Nilda Aviles

“Mi Esperanza changed my life. My economic situation is better. All my effort is for my children. I want my kids to have a good education, and my job makes this possible. My dream for them is to see them graduate from college. I will fulfill my dreams through them.”

— Nilda

Nilda working the Mi Esperanza jewelry studio

Nilda Aviles is 38 years old and the mother of two teenagers.

After she graduated from high school, she planned to try to go to college. She liked school and wanted to continue learning, but she quit her dream when she got pregnant. As in many cases worldwide, early and unintended pregnancy jeopardizes women's educational goals.

Nilda decided to stay home and take care of her baby boy. Nilda married and had her second child. Still determined to learn, she started looking for any chance to learn something new, but opportunities were scarce, having to be close to home to care for her children and home.

NILDA AT A GLANCE

• Married

• Children: 2

• Community: Santa Ana

• Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing & Jewelry programs

Years later, an opportunity came! Nilda's sister came to visit with promising and exciting news. Mi Esperanza was offering a new sewing course in their town, with the chance of a future job.

The Lord answered her prayers again! In her town, Mi Esperanza opened a train-to-work opportunity for the production of 85,000 bracelets. Nilda had the chance to learn and get paid for it! She did such an excellent job that she was offered a permanent position in the Mi Esperanza Jewelry studio in Tegucigalpa. Today Nilda is one of Mi Esperanza's most skilled artisans, and her job at Mi Esperanza has given her the ability to educate her children.

Nilda wants to tell the donors who make Mi Esperanza possible, "My children's life is better because of you. You invest in us, providing opportunities that will echo for many generations. Thank you!"

Belki Pineda

“Thank you, each of you, for helping and supporting Honduran women in making their dreams a reality and bringing hope to their homes; for lending them a helping hand to get out of the hopeless place, many find themselves stuck in.”

— Belkis

Belkis on graduation day in clothes she made.

Meet Belki Pineda, a single mom with two children and a very talented young woman.

Belkis was part of the 2019 sewing course. She learned of Mi Esperanza through one of her neighbors, a former student. Her sewing skills were evident from the beginning. Her teacher, Reina, praises her ability and eagerness to learn. After graduation, in 2020, before the Covid-19 shutdown, Belkis accepted a job in the Mi Esperanza sewing maquila.

BELKIS AT A GLANCE

• Single

• Children: 2

• Community: Los Pinos

• Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing program

"I came to Mi Esperanza with the dream of learning. I never knew I had the ability. With much practice, my skills are getting better", she said. "During this pandemic time, I have been able to provide for my kids by selling masks, caps, and custom-made clothing." Mi Esperanza has brought stability to Belkis' life.

Reina Andrews

“Mi Esperanza has been a 180° change in my life. I was so depressed when I came here. The classes cheered me up. I started feeling important and useful”

— Reina

Reina Andrews is a beautiful example of Mi Esperanza's mission. She is 65 years old, single, a mother of 5, and grandmother of 13!  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 a year before. 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."

Melissa Soriano

“My job has given me the means necessary to make our home a safe place for me and my parents. Two of our biggest projects were changing the roof and installing running water. I´m so proud of having made these improvements possible!”

— Melissa

Melissa at work in the Mi Esperanza Jewelry Studio

Melissa is a 39-year-old single woman who came to Mi Esperanza six years ago. She lives close to Santa Ana, a small community south of Tegucigalpa. She heard about Mi Esperanza through an American Mission group that came to her place to help. They told the ladies in the community that a Non-Profit organization would be teaching a Jewelry course to teach and later employ women to fulfill a large order. She was excited about the news. When the course opened a few months later, she enrolled. This was the opportunity Melissa was waiting for and dreamed about.

Everything was new to her, the jeweler tools and materials. Being around many women was a challenge too. She´s shy and keeps to herself most of the time. Mi Esperanza has allowed her to interact with others and now has made great friends. Her confidence has grown. She´s still quiet, but she now knows she has an untapped power to help her Mi Esperanza team succeed.

Melissa at a Glance 

• Single

• Children: 0

• Community: Dora de Asfura

• Mi Esperanza Course: Jewelry program

“Mi Esperanza has given me so much. I received training for free and was later offered a job. It would have been hard for me to find another opportunity like this”, said Melissa. “The experience has been great. I´ve learned new skills and discovered new talents in me. I belong in Mi Esperanza; these are my people, my team.”

