I was born and raised in El Salvador, Central America, and came to the United States at a young age. At just six years old, I was separated from my mother and went to live with my father and his wife. My childhood was difficult — but now I see it as preparation for the strength I would need in the years ahead.

As a teenager, my home life became unbearable. In an effort to escape, I ran away — only to find myself in a violent relationship. I became a young mother, and for several years, I lived in fear. When I finally found the courage to leave, I believed I was starting over — but soon after, my son was taken from me. I missed him deeply for over a decade, until life brought us back together again.

Later, I married someone who seemed like the right partner at the time. But after many years of trying to “make it work,” we realized we weren’t meant to be. Divorce was painful, but ultimately freeing. We had spent nearly two decades hoping the relationship would change — but letting go was the most loving choice we could make.

Through it all, I held onto the belief that the rain would eventually stop and the rainbow would appear. I told myself, “Everything happens for a reason.” And that belief became the foundation of the work I do today.