"Alejandra’s Story"
Alejandra’s mother has worked low-paying, back-breaking jobs since her youth. She raised her daughters to dream of college, a career, and a happy family of their own. For Alejandra, dreams are not enough. She is a leader in her high school. She studies hard, mentors younger girls, including her sisters, dances to celebrate her culture and is active in sports. She knows that for girls in her neighborhood college seems out of reach. But Alejandra has learned determination from her mother and has mentors to show her the way to a scholarship, to college and a career. And Alejandra knows about self-reliance. She is bold and fearless. She is hope.
This report on the condition of women and girls in Monterey County is dedicated to those who so generously shared their stories with us. Despite hardships and obstacles these women never give up. They press on – not just to survive – but to flourish and make their community a more equitable, safer and healthier place for the next generation.
Women's Status Report Advisory Committee
Kim Bui-Burton
Julie Cason
Joan Crenshaw
Patty Fernandez
Loyanne Flinn
Krista Hanni
Kate Daniels Kurz
Erica Padilla-Chavez
Jane Parker
Researchers
The ACTION Council:
Larry Imwalle
Charles Schrammel
Judy Sulsona
Writers
Joy Rubey
Judy Sulsona
Carla Zilliox
Meeting Hosts
Vivian Brennand, Housing Authority of the County of Monterey
Patty Fernandez, Girls Inc.
Krista Hanni, Monterey County Health Department
Erica Padilla-Chavez, President, Hartnell College Board of Trustees
Teresa Sullivan, Alliance on Aging
Interviewees / Data Contributors
Deborah Jacroux, Shelter Outreach Plus
Clare Mounteer, Monterey Rape Crisis Center
Christine Ortiz, Department of Social and Employment Services
Sam Trevino, Department of Social and Employment Services
Margarita Zárraga, Community Action Partnership
Focus Group Participants
Elisa Ballesteros
Jacqualine Bickley
Berta Carbajal
Erica Padilla-Chavez, President, Hartnell College Board of Trustees
Rachel Davis
Nancy Dolton
Elia Gonzalez-Castro, Trustee, Hartnell College Board of Trustees
Carol Edeza
Ayana Edwards
Erika Garcia
Princess Killens
Pat Lakin
Dolores Lopez
Yesenia Lopez
Ida Lopez-Chan, VP Rabobank, Branch Manager IV
Jan McGuire
Ana Maciel
Eva Marie Martinez, Trustee, Salinas Union High School District
Alexandra Morales
Michelle Noseworthy
Maria Orozco, Mayor, City of Gonzales
Sonia Roman
Shawna Ruiz
Celene Sanchez
Teresa Sullivan
Ana Velazquez
Elnora Walker
Jamie Walker
Jackie Woods
Confirmed in Compliance with National