Congratulations to La Comadre’s Alma

05Apr
by Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Before I walk out the door to join a celebration in honor of fabulous Latinas, I wanted to share something with all of you.  

I am so happy and honored to be a part of the La Comadre network and team. I love reading the stories from all around the state as we share in our triumphs, our tragedies, our challenges, our resolve to hold the education establishment accountable, our determination to educate about school choice, the real struggles not just in educating our children, but also ourselves and so many other wonderful things that this platform has allowed.  And we owe it to Alma Marquez in very large part.

So I am ecstatic that she is being recognized today at Hispanic Lifestyle’s 2018 Conference as a Latina of Influence. Alma is not just one of my dearest friends, mentor, sister, homegirl, etc.  I have worked with her for many years, and she is the real deal. She truly cares about kids and education. I have always known that she is a Latina of Influence. Now, the world does too.  

Congratulations! Here is a little poem that was originally written for me some years ago by my best friend, Bobbi.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

“My giant, my warrior”

Sister… you are my giant, my warrior

My misunderstood walking, talking ball of love

The teacher, the student

the believer in good things and light

and the one tested time and time again

to do and be what we must

for the love of our children, our future

this is a dark hour

but it is not yours

it is ours because we have

waited too long and let too much go by

For me, you made it easy

to be on your team

and to see who you are

I have children, who light up

with your quick sense of humor

your immediate compassion

for their spirit and youth

If we all could only see all the other dark

and lonely nights where it was you

and you, alone, reading and thinking

contemplating and strategizing

giving up, resolving to give up, over and over

remembering the children

and waking up in the morning

to fight for them and us

 

Sister… you are my giant, my warrior

My misunderstood walking, talking ball of love

The teacher, the student

the believer in good things and light

and the one tested time and time again

to do and be what we must

for the love of our children, our future

— Bobbi Jo Chavarria

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Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia is a Mother, Grandmother, former Middle School Teacher, former Member of a School Board of Education and an Education Advocate for hundreds of parents and students in the Inland Empire. Having become a mother at 15, Leticia knows what it’s like to be a single mother trying to navigate the education system. Leticia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Masters’ Degree in Education Technology from Cal State Fullerton in her 30’s. Leticia has used her knowledge and experience to help hundreds of families as an Education Advocate in the Inland Empire and currently works as an Education Specialist.

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