Mothers are Leaders 💞

Whether you celebrate Dia de las Madres or Mother's Day, felicidades from NALEO Educational Fund! This Mother's Day, we honor the women in public service who lead with both strength and heart - balancing family, caregiving, and the daily work of transforming their communities.

One of those leaders is County Commissioner Susana Chaparro of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

Commissioner Chaparro was raised in a tight-knit barrio with limited resources. Despite this, her parents - a former bracero and a seamstress - ensured she experienced abundant love, community, and learning. They would purchase encyclopedia volumes to see that their daughters had access to as much knowledge as possible.

Commissioner Chaparro went into public service with a commitment to education and community. She worked as a court interpreter for Spanish-speaking families before running for office. Her mother recognized her potential and urged her to take that next step - and she did. Today, she serves her community as an elected official, while also caring for her aging parents and supporting her son.

Her recent participation in the NALEO Policy Institute: Shaping Economic Success for Latinas was a turning point.