Victoria Salgado
Lori Connell
Meet Victoria Salgado. Victoria is the mother of three children. Victoria’s story is one of courage and triumph. Victoria came to Mi Esperanza when her aunt told her about the free educational classes offered at Mi Esperanza. Victoria enrolled in the cosmetology course and is part of the graduating class of 2019. Victoria was a fantastic student, incredibly determined, and self-disciplined.
Victoria at work
“During 2020, many Honduran women have been dealing with something far more dangerous than Covid-19. Throughout this confinement, cases of domestic violence have risen more than 20%. The devastating result is women find themselves stuck in toxic and dangerous relationships because they have no way to support themselves or are not strong enough to leave. ”
Victoria Salgado could have stayed part of those statistics. But, because of her time at Mi Esperanza, she had the skills to support her children and the confidence to leave and build a new life. She has been able to move forward and feel strong enough to survive any obstacle in her life.
VICTORIA AT A GLANCE
Children: 3
Community: Colonia Predios de Recreo
Mi Esperanza Course: Cosmetology
When asked about her experience, she said: “God sent me to Mi Esperanza. The time I spent there has helped me a lot, not only financially but also personally. This experience helped me in growing as a woman and made me a stronger person. I met wonderful women: my classmates, my teacher, and many new friends, both Honduran and from the US, with whom I still keep in touch.”
Vicky, as is called by friends and family, runs a small beauty salon at home. She is building a solid group of faithful clients. Vicky is an excellent example of what can happen when we give a woman the opportunity to grow. She will value and empower herself, understand she deserves better, raise her self-esteem, and work hard to achieve her dreams.