Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees - GCIR

Leticia Ortiz never wanted to play the “privilege card,” even though she came from a well-to-do family in Mexico City. Her parents, prominent business owners, were also well connected. Her father served two of Mexico’s presidents as a member of the government’s special security force. Despite all of this, or perhaps because of it, Leticia decided from an early age that she would make her own way in life, without relying on family connections.

Leticia is now influential in her own right as a community leader and advocate. She serves on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, she is a board member of the New England Trained Interpreters Association, and assistant chair of the Multicultural Network.You might say she has reached a pinnacle. But the journey to get to this point has been long and hard. Leticia, despite all of this accomplishment, admits that she is still learning to perfect her English and learn more about how to navigate the system, while seeking better employment opportunities that offer more stability, financial reward and career advancement.

When Leticia first came to the United States in 1984, she found herself in a physically and emotionally abusive marriage. Eventually, with little outside support, she affirmed her own self-worth and left the relationship. Her partner, however, did not quietly accept Leticia’s decision. In fear for her safety and that of her young son, Leticia endured an extended period of hiding, and was frequently forced to flee from this violent man. She went into seclusion when she returned to Mexico, but did not find peace from this troubled relationship until she eventually returned to the United States and joined her sister.

Her arrival to New Hampshire represented a new beginning, but also a process full of hard realities. Leticia did not speak English very well. “Though I studied high school English in Mexico City, it was too basic. At that early age, I did not foresee how much I would need to use the language.” Although Leticia had a college education from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and once worked for an important government agency in her home country, her experience, without strong language skills, was difficult to transfer in the United States.

She worked two and sometimes three jobs, mostly in the foodservice and banquet industries. She learned English on the job, but it was a slow process. “If I had it to do over again, I would have immediately gone to school to learn English. But of course, I had to work to support my son. I could have asked my family for help, but I was determined to do this on my own and to start a new life.”

That new life was recently punctuated by a special honor when she received an award from the NH Office of Minority Health. This award recognized “women leaders who have devoted time and energy to their communities in a meaningful way, have made an impact on reducing health disparities, and improved the health of minority women in the state.” Leticia humbly received this recognition, saying “It could have been given to so many other worthy people in the community.”

She takes issue with public perceptions of immigrants, particularly the misguided notion that undocumented immigrants are “taking advantage of social services.” She notes, for example, that even legal immigrants are generally ineligible for federal benefits like TANF, Medicaid, Food Stamps and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as many other programs and services for their first five years in this country.

“I want people to understand that immigrants are working hard.They are often more accomplished and educated than society realizes.We do jobs that many others don’t want to do.We take these jobs because we want a better life for our families—just like anyone else would want for their family.” Leticia also points out that her community work extends to many Anglos in need.“There are a lot of factors that affect everyone’s life. It is just a little bit more difficult if you are from another country, but we are all human beings.”

Leticia is also involved with Family Understanding Nights at the Beech Street School, monthly events aimed at assisting and empowering newcomers. She works in association with local schools and parents to help families and their children adapt to cultural differences, gain access to services and to settle into a life of hope and possibility.

Leticia’s greatest reward? The example she tries to set for her sons, Clark and Christian.“My youngest son, for instance, has come with me for some of my community support work. It has helped him appreciate how much we have as a family and how important it is to give back to others who have less. He also recently attended a political house party. I was proud of the questions he asked of the candidate. He is going to be an informed and involved citizen,” she says with pride in her eyes.