Having a job has taken away the feeling she had of being a burden to her family. In her environment, a single woman with no children is considered incomplete. Melissa once felt that way, but no longer. Melissa has witnessed many women prosper and become independent through education and a career. She has learned to be proud of herself. She does not feel overlooked anymore.

She would like to ask all Mi Esperanza friends to keep on helping, “You are empowering Honduran women. With your help and support, our lives are so much better. Thank you!”

Daniela Martinez

“I can help my mom, my younger brother, but most of all, I now can make sure my little girl, Ashley, will have a good education.”

— Daniella

Daniella at work in the Mi Esperanza Jewelry Studio

Daniela joined our jewelry artisan team in 2018. She immediately showed how skilled and hardworking she was and became a valuable part of the team. Daniela always has a smile and encouraging words for her co-workers. Daniela loves her job at Mi Esperanza. 

Daniela aspires to continue her formal education and recently completed an Entrepreneur Investment course and is enrolled in Mi Esperanza’s ESL course. Her dream is to enroll in university and receive a marketing degree. Working at Mi Esperanza has made that dream come closer to reality. 

Daniela at a Glance 

• Married

• Children: 1

• Community: Altos de la Olla

• Mi Esperanza Course: Jewelry program

Daniela shares, “Since I have this job, I am more independent, more social, and creative. It amazes me to see that I now can take a piece of raw brass and transform it into something beautiful,” said Daniela. “I can help my mom, and my younger brother, but most of all, I now can make sure my little girl, Ashley, will have a good education.”

Sulema Benitez

“Mi Esperanza has been a great change in my life. I have never been paid fairly in any of my former jobs. At Mi Esperanza, they listen to my ideas, and I am respected. It makes me want to grow old working at Mi Esperanza.”

Sulema at work in the Mi Esperanza Jewelry Studio

Sulema Benitez is a special person for Mi Esperanza. She is married and the mother of three boys, Andrik, 18, Axel, 12, and Kenneth, 10.  

Since Sulema started at Mi Esperanza, she has become one of our most gifted artisans.  Sulema's training quickly advanced from simple beading to intricate metalwork.  Our jewelry designer was amazed by her development.  Because of her talent and abilities, Sulema was promoted to Mi Esperanza's Jewelry Studio Supervisor a year and a half later.

Sulema at a Glance 

• Common-law marriage

• Children: 3

• Community: Dora de Asfura

• Mi Esperanza Course: Jewelry program

In 2021 one of her greatest dreams is coming true. Sulema's oldest son, Andrik, graduated from a private bilingual school with an education that was never possible for Sulema.  Her efforts and sacrifices are changing her children's futures, and she is proud.

"I have met wonderful people through Mi Esperanza," she said. "People that have supported me. I encourage Mi Esperanza's friends to keep helping women like me. Your support not only touches us but also the lives of our children and others we care for."

Aracely Velazquez

“ My girls will have all the opportunities I never had. Their futures are changed! I will fulfill many of my dreams through them. I thank Mi Esperanza and everyone that helps us. You are changing lives.”

— Aracely

Aracely hand-printing for Arrowroot Everyday Dresses

Aracely is married and the mother of two girls. Aracely heard about Mi Esperanza from an announcement at her daughter's school. The timing was perfect to begin her education. While her daughter was at school, Aracely came to class and graduated from the computer course in 2013.  

Every day, after computer classes, she stayed and waited for her daughter to finish school. She volunteered her time and helped our sewing instructor with small tasks around the center. Through her volunteering, Aracely proved herself a valuable asset to Mi Esperanza. Soon after, Aracely was given a part-time job helping to pack t-shirts, organize, clean, and do other minor duties. A year and a half later, she accepted a full-time job. 

Aracely at a glance

• Married

• Children: 2

• Community: PInares de Oriente

• Mi Esperanza: Course: Computer

In 2018 Aracely was promoted to office manager. She's now in charge of enrolling students, attendance, teacher support, and other office duties. She also helps in the on-site store. Aracely is a valued member of the Mi Esperanza staff.

She always wanted to give her daughters the best education possible. Having a job at Mi Esperanza helped her achieve this goal. In 2020 Ximena gave her one of the greatest satisfactions a mother can receive. Her daughter graduated with honors from a very prestigious school. And she has already started university! About this event, Aracely said, "My girls will have all the opportunities I never had. Their futures are changed! I will fulfill many of my dreams through them. I thank Mi Esperanza and everyone that helps us. You are changing lives."

