JOBS TO GROW
JOBS TO GROW
Interviews by Brenda Arenas & Soitza Gabriela del Real
The ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective is proud to continue offering Jobs to Grow, a free educational program for up-and-coming entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the childcare and food business industries. Jobs to Grow creates an innovative intergenerational training program that provides the Mayfair community members with the tools they need to become successful in their prospective careers.
Jobs to Grow offers two cohort trainings: ABCE Cohort & Eastside Grown.
“...provides the Mayfair community members with the tools they need to become successful...”
My name is Maria Medina and I am originally from Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico and I have lived in East San José for over 30 years. I work caring for children in my home and graduated from the program in February of this year. Abeja Sonriente is the name of my business and it is based on children from zero to three years old.
I am in the process of getting my license and I have already been accepted into the Trustline alternative payment program. This program has helped me a lot. I now have an adequate space to take care of the children and to put into practice everything I have learned. In my spare time I help my husband in his bee business. I also like to be involved in my community.
“I now have an adequate space to take care of the children and to put into practice everything I have learned.”
My name is Maria Enedelia Madriz, I live in San José and I was born in Mexico. Ii have a passion for Mexican food. I grew up seeing my mom cooking, and I learned so many things from her, including how to make enchiladas.
I’m the middle child. My sister is the eldest, and she got married at the age of 15. When she left, I was 10 years old and made to feel like the eldest with the responsibility of my brothers. I had to cook for them, and in many ways, I took the role of a mother. The responsibility became greater when my father passed away. When my mother would go to work, she would tell me what ingredients this food needed so I could prepare it for my siblings. Sometimes they would bully me because I would only give them potatoes, papas a la Mexicana. But, I didn’t let them die from hunger, right?!
“When she left, I was 10 years old and made to feel like the eldest with the responsibility of my brothers.”
My name is Alberta Lopez, I live in East San José and I come from the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. I have three children and I am one hundred percent a housewife. I take my children to school, come back, and dedicate myself to housework. In my free time, which is not much, I watch television. I recently entered the ABCE program so that in the future I can start a small business and maybe work from home.
I came to this country looking for a better life, which we cannot have in our country. My dream is to open my own business to generate income and contribute for my family to live comfortably. I really like the idea of being my own boss to have time for my children and my business. What excites me the most about having my own business is that I will help many families in my community since it is difficult to find childcare, especially for babies.
“I really like the idea of being my own boss to have time for my children and my business.”