Leadership Message
From the NMSHSA Executive Director
In 2011, I was researching high school graduation rates of migrant high school students and was both surprised and disappointed by the exceptionally low rates. However, some did graduate. I began delving into how the Migrant & Seasonal Head Start program may play a role in those successes. In that research I discovered the reality that career success is not just about having a degree, but is more related to relationships, strategy, network, and mentorship.
I pulled together some thoughts and shared with the 2011 NMSHSA Board of Directors a proposal to create a summer internship in Washington, D.C. specifically for graduates of the Migrant & Seasonal Head Start program. We targeted those who were nearing completion of their undergraduate degrees. It just made sense that since Head Start is an investment in early education, the Association assist with a capstone event to help launch their careers.
With the blessing and support of the Board, we established the National Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Association Summer Internship Program, Proven Potential, Providing the Path. The focus was to maximize potential by removing as many barriers to success as possible. The ultimate goal was to grow the next generation of leaders from within the migrant farmworker community.
Over the past nine years, our former MSHS students took on Washington, D.C. They grew their internal fortitude and elevated their leadership skills. The most rewarding result has been following how they continue to impact their communities in the United States and around the world. Each of our internship participants is a reflection of the commitment the Association and our programs have to serve migrant farmworker families and their children at both ends of their academic career.
“To whom much is given, much is expected” is a motto I internalized from my own college mentor and have passed on to the interns. I am proud to say each of our internship alumni has also internalized the motto and are doing their part to pay-it-forward in creating a stronger future for their communities and the world. I am so proud of each of them.
Sincerely,
Cleo Rodriguez, Jr.
From the NMSHSA Alumni Council President
A stepping stone in our careers and a summer of empowerment – this is how most of my hermanas and hermanos would describe the NMSHSA Internship program. For the past eight years, this unique opportunity has made an impact in the lives of young professionals whom are proud to
have the foundation of farmworker parents and strong hard-working families.
Through this internship, we were provided a professional work placement at the national level, a paid stipend, and coaching. We learned about the importance of professional etiquette and clothing, networking, relationship-building, mentors, and most importantly, support as we transitioned into a summer of opportunities and sometimes the questions of doubt: “But why me?” “Do I really deserve to be here?” “Is this true?”
Yes, it was all true. The internship has been the eye-opening experience that has helped our early careers take off. We now have a base of over 30 internship alumni which have gone on to graduate from universities, pursued prestigious internships and fellowships, completed graduate programs, and have taken part of national leadership programs.
At the core of who we are, NMSHSA will always be at the center. These pages are a compilation of information from the alumni base, an update on what they have accomplished, and the foundation to the beginning of what we hope the NMSHSA Alumni Council will become. We are thankful for the continued support and mentorship of the NMHSA staff, affiliates, and our local Migrant & Seasonal Head Start centers, where we began our educational journey.
I am excited about the opportunity to move the NMSHSA Alumni Council forward with your support and collaboration. Our purpose is to continue to support and empower each other as we continue to grow in our careers. We are eager to build support with the NMSHSA Board of Directors and our local leadership at the Migrant & Seasonal Head Start centers. We look forward to working with you in partnership to strengthen our work and move forward our farmworker community.
Afectuosos Saludos,
Eleazar Gutierrez