Ana Gonzales

“Ana is grateful for her work and the time Mi Esperanza invested in her.  She looks forward to continuing to learn and becoming better at her job”

Ana lives in Mololoa, a community on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. She lives with her husband, 73-year-old mother, and four children. In 2014 Ana signed up for the Mi Esperanza sewing course offered in the community center in her village. Ana was a great student and made a lasting impression on our instructor.  

Ana at a glance

• Married

• Children: 4

• Community: Mololoa

• Mi Esperanza Course: Satellite Sewing 

Before learning to sew, Ana did not have any marketable skills and therefore did not work. She did, however, volunteer with World Vision in her community. As much as she liked giving her time to a worthy cause that helped her village, she dreamt of being able to contribute to her family’s well-being and her children's education financially and to have resources to better care for her disabled 16-year-old daughter.  

With that ambition in her heart, Ana completed the Mi Esperanza sewing course, hoping it would open doors to find work. Shortly after her graduation, the MI Esperanza production house needed some temporary workers for a large production order. Because she excelled in her classwork, our sewing teacher called her to work on the job. She began as a temporary employee but quickly worked herself into a full-time position with her dedication and sweet spirit. With a donation from Mi Esperanza of a sewing machine, Ana also works from home.

Now Ana has reached the goals she set for herself. All of her earnings go toward her the care of her disabled daughter and her other three children's educations.

Dilcia Rodriguez

DILCIA AT A GLANCE

• Married

• Children: 4

• Community: Colonia Molaloa

• Mi Esperanza Course: Micro-loan program, Sewing Training course, Dye Artisan

Dilcia met Mi Esperanza co-founder Lori and her husband, Mark, in the summer of 2005 when her community of Molaloa was experiencing flash flooding and her land was being washed away by the water. Dilcia and her children had to leave their home because of the danger that it would fall.  She was moved to a shelter that TORCH set up in a community church.  Dilcia, at the time, had three sons Jefferson 4, and her twin boys, three months.  Through the work of TORCH missions Lori and Mark work,  Dilcia's house was saved, and she was able to return to her home.  Lori and Dilcia have remained friends and in contact ever since.  In March 2012 Dilcia applied to Mi Esperanza's Micro-loan program to start a fruit stand business in her barrio.  She was so excited to begin a business that would allow her to be close to home to care for her mentally delayed son and still earn a living.  Shortly after she began her business, the gang in her community began demanding a "war tax" to keep her business open..not making enough to pay the tax and still earn a profit, she was forced to close her business.  

In 2014 Mi Esperanza held a satellite sewing training course in her community, and Dilcia signed up.  She was very dedicated to her study and finished at the top of her class.  She bought a manual sewing machine and began sewing clothes in her community as a source of income for her family.

““Now I can help my family, and I continue to HOPE that there are more people willing to help others in need.  I am overwhelmed with the organization for helping my family and my children.””

— Quote Source

In January 2015, Mi Esperanza began implementing a new line of hand-dyed products that required a dye artisan.  Dilcia was chosen to work with EA Lepine, board member and designer/owner of arrowroot clothing, to learn to dye fabrics. Dilcia was beyond excited for the opportunity to learn a new skill and a work opportunity. Dilcia is now our dye artisan and doing an amazing job.  She is working on Mi Esperanza products and products for our partners in hope.  

2014  Sewing graduation. 

2015  Shibori dyed fabric by Dilcia

2015 Ombre dyeing Mi Esperanza signature Gypsy bag 

2012  Dilcia with her micro-loan check

Nery Elizabeth Sierra Gonzalez

Nery is a 15 single girl who lives in the community of Jiniguare, a long trek into the mountains beyond Santa Ana, Honduras.  Nery heard of Mi Esperanza's free sewing training course offered in Santa Ana by a friend.  She walked for one hour to find the course, and when she did, she signed up for the course.  Nery knew this was her only opportunity to learn a skill, and for seven months, she walked one hour to class and one hour home four days a week to take advantage of this opportunity.

Nery at a glance

• Children: None

• Community: Jiniguare

• Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing Course

with her graduating class

with her mother when her sewing machine was delivered to her home

Nery 2014.  Receiving her sewing machine she was awarded for excellence in class.

“No one in this community has a sewing machine, and I will be happy to design and make skirts, dresses, school uniforms to sell in the community!”

Nery was recognized as the top student in her class for her commitment, dedication, and hard work at graduation.  She was awarded a sewing machine for use in her home for that honor.  Nery is so happy with her education and receiving the machine because it will be a new source of income for her family. 

