Circle de Luz

The New America April 22, 2008

As a young man in his early twenties, my father endured life as an illegal immigrant while holding dual jobs as a janitor and as painter in order to support me – his new daughter. Now I am a Stanford graduate who teaches at Davidson college. This type of support encapsulates why I was so drawn to the Circle de Luz mandate.

The Latino community is defined by the concept of familism. It’s what makes it strong and unique. The support I received is the same support I want to give to other Latinas in order for them to take full advantage of the American dream. In an environment rampant with discrimination and anti-immigrant sentiment, these young women, the future of our community, need a strong sense of identity and support that a close-knit group of women can bring. Being a Latina means being a strong, yet family oriented woman. I feel that Circle de Luz is akin to a second family. It symbolizes the values of the culture while preparing women to participate in the New America.

I have dedicated my academic career to understanding Latina adolescent sexual behavior. By 2020, one in four teens will be Latino…these women are an integral part to a successful America. If the community does not provide support for these teens, many will end up in poverty or engaging in unhealthy behaviors that will limit future economic success. I am a part of Circle de Luz because it was not enough for my job to focus on Latinas, it is my life mission. I am so excited to be a part of the truly revolutionary endeavor. American history is ripe with stories of immigrant communities helping each other in order to fight structural inequality and against all odds. I am so happy to be a part of this rich history…and a part of women helping women. This, my friends, is the new America.

– Eve Veliz, Circle de Luz Board Member