“I came to the United States from Mexico when I was 17 years old. The whole country of Mexico is very poor, so we came to the U.S. to have a better life and a better education.
“I was an Assistant Principal at a school in Flushing where QCH had a robust after school program. When I accepted the Principal position at The Young Women’s Leadership School, I wanted to establish a similar relationship here.
“I grew up in the Pomonok Houses and when I was eligible to join a senior center, I knew I had to come to the Pomonok Senior Center. I’ve made so many friends and I love the trips we take. We have exercise classes and singing classes, and I feel like they just keep us going.
“I graduated from Hunter College in 2013 with my psychology degree. I played basketball for Hunter and afterwards I pursued a professional career in basketball in Asia and played for the Nepal national team.
“I attend the after school Youth Development Center at Newtown High School. I’m taking the guitar class, where we learn how to play and then perform songs for visitors who stop by.
“My sister lived in the Forest Hills Coop for many years. She introduced me to her neighbor and that man became my husband. I took care of them both for many years with the help of QCH and the NORC program.
“I’ve been a part of this neighborhood since I was little. I live in the building right next to the Pomonok Community Center, so I’ve been volunteering and helping out here for as long as I can remember.
“In 1994, I had no job at all so I started to think about opening my own daycare. A friend told me about the Queens Childcare Network and how they give workshops on providing proper child care. I went and learned everything I could, and now 23 years later I have two locations.
"In 1997, I applied for the Summer Youth Employment Program and was placed in QCH's Neighborhood Intergenerational Chore and Errand program. Nine years later, I applied for the secretary position at their Pomonok Community Center.
“My middle school [J.H.S. 157] introduced me to the Summer Photography Program at QCH last year, and then through that I was introduced to Access For Young Women.
