I am proud when a plan comes together and the task is delivered flawlessly. I am proud when my son does all the things for himself to be the man he wants to be in this world. I am proud when my friends and family reach their goals. I am proud to be a Black woman of the X generation who takes on challenges, wins and brings others with her.

My commitment to my family during my teens and 20s and 30s. Also, my unshakable commitment to growth in every area of life. I believe that the day we are born is amazing, but what really counts is the “dash” between the date that we are born and the date that we leave this world. I believen wholeheartedly that I have and will continue to make that “dash” count.

I am proud of my personal and professional journey. Like most people, mine has not been the easiest but it has definitely been worth it. I have been in Oklahoma since 2010, and I consider OKC to be my home now. There is a lot of sacrifice that comes with leaving your country and starting over somewhere new. For me personally, there has been so much gain and growth in that process and I am forever grateful for what this country and Oklahoma City has given me.

My husband and I have gone though some really big health problems. They have forced us to make decisions that we never thought we’d have to make, and we have had to figure out what that means for our lives. It makes you realize what your priorities are and how to adjust expectations for what your life looks like.

I think I am most proud of being a mother! I know it’s cliché, but I don’t think I’ve done anything better in my entire 38 years of life! My oldest daughter was born with cerebral palsy among many other needs and I was her primary caretaker for most of her life while also working. I also have two more sons and then adopted my youngest daughter after fostering her for two years. Advocating and caring for my children has truly been my greatest accomplishment!

First, being a mother to my daughter. It is such a blessing to watch her walk into who God created her to be and showing the love of Jesus to others in her special way. Second, working at Branch15 and having the privilege to empower a woman to find her voice and equip her with truth to walk in freedom and redemption.

I would love for people to truly take the time to get to know themselves on a deeper level and treat themselves with care (mind, body and soul). This includes healing their past wounds and nourishing their bodies with healthy foods and exercise to allow the best version of themselves to transpire. If everyone feels healthy inside and out and are fulfilled within themselves, it will lead to a richer healthier community at large.

I am most proud of the work I do helping children grow and be their best selves. When I was five years old, my mom enrolled me into my first dance class. She made a few sacrifices to ensure I was exposed to the arts. As I have matured into adulthood, I have developed a servant heart and made the decision to help those who are in need. I created a community dance studio that offers dance classes to those who may not have the financial means to enroll in a traditional studio.

My girls. That they are not afraid to be who they are because I always was. They do not apologize for who they are and they are amazing. I am proud of finally being the role model my daughters deserve. After years of addiction, I have overcome so many things including feeling like I need someone else to do hard things for me. Now, I am able to provide for my family and I do that in a role that I believe God truly wrote just for me.

The thing that makes me exceptional is my perspective on life. I survived brain cancer in my late 20s and woke up after an eight hour surgery as a neurodiverse person thanks to a hole in my brain. It was being open to listening to all sorts of people that literally saved my life in the midst of that. So, I now interact with everyone as a person of sacred worth and wisdom who has something to teach me if I am open to listening to them. I’ve also experienced and navigated life both as a neurotypical woman and a neurodiverse one. So, I am a huge advocate of making spaces as accessible and accommodating as possible for the needs of every brain.

I’m proud of the work that I do: empowering others and strengthening democracy. I feel proud when I can make connections with other people or with ideas. I was proud, recently, to be a part of a group of advocates who raised our voices to pass legislation that would help victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The legislation failed to pass this session; however, we made the front page of The Oklahoman. Our voices are resonating, somewhere.

Definitely serving my family, community and Jesus. Despite facing tough and challenging situations, growing stronger and better on the other side. I love lifting others up and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Despite a difficult upbringing with two mentally ill parents, I was adopted at the age of seven. Like many others, I have persevered through trauma and hardship. Despite life’s hardships I have been able to pursue and build the life of my dreams.

I grew up in Ecuador and moved to the United States when I was 18 and started college here. This has been a really difficult transition coming from an entirely different country and culture and having to quickly integrate to a new one while on my own. It was very difficult being away from my family, friends and everything that I knew, but I think this experience has also strengthened my character and made me the person I am today.

I’m proud of the community and network I have built as a first-generation immigrant. When I first arrived in Oklahoma, I didn’t know a single person here. Now, when I look around and see the number of individuals I can rely on for support and consider “my people,” it astounds me. Building genuine connections and immersing myself in a new culture wasn’t easy, but it has undoubtedly been worthwhile.

I feel proud of my family and all the obstacles that my husband and I have overcome from our struggles with my husband’s cancer, infertility, family loss and adoption. I feel proud that we have made it out stronger each time with God’s grace and mercy.

I am proud of the example I set for my daughters each day. I am also proud of the legacy I will someday leave through my work at ReMerge and the impact I have made on every life I touched through my career in serving those involved in the Oklahoma prisons and criminal legal system.

I’m really proud of my friends who are absolutely killing it in their relationships, careers and hobbies. I’m proud of myself when I accomplish a new goal I’ve set. I think it is really important to follow through with commitments I’ve made, so I’m proud that I’m able to follow through with thosen promises. I’m proud of the work I do with teenagers through my job as a librarian, youth group and local schools.

My children and their families! I am proud that I have accomplished my primary goal in life, which has always been to encourage my children to “give back “ in this life. I am proud to be associated with several organizations and boards that do wonderful work.

I am proud that I have pushed myself to be a voice for others despite how uncomfortable it makes me or how hard it may seem. Additionally, I am proud of myself on how I have been able to stay true to myself during the process.

My mother was an independent soul who made her way out of Dierks, AR and achieved an education, all the way up to a master’s degree. She waited until she was in her 40s to get married and taught first grade her whole life. That was incredible during her era. And, my dad was quite the entrepreneur—everyone loved his characteristic outgoing nature. Both were generous and kind to so many during their lifetimes. I’m grateful to have been able to follow in my parents’ footsteps. I hope I made them proud by helping people connect with one another.