When my family fled Colombia and came to the U.S. as refugees, I found myself told in direct and indirect ways that because my English wasn’t good enough, I could not hope to find fulfilling work that corresponds to my education and abilities. But when I found RCP, I was seen and valued—not despite my language, but because of who I am. As I grew into leadership, first as the Spanish-speaking Community Coordinator and then as as Co-Executive Director, I helped shape our language access strategies, and saw firsthand that we can defy the systems that limit migrant and refugee voices.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this same transformation in hundreds of Members who have moved from fear and isolation into all different kinds of leadership. We can create new models of safety, connection, and belonging.
To those who wish to stand with immigrant and refugee communities, we ask you to carry stories like mine forward. Migrants and refugees are not a burden. We are a vital part of this community, and we deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.
–Katy, Co-ED of People & Culture
