This time I quoted Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice-President for Latin America and Caribbean, when he said, “Addressing the causes of structural discrimination will be key to fighting injustice and creating opportunities for all.” As a Central American immigrant living in the U.S., I experienced first-hand what it means to face barriers in communication (language, vocabulary, accent, dialects) culture, social status, background, education and race trying to integrate in the U.S. system.

It is why I am consistently engaged in equipping other fellow immigrants with the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to develop themselves in this beautiful country.

I believe we are stronger together and it is part of Mayor Bowser’s DC values: “serving all DC residents no matter their immigration status.” Thank you Councilmember of Montgomery County Nancy Navarro and your staff for your leadership and inviting me to join this celebration.