A Mother’s Sacrifice: Why this Latina is Mobilizing for a More Inclusive California

My mom changed the trajectory of my life when she crossed the US-Mexico border with me in her womb. At four months pregnant and with my two kid brothers in tow, she traversed through the dusty hillsides of Tijuana, Baja California, in pursuit of opportunity. Mi mama worked tirelessly to raise me and my five siblings, and because she sacrificed her dreams, we continue to achieve ours.

I knew civic engagement was important when I realized that my story was not a singular experience. Stories of educational inequity, lack of access to health care, unemployment, and immigration are common weavings that make up the Latino experience here in Los Angeles.

But even louder than these experiences, is the ORGULLO and resilience reflected by mi gente in this city. I see it in the dance parties in Mariachi Plaza on Sunday nights, in the activism and marches through Downtown LA, and in the energy I feel every time I step foot through LA’s vibrant vecindades.

I am voting on November 8th because I want to choose leaders, propositions and policies that will foster sustainability and strengthen my community.

I am voting for my future, for opportunities, for innovative approaches to change and for a more inclusive California. I want to see action that reflects the kindness and tolerance that my Mom continues to instill in us.

Vamonos!

Let’s do this!

There is so much power in the Latino experience and voice. We are a bridge to solutions. Go out and vote on November 8th and show these candidates that we are a force to be reckoned with!

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About Karla Torres: Karla Torres is a community leader and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Social Entrepreneurship at the USC Marshall School of Business. She is passionate about empowering women and disenfranchised communities, and has developed several programs to increase access to employment and college attainment for minority youth.

To join Karla in voting this election, register to vote online by going to www.latinos-vote.com or text LATINOS to 384-387 to register! It only takes a few minutes.