Why I'm Grateful for YOU
How you transformed one scared immigrant's mission into our shared journey for change
Back in 2016, I found myself staring at election results that shattered more than just my expectations—they shattered my sense of security in my adopted country. While friends and family processed their grief over drinks and long phone calls, I felt a different calling altogether. Something inside me wouldn't let me just move on.
I was fortunate—my husband understood when I said I needed to dive headfirst into what people were calling "The Resistance." But here's the thing about diving in: you quickly realize how deep the water really is.
As someone who came to the U.S. as an adult, I had never learned the intricate dance of American politics. Filibuster? Gerrymandering? These words might as well have been in a foreign language (and trust me, I know something about foreign languages).
Then came 2017's "spring of marches," when millions flooded the streets. But in those crowds, I noticed something that troubled me deeply: where was mi gente? The statistics haunted me—less than 50% Latino turnout in the past six presidential elections, including 2016.
So I did something that, looking back, seems either incredibly brave or incredibly naive: I launched a daily Spanish newsletter. Not weekly. Not monthly. Daily.
Picture this: me, hunched over my laptop until 2 AM, swimming through endless news articles, trying to distill chaos into clarity. My husband became a solo parent during bedtime routines while I transformed into a political news hermit.
The early days were... interesting. My writing style? Pure abuelita 👵🏼 formal—like I was writing letters about the state of democracy. It makes me laugh now.
Then came the pivot that terrified me: video. When someone suggested I needed to be on camera, my alarm bells went off like crazy. The imposter syndrome chorus in my head was deafening: "Who are you to explain American politics when you learned about it alongside your audience?"
But sometimes, the scariest steps lead to the best destinations. Those first videos? Imagine a deer in headlights. Heck! Even better: I've got receipts—just look at this early gem
But here's the beautiful thing about growth—it happens whether you're ready or not. I found my voice somewhere between trusted friend and passionate advocate. My mission crystallized: be that friend who catches you up over ☕️ cafecito, but also shows you exactly how to channel your concerns into action.
Now, almost eight years later, we're facing another crossroads. The prospect of his second administration looms large. But this time? This time is different.
Yes, I still feel the weight of what's at stake. The fear is real—I won't pretend it isn't. But I'm no longer that overwhelmed newcomer trying to make sense of political jargon. More importantly, I'm not alone.
I have you. Thousands of you. When I raise my voice, you amplify it. When I call for action, you answer. Each of you transforms my single voice into a chorus that can't be ignored.
The road ahead is uncertain, yes. But we're walking it together, armed with knowledge, purpose, and community. Your presence, your engagement, your commitment to staying informed and active—that's what gives me hope. That's what makes us unstoppable.
To each of you reading this: gracias. You've transformed what began as one person's cafecito-fueled mission into a powerful community of informed, engaged citizens who aren't just hoping for change—we're creating it.
Together, we're not just opposing what threatens our democracy—we're actively building the future we deserve. And trust me, we're just getting started.