Her Story
About Lucy
My career has spanned over 25 years in education and advocacy, working with some of the most vulnerable populations. I began as a school liaison and advocate for former foster youth residing in residential facilities, where I would go to court and advocate for their educational rights. I then transitioned to working at foster care agencies as a liaison, where I trained and supported foster parents in understanding educational pathways for youth from K-12 through college transition. Currently, I serve as both a counselor and professor at a community college, where I continue my passion for supporting youth in their educational journeys. Looking ahead, I recently was selected for Latinas Represent and started my first cohort, as I want to expand my advocacy to the state level by supporting assemblymembers or senators. I see many young women in college who don't have mentors or support in their lives, and I want to bring more awareness by sharing my frontline experience with state legislators. My long-term goal is potentially running for office one day, but right now I'm focused on supporting state legislators and working toward a higher position where I can create systemic impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lucy
01What do you attribute your success to?
The number one thing I attribute my success to is my mother, Enedina. She's no longer here, but she always wanted me to go to school and graduate from college. Her whole thing was that I was going to college, and once I received my bachelor's degree, then I could decide what I wanted to do. Fortunately, I did pursue my master's degree. I think it was her influence, hearing her voice, and seeing what she went through that motivated me. She made sure I understood the opportunities available to me as a young Hispanic woman. Beyond my mother, I also credit my family and the ladies who have been influencing me, inviting me, and teaching me. I believe that if you want to go somewhere, you need to be an open-minded person and always be willing to learn new things. There have been people in my life who have contributed to my success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I give young ladies is that you're the driver and I'm a passenger. If I see you going a certain way, let's talk about it and evaluate your career pathway and personal situation, because a lot of these women are homeless or in foster care, working and caring for themselves while going to school. I tell them to look at their path and ask what they want to do. It might not happen right now, but eventually it will. Just continue to strive and never give up. Don't let anybody turn off that little light or candle. Just keep pushing. If you fall, get up again because you become stronger. Sometimes we want to be somebody, but when you're on that pathway, things change. I was a social worker for over 20 years and now I'm an educator working with foster youth. I didn't know I was going to change careers. I tell them to look at their pathway, evaluate what they're looking at, and understand that maybe they have to do a diversion and then come back to it in a different form.
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