Mercedes Matute

Mercedes came to us by recommendation of a friend from church.  Mercedes was going through a very hard time in life and struggling with depression.  She was not working and living in despair. Her friend convinced her to call and sign up for the course, and she began class in August 2013.  Mercedes was dedicated to her commitment to receiving one of the class spaces. As she learned, she found her outlook on life began to change she had a new sense of HOPE and enjoyed her time in class and the people surrounding her at Mi Esperanza.  When she started she did not know how to turn a computer on, now she knows how to use a computer and all the programs presented in the course.  Mercedes was known in class for her punctuality to class and responsibility in her work.

Mercedes at a glance

• Children: 2

• Community: San Cristobal

• Mi Esperanza Course: computer

Mercedes and Heydie the computer instructor

in class 2013

“When she started she did not know how to turn a computer on, now she knows how to use a computer and all the programs presented in the course.”

One month after she graduated, she had an opportunity to work as a promoter of sales for Grupo Cooperativo Excelsior International.  She applied and received the job.  She creates reports in word and Excel documents, which are both skills she learned during her course at Mi Esperanza.  We are very happy for Mercedes and ALL it offered to her life because no one should live without HOPE.

Martha Valdez

Martha graduated from the Mi Esperanza beauty school in August 2012.  Since graduating, Martha has been employed by Hefziba Beauty Salon, where she performed her internship, a requirement for graduation.  Martha is very happy with her job and enjoys the environment in which she works.  She continues to learn and gain confidence in the beauty industry.  Martha's boss is also very pleased with her work and work ethic Martha has.  She is very proud of her perseverance and commitment to her work.  Martha is thankful to Mi Esperanza for the education and skills she now has to help support her family.

graduation day August 2012 with instructor Paola and co-founder Lori Connell

Martha at work in October 2013

with classmate at the Mi Esperanza training center

Martha at a glance

• Children: 2

• Mi Esperanza Course: Beauty

Gabriela Sevilla

Gabriela Sevilla graduated from our Beauty School in August 2012.  When she graduated, she immediately started working out of her rented home to offer services in her community.  Gabriela and her husband own a house, but it was in such disrepair they could not live in it or use it for her business.  Because they had to rent another house, they never had money to improve the house they owned as they had planned.

graduation day 2012 with instructor Paola and co-founder Lori Connell

signing her first micro-loan papers 2013

the day she payed her final payment on her first loan with founders janet Hines and Lori Connell 2014

her salon in her rented home 2012

her graduation diploma proudly displayed in her salon

Gabriela speaking to a graduating class at Mi Esperanza 2013

August '14  during a sight visit made by co-founder Lori Connell to see the progress on the salon renovations and sharing Gabriela's story with vistitors

Gabriela proudly sharing her story and explaining her renovations.  2014

Gabriela at a glance

• Married

• Children: 2

• Community: Aldea El Lolo, Entrada Principal, Sector 3

• Mi Esperanza Course: Beauty and Micro-loan Program

In October 2013, Gabriela applied to the Mi Esperanza micro-finance program to assist in building her business, buying more equipment & supplies, and renovating the space she owned for her salon.  Gabriela repaid that loan in full and on time with no late payments.   In June 2014, she received approval on a 2nd loan, and with this loan, she continues to work on her salon. When speaking to Gabriela, she first thanks God for His love for her and the provision He provides in her life. She is also extremely grateful for Mi Esperanza's education and micro-loans programs and the opportunities they gave her to change her family's future. Gabriela shared with us that she would pray, "God, how am I going to change our life" and she sees His answer came through the opportunities from Mi Esperanza.

“God, how am I going to change our life”

Since graduation Gabriela has returned to Mi Esperanza as a motivational speaker and has continued to participate in service projects with current students. She loves giving back to the program that has given her so much. We are incredibly proud of her commitment and hard work, and we love watching her make the most of the opportunities she has been given.   It is a blessing to make this journey alongside her. 

Luz Amparo Flores

In Amparo's words

In February 2005, I was listening to the radio when a preacher announced that Mi Esperanza had begun a sewing course in Aldea las Tapias.  A couple of women from my neighborhood went to sign up because we knew this would be something good for us. After a year, I learned to sew, and the teacher Cecilia saw my work, and she liked it.

