Mentor

Someone I can call a mentor would have to be Lionor Galindo, who is now the Political Special Projects Coordinator for the United Farm Workers Policy and Legislative Team. Fun fact about Lionor, she is actually an alumni of the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association Summer Internship Program! She was in the 2015 cohort with our internship  Program Manager, Ilda Martinez.

Lionor has been such a great mentor for me this summer. She has tasked me with various assignments that test my problem solving, analytical, note taking, advocating, and leadership skills. She has given me the materials and tools to successfully lobby for a heat bill that will protect farm workers across the nation during this year's heat waves. Experiencing firsthand the effects of extreme heat on myself, my grandparents, and my parents, who have all worked in these conditions, has empowered me to advocate for improved heat standards for farm workers throughout America, not just in specific states. I have led twenty-seven meetings with members of Congress and secured twenty-seven co-sponsorships on this bill, thanks to Lionor’s guidance and trust, which gave me the confidence to break out of my shell and let my advocate voice shine. This experience in policy is something I will take back to college and showcase as I work toward earning my Political Science degree.

Lionor has the characteristics of a leader; she is smart, educated, funny, outgoing, very outspoken, and willing to help others. Lionor is a kind person who deserves the position she is in today. Lionor is newly a mother, and she is embarking on her own new adventure of motherhood while also making sure Esmeralda and I have total access to her if we need her help with anything work related. Lionor is one of many examples of what this internship represents, Latino success. And I am glad I got the chance to work with Lionor this summer, and I look forward to working with her hopefully in the future!