Saira Ramirez Mingueta, a Mexican immigrant and Columbia Climate School MA candidate, reflects on her childhood in Jalisco, Mexico, emphasizing the strong bond she formed with nature. Her family's immigration journey, coupled with the challenges faced in low-income East Los Angeles, ignited her commitment to environmental advocacy. Through her education at community college and Chapman University, she navigated systemic barriers while balancing responsibilities. Now engaged in professional development via the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she aims to connect with her community and create change in environmental policies.
I was surrounded by plants, animals and chirping birds-it was magical. I felt at ease, loved and safe in nature.
They lack green spaces, are surrounded by food deserts, and pollution is through the roof.
I was young when I took on the role of leader and translator to help my family navigate multiple complex systems-education, public transportation, healthcare-in this country.
My journey is a non-traditional one, shaped by ambition, necessity, responsibility and loss.
#climate-advocacy #immigrant-experience #community-development #environmental-justice #education-pathways
Collection
[
|
...
]