“Working for Mi Esperanza changed my life completely, before taking the sewing course I did not have any skills whatsoever, since then I have been working for 8 years and the income helps me to support my family and give my kids a good education. ”

In 2006 I started making bags for Mi Esperanza we used to work in Colonia Elvel at Lori's house, it was a small place, but we all loved working together.  Gypsy and Lola bags were the first bags I made, now I am capable of making any bag Mi Esperanza requests.  Working for Mi Esperanza changed my life completely. Before taking the sewing course, I had no skills whatsoever. Since then, I have worked for eight years, and the income helps me support my family and give my kids a good education.

working on Mi Esperanza products 2011

working with Elizabeth Roney from Lizalig 2009

uniform project 2012

Amparo at a glance

• Children: 4

• Community: Nueva Aldea, Mateo

• Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing and the Mi Esperanza maquila

I am so happy to know that during 2015 we will have more work to do because of Mi Esperanza's partnership with other nonprofit organizations and designers from the US.

 Mi Esperanza is not just an organization but a great blessing to many Honduran women who have benefited from the computer, cosmetology, and sewing course and the micro-loan program.

I thank God for Mi Esperanza.

Sara Zepeda

In Sara's words.

I met Lori, Mark, and Janet in 2007 when they announced the Mi Esperanza courses in Nueva Oriental.  I heard Mi Esperanza was offering Computer, Cosmetology, and Sewing classes to women of low income. I was interested in the sewing course and decided to take it immediately.  My husband died the next year after I graduated; when Mi Esperanza found out about my husband, they called me to offer me a current job available at Mi Esperanza, which I happily accepted.  I feel good to be part of their team. I started working from Monday-Thursday, but thank God we have had so many new projects that I work Monday-Friday now.

Sara at a glance

• Children: 3

• Community: Nueva Oriental

• Mi Esperanza Course: Sewing and the Mi Esperanza maquila

I have had many good experiences working with Liz Alig making garments out of recycled t-shirts.  I got to meet EA and make her wedding dress, the groom's suit, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the groomsmen's suits.

Sara 2011

Lizalig Product 2012

Working on a Mi Esperanza Dharma bag 2010

Working on a Mi Esperanza signature Gypsy bag 2008

It is good to know that the products I make are sold in the states, which means we are growing rapidly as an organization, and my effort is not in vain. That is the reason I try to do better every day.   I have also had the opportunity to participate in Mi Esperanza's micro-loan program. 
In Honduras, there are not many jobs available for women, and that is why I thank God for Mi Esperanza for allowing me to be part of this wonderful project. I like the fact that there is no discrimination because of my age, but pure affection and motivation toward me from the staff. Through these seven years, I have felt emotional, economic, and moral support.  I feel at home every day that I work at Mi Esperanza.

I have had so many benefits and gifts from Mi Esperanza. I have received a sewing machine that I use to work at home sometimes, fabrics, school supplies, and food, When my son had an accident, he could barely walk and Lori gave me a pair of crutches. That was so nice of her. But the most important thing is that they gave me a sewing course to learn how to sew. Because of it, I can work for Mi Esperanza.  I have skills now and a job that helps me provide for my family.

“I am thankful to God for being part of Mi Esperanza project and I ask God everyday to give me the wisdom to be better. May God bless this organization to continue helping women help themselves.”

Romelia Martinez

In Romelia's words.

I heard of Mi Esperanza in 2006 when our preacher told us about the courses Mi Esperanza was offering to poor women. I took the reed weaving and piñata making course. After graduating, I applied for a seamstress job at Mi Esperanza, and they kindly gave me a job in the maquila. I was doing very well, making enough money to support my family, but my husband had an accident that left him physically incapacitated. I had to quit my job to take care of my husband. During this difficult moment of my life, Mi Esperanza always helped me emotionally, and they gave me a wheelchair and a handicapped bed for my husband to help me care for him better.  After a year of taking care of my husband, I returned to work at the Mi Esperanza maquila, I don’t know what It would be like without Mi Esperanza helping me and providing me with a job.   Because of this job I can support my family and give my kids the education they need.

Romelia working on Statement products for Mi Esperanza production 2011

Romelia 2011

Romelia working on a Lizalig production 1012

Romelia the early years 2006

Romelia at a glance

• Children: 5

• Community: Colonia Monterrey

• Mi Esperanza Course: Weaving course, Piñata course and Sewing Maquila

I have been very busy working on several projects, I love making school uniforms for kids, and bags for the ladies that come visit us every summer, I am so happy to know that they love the product that we make in the maquila. One of my favorite bags is the mosquito bag.  I love that these "school" bags helped the kids living in isolated parts of Honduras.

“Because of this job I am able to support my family and give my kids the education they need.”

