Reina Andrews
Lori Connell
“At my age, education and employment opportunities are non-existent. I will be forever grateful to everyone who made this miracle happen.”
Reina Andrews is a beautiful example of Mi Esperanza's mission. She is a single mother of five and a grandmother of thirteen. She graduated from the sewing course in 2018.
Reina with her daughter and three granddaughter
One of her daughters had graduated from the computer course (and from the cosmetology course) the previous year. She encouraged her mom to enroll. Reina was going through a period of severe depression and grief. Her beloved brother had passed, and she had difficulty recovering from that pain. Reina decided to enroll in the sewing course, and with that decision, her life changed.
When asked how Mi Esperanza has changed her life, she said,
“It has been a 180° change. I was so depressed when I came here. The classes cheered me up. I started feeling important and useful.
REINA AT A GLANCE
Single
Children: 5
Grandchildren: 13
Community: Los Pinos
Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing program
Reina shared, "When our teacher called me to offer me a job in Mi Esperanza's sewing shop, I couldn't believe it! At my age, finding a job is difficult. I will be forever grateful to everyone who made this miracle happen. I have a job where I am valued and treated with dignity and respect."
2025- Since 2018, Reina has been very busy. She has graduated from ALL of Mi Esperanza's training courses and is currently enrolled in the new Advanced Chemicals Cosmetology course. Reina is still working as a sewing artisan in the Mi Esperanza sewing maquila.