Some good examples of Latina friends that I admire for their good advice are Blanca Aviña who always gives good advice and support, and I also admire Amelia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards because she also has wise advice and support.
Why is it important for women to support women?
If women don’t support women, who will? We always support each other.
What impression do you want to leave on the community?
I always support my small village. In other words, children of my employees who need help to go to college. I like to treat everyone like family. We want to give the same care and attention to every employee and their families. It is rewarding to see them grow and succeed, and to hear from them over the years, as we see the seed of encouragement we planted grow. I hope to contribute my grain of sand.
Sometimes children need a little encouragement and it helps them succeed when someone from outside the family praises them and shares their success. This is a small push to help them. I hope one success leads to another. There is no better legacy than dedication, motivation and being a good example for them.
Ana Santana
Ana Santana works in youth and family services, while serving on the Upper Lake Unified School District Board, the Lake County Board of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Latinos Unidos del County Lake and the Adventist Health community wellness board.
She graduated from Upper Lake High School and Pacific Union College with a degree in early childhood education.
Job title: Director of the Healthy Start Youth and Family Services program
Age: 53 years
Place of residence: Lucerne
When you think of a teacher, who comes to mind and what did you learn from them?
I have many mentors. Of course, my mother, Manuela Santana. My aunts Herminia García and Socorro García, who taught me the importance of being independent and hardworking.
My old high school English teacher, Mrs. Raetz, who saved my life by noticing me and encouraging me to become the person I am today.
My former co-workers and friends Lucía Ortiz, Cynthia Manning, Elaine Robinson and Gael Krider, who taught me a lot about the importance of teamwork, and my cousin Martha Meraz, who helped keep to our family with his guidance and care.
What comes to mind when you think of women supporting women?
I would say friendship and friendship. The support I had from all the women I mentioned and others helped me overcome difficulties or obstacles. If they hadn’t been in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Are there any Latina women in the area that you admire?
I admire my cousins Dolores Arroyo, Elizabeth Martínez and Marisela Arredondo. They are all professional successful women who have created wonderful families.
I admire my friends and co-workers Ángela Cuéllar-Marroquín, Marisol Valdez, Elvira Ledesma and Maribel Mosqueda. They are all examples of women who can do anything.
And finally I admire my daughter, Daniella, who supports me with every crazy idea I have. He encouraged me to do my best and shared my love of 80s music, plants, comic book heroes, and science fiction.
Thalia Ruiz
Thalia Ruiz was born and raised in Petaluma, lives in Rohnert Park and works in Sonoma. He was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. He graduated with a degree in Communication from Sacramento State University.
According to La Luz’s website, he is the son of an immigrant mother and the youngest of three siblings. “From a humble background, he is determined to give back to the community, as he did when he was growing up. In his free time he likes to hike, and believes that it is always a good day when he had a cup of coffee in his hand,” the text says.
Job title: Family coordinator at La Luz Family Resource Center
Age: 28 years
Workplace: Rohnert Park
Please tell the readers a couple of interesting facts about yourself.
I love dogs, I am a mother of two pitbull puppies and I am completely obsessed with them. In my free time, I like to go to local markets and shop at local stores.
When you think of a teacher, who comes to mind and what did you learn from them?
I am the daughter of a single mother, she is my mentor and someone I admire in all aspects of my life. The best thing I learned from him is his work ethic and determination. As a child, watching my mother never let anything get in the way of her goals became an integral part of the fabric of my personality and who I am today as a woman.
What comes to mind when you think of women supporting women?
We are all the same, we know what it is to be a woman and try to be first in this world. We need to support each other because one woman’s victory is a victory for all of us.
Are there any Latina women in the area that you admire?
Yes, my current manager is a mother, a first generation daughter, and her presence in the professional world is something I admire and hope to have one day.