I will always be grateful to God and to Mi Esperanza, I wish there were more organization like Mi Esperanza in Honduras!

Reina Viera

Reina first learned of Mi Esperanza from her friend Maria Salazar, a sewing student.  She heard of Mi Esperanza's free computer course for women living in poverty. She immediately signed up and knew this course would benefit her life, but she did not imagine how joining the Mi Esperanza program would change her and her family's lives. After graduating from the computer course in 2006, she applied for a job in the Mi Esperanza Maquila.

Guadalupe Betancour was in charge of the maquila, and she knew about Reyna's sewing skills and recommended that Reina be hired. Reina was part of our artisan team until she was promoted to sewing instructor and maquila manager in 2016.  She is so thankful for her work because she has been able to provide education to her daughters. One of her goals was to see her daughter Heydie receive a diploma from a private university. Heydie has completed university and holds two degrees. Her younger daughter Stephanie is now attending university.

Reyna 2013

Reyna and Heydie at the Mi Esperanza Center 2014

working on LIZALIG production 2012

2011 

Reyna working a Mi Esperanza production 2008

Reyna graduating from the Mi Esperanza computer course 2005

2006 beginning her work with Mi Esperanza

Reyna at a glance

• Children: 4

• Community: Los Pinos

• Mi Esperanza Course: Computer, Sewing Maquila

Thanks to Reyna's salary from her work at Mi Esperanza, she can also help her mom with medical bills.

Reina is thankful to God and to the Mi Esperanza Project for the opportunities it has brought to her family. And the hope of a brighter future for her children.

Glenda Baca

Glenda at a glance

• Children: 3

• Community: La Picuda, Santa Ana

• Mi Esperanza Course: Santa Ana sewing class 2011 & 2012

During the two years Glenda attended class she was eager to learn how to sew.   Sometimes it was hard for her to go to class because she had to prepare for her children to go to school and have lunch ready for her husband, but with effort and perseverance, she finally obtained a diploma.  At graduation, Glenda received a sewing machine from Mi Esperanza and immediately told her friends that she was opening a sewing business.  Currently, she is sewing school uniforms, skirts, or whatever her clients need.  With her new skill, she can provide extra income to help with household expenses and buy school supplies for her children. 

The Santa Ana work group for the Winterfest project.

Glenda receiving a sewing machine at graduation as one of the top students.  

Glenda with her children and diploma.  Pride for the whole family!

Family home.  Look at that view!

Glenda at work in her home business.

Miriam Nunez

Miriam at a glance

• Children: 1

• Community: Los Pinos

• Mi Esperanza Course: Belleza/Beauty & Personal Skills 2010/2011

Miriam came to Mi Esperanza, as many women do, looking for an opportunity to improve her life.   Miriam comes from a very poor community on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, and daily survival has always been a struggle.  Her husband works hard, but it still was not enough to meet basic needs and the costs of sending her daughter Crystal to Kindergarten.  Taking the Mi Esperanza beauty course and personal skills course opened doors for Miriam that she had never had before.  In December 2011, Miriam was hired at Salon New Style to help with the busy holiday season.  When the holiday season was over, the owner kept Miriam on because of her good work ethic, personality, and willingness to learn.  Miriam is very happy at her work and has a wonderful working relationship with the owner.  Miriam is happy to be able to contribute to her family’s needs. She was very proud to say her daughter began kindergarten and is doing well.  

Graduation at Mi Esperanza

Miriam @ work  Salon New Style

Class time @ Mi Esperanza

Class time @ Mi Esperanza

Yuri Vargas

Yuri came to Mi Esperanza through word of mouth from a friend.  She has always been interested in the beauty industry but never had the finances to attend a cosmetology program. Yuri finished high school and attempted to start classes at the university level but could not afford the costs.

Through her education with Mi Esperanza, Yuri is now working at a salon in Tegucigalpa, saving money, little by little, to begin her university classes in commerce.  Her vision is to marry her Mi Esperanza beauty training and business education and open her own salon. She knows this will take time, but she is willing to work at her goal little by little.  

Graduation from Mi Esperanza

during class @ Mi Esperanza

Yuri works 3 days a week, 8-5 at her job.  She is still learning and growing in her skills.  She is currently working with clients with Mani/Pedi & blow-drying. She is 15 mins from home and is extremely happy in her job.  Yuri has big dreams for her future and equipped with education we know she will achieve them.

Yuri at a glance

• Children: None

• Community: Sagastume #2

• Mi Esperanza Course: Belleza/Beauty & Personal Skills 2011/2012