only for communication but also for advocacy. She frequently interprets for elders, translates cultural concepts, and ensures that the voices of her people are heard in spaces where they might otherwise be overlooked.
Leadership Grounded in Service
What truly sets her apart is her deep sense of service. She does not lead for recognition or reward. She leads because she feels a responsibility to uplift her community and to honor the struggles of those who came before her. Over the years, she has participated in countless community-driven initiatives. These include organizing traditional ceremonies, advocating for educational programs, and supporting local efforts to pass on cultural knowledge to younger generations.
Her leadership style is collaborative and compassionate. She listens before she speaks. She respects different points of view, yet she stands firm in defending the dignity and rights of her people. Whether she is working on local development projects or mentoring young women in her community, her presence is both grounding and empowering. She reminds others that leadership is not about power. It is about service, trust, and showing up with integrity every day.
An Invaluable Member of Our Team
In our organization, she brings all of these qualities and more. Her insight informs the way we approach our work with indigenous communities. Her lived experience challenges us to be more inclusive, more thoughtful, and more effective. She plays a key role in shaping our outreach strategies, advising on cultural sensitivity, and building relationships that are rooted in mutual respect.
Beyond her skills and knowledge, it is her presence that enriches our team the most. She leads by example. Her authenticity inspires those around her to work with the same level of commitment and care. She reminds us that progress must be rooted in equity and that honoring cultural knowledge is not optional. It is essential.
Looking Toward the Future
She often speaks about the importance of investing in the next generation. For her, leadership is not about holding power. It is about passing it on. She dreams of a future where more Purepecha youth learn their language, embrace their identity, and take pride in their culture. She envisions schools that teach indigenous history with accuracy and respect. She imagines institutions that listen to native voices and create space for cultural diversity to thrive.
That vision is one we share. Working alongside her, we are reminded that meaningful change begins with people who are brave enough to stand for their values, humble enough to listen, and dedicated enough to stay the course even in the face of challenges.
A Legacy in Motion
Her story is still unfolding. Every day she continues to shape the world around her through steady, meaningful action. She is more than a member of our staff. She is a leader, a teacher, a culture bearer, and a force for good.
We are proud to work with her. We are grateful to learn from her. In her, we see the strength of heritage, the power of community, and the beauty of a future that is rooted in dignity and respect.