How does a young Latina woman make the journey from young Mexican immigrant to high school graduate, to community college graduate, to college dropout to holder of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, to parent, working professional and mayor of a California city of 63,000 people? The answer, according to Mayra Vega: Hard work, giving back and asking for mentorship.
Here at Napa Valley College, we always say there is no such thing as a typical student. Many of our students begin taking classes with us after high school. Some students start their journey with us after retirement, or while they are in their prime working years.
Upon meeting Blanca Huijon, executive director of Napa’s Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors), one is struck by her poise and confidence, honed over the course of 11 years at the nonprofit, which provides health, social service and education resources to Spanish-speaking community members. Her bio on the organization’s website calls her an “independent woman, daughter, sister, visionary, community organizer and experienced advocate for the Latino community.”
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