IVC honors the historical accomplishments made by women
Imperial Valley College celebrated women’s history month today by honoring local women who are making contributions in the Imperial Valley.
Students at IVC heard first hand from local leaders their struggles growing up as women and how they overcame their hardships to make a difference in the community.
IVC student, Elvia Vazquez struggled daily making ends meet and raising a child by herself. Elvia is more than ever motivated in pursuing her education after seeing that her life mirrors one of the speakers.
Vazquez said, “If she could do it with a mom that couldn’t help her, and I have a mom, and she can’t help me either with school or nothing. I was able to go to college, and I’m a single mom too.”
For County Superior Court Judge Monica Lepe-Negrete, sharing her story was an opportunity to influence students who are embarking on a career path.
“I heard from people who came back and spoke to people. To students like me that had all these doubts and all these challenges. And it was people’s words of encouragement and people’s kindness and other people’s guidance of me that helped me get to where I am today,” said Lepe-Negrete.
Working in a profession that’s dominated by men, Carmen Gandara of the Border Patrol emphasized the confidence young women need to overcome the odds.
“Women, we can do that. We can be whatever we decide we’re going to be. There’s no stopping us. There’s no ceiling that we have to break through. We’re here,” said Gandara.
Dr. Martha Garcia, IVC alumni herself said that the biggest enemy for young women today is their self-doubt.
Garcia said, “You keep on moving forward, and you can achieve what you aspire to achieve. It’s sometimes us ourselves that hold us back. And limit our dreams.”
Jodi Collins, a local entrepreneur, tells students that life isn’t a race and that everyone has their journey.
“But I think a lot of young people feel like they’re supposed to achieve and be at a certain place. It’s like you know what they have to go through their own experiences. And whatever it’s going to be as long as they keep going that’s the goal is to keep pushing through,” Collins said.
Speakers hoped they inspired students and that regardless of gender they can accomplish anything by working hard.
