Luz moved to the United States from Mexico when she was only six years old. She didn't know a word of English and no one at her school knew any Spanish. She began the first grade mid-year (after Christmas) with a major barrier between her and her education: language.

Nevertheless, her family instilled great respect for education in her. Both of Luz's parents were college educated so Luz and her siblings were always expected to excel in school. Luz made it through the first grade and today has a master's in social work from Arizona State University. She also is president and Chief Executive Officer of Valle del Sol, Inc., a non-profit behavioral health and social services agency.

Contradictory Expectations
"On one hand I was greatly pressured to do something productive' with my life, yet, I was simultaneously expected to know my place' and show the proper respect,'" said Luz. She added, "My parents were very strict with me but I greatly appreciate what I learned from my parents and the high expectations they placed on me."

Luz's introduction to social work came at a young age. When she was 14 she experienced poverty up close while working as a teacher's aide for migrant children. Luz was appalled by what she saw and knew she wanted to help people improve their situations and make something of their lives. Since then she has held several jobs – including pre-school teacher and residential treatment center personnel – that led her to where she is today.

According to Luz, "Part of [the reason why I have worked in so many different fields] is because I get bored easily and I look for new challenges, and part is because I want to make a difference. At Valle del Sol, Inc. Luz has found her calling. "My favorite job is the one I hold today," says Luz. "It's completely satisfying and never boring," she adds.

Knowing They Community They Serve
As a member of the Cultural Competency Committee of ValueOptions, Luz is very knowledgeable about cultural competency. In fact, it is cultural competency that Luz says sets Valle del Sol, Inc. apart from other behavioral health agencies. Valle del Sol, Inc. offers parenting classes and counseling in Spanish. They also have all of their forms and signs in Spanish and they have a bilingual and bicultural staff.

Valle del Sol, Inc. has taken these steps to respond to the community they serve. "There are some definite cultural differences in providing services to Latinos," Luz said. "Part of this is caused by the fact that we are independent people and don't easily seek help from agencies or government. We like to take care of our own," she added. Another reason Luz cited for cultural competency is trust. Says Luz, "Some of the people we provide services to are undocumented so we have to spend a lot of time building their trust so they know we won't turn them into la migra (immigration authority).'"

Words of Wisdom
Luz is a very successful professional and active community member who is working to improve the lives of Latinos and having a lot of fun doing it. When asked what she would tell job seekers who desire a fulfilling career she said, "Believe in your self and in the abilities you have and let other people know that you are capable of doing what you can." She added "Mentors are hard to find but keep looking for one. You may be able to find a mentor who would work with you via email or the telephone. Be flexible."