When Salvador was sixteen, he worked for the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) as a Center Aide, County Program Support Secretary, Family Advocate, and Infant Toddler Teacher. During this time, Salvador had the opportunity to serve migrant families, farm workers, and low-income families for the Migrant Head Start and Oregon Pre-kindergarten programs. It was then that Salvador became passionate about advocating for others who don’t have a voice or are not well-represented in the system. Salvador worked for OCDC for ten years after deciding to return to school and eventually obtaining a B.A. in Psychology at Western Oregon University. Throughout his career, Salvador has had the opportunity to work with many vulnerable and minority populations, such as immigrants, farm workers, Native Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+, to name a few. Recently, Salvador worked for the City of Chicago as the Chief Project Manager for their New Arrival Shelter Program for migrants.

The purpose of this program was to receive, house, and give the newly arriving immigrants the resources and tools to eventually be able to incorporate themselves into society and be successful citizens. Salvador is proud to share that he has been a DACA recipient since 2012, when the program was created. As a Latino immigrant, DACA recipient, and a person who identifies as gay, Salvador feels honored to be the Executive Director for HECMPY and represent and advocate for his communities.

I was also an English learner, which added another layer to my educational journey. These lived experiences have shaped both my identity and my passion for service.

I began my college journey at Chemeketa Community College, where I earned my associate degree. Thanks to the support of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which I joined in 2008, I was able to transfer to Western Oregon University. There, I earned a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies, driven by a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. My early career focused on mentoring and advising students, starting with roles supporting Oregon Promise recipients and transfer students. I later joined Oregon State University, where I served as a Transfer Services Manager, helping students navigate the often complex transfer process.

My passion for education also led me to earn a master’s degree in education with a focus on educational leadership. For the past 10+ years, I’ve dedicated myself to working with adult learners, particularly in helping them obtain their GED—often in Spanish—so they can open new doors for themselves and their families. Currently, I serve as the Board President for the Health Equity Coalition of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties (HECMPY), where I advocate for equitable access to healthcare and resources while addressing systemic health disparities. Outside of work, I find peace and inspiration in Oregon’s natural beauty. I love hiking, walking, and exploring the outdoors, which keeps me grounded and connected to the community I serve.

Today, I am a first-generation educator with five years of experience. I am passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. My path in education has been shaped by my unique background, which allows me to deeply understand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating academic and professional spaces. I am committed to empowering students, promoting equitable education, and continuing to grow as a mentor and leader in my field.

I also proudly serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Health Equity Coalition of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties (HECMPY). My passion for helping others is rooted in my own story of perseverance, and I remain committed to building a more just and equitable world for all.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in nature and love reading while sipping on a warm cup of coffee. Faith is also a foundational part of my life, and I practice it in a way that reflects professionalism and deep respect for the diversity of beliefs. For me, faith inspires compassion, service, and love for others—values I strive to embody in both my work and relationships.

Divina currently serves as the Director of Victim Services Advocacy, supporting survivors of domestic violence and connecting them to resources that bring safety and healing. In the past, she has also worked as a medical billing specialist, youth group coordinator, and with organizations like Bridgeway Rehabilitation and Causa Oregon.

Her passion comes from personal experience and her love for her community. As someone who grew up in this region, she knows what many families are going through—kids going to school hungry or stressed, parents working hard to survive, and communities needing more support.

Divina brings that lived experience and commitment to her role as Treasurer of HECMPY, where she helps guide efforts that center the voices of families often left out of decisions. She believes in creating a future where every child—no matter their background—has the chance to succeed, feel safe, and be supported.

She is especially passionate about equity in education, youth mental health, and making sure community voices are heard in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Her work is grounded in trust, compassion, and real solutions.

Son muchos los retos que tenemos que enfrentar día a día en la búsqueda de una mejor forma de vida en primer lugar al incorporarnos a otra sociedad, aprender otro idioma ,son retos muy grandes, estaba en el tercer grado de la Secundaria y necesitaba aprender a usar la computadora pero para esto tendría que transportarme a la ciudad que queda a dos horas de mi comunidad, yo nunca había salido sola y me arriesgue con el objetivo de aprender a usar una PC y pude llegar a la escuela pero a la salida me perdí, ya no encontraba la estación de camiones para regresar a mi Pueblo, y el español no lo había practicado tanto, se me dificulta hablar en ese entonces, preguntarle a alguien me daba mucha vergüenza, afortunadamente encontré a una persona muy amable que me pudo ayudar.

Estando en las clases de Computación había palabras que no sabía que significaban, ocupaba traducir a mi lengua materna para entender, gracias a mis compañeros de clase que se quedaban conmigo a repasar pude concluir con mi curso y aprender.

Así como yo he tenido desafíos, sé que hay muchas personas que también pasan por diferentes necesidades y sé que en esta coalición HECMPY podemos ser esa mano que ayude a muchos.

Mi verdadera historia comienza cuando, con una bolsa llena de sueños, enfrenté sola los retos de empezar una nueva vida. Aprendí que no importa lo que hayas vivido o de dónde vengas, siempre hay una nueva oportunidad para salir adelante.

Actualmente formó parte de la mesa directiva de la Health Equity Coalition of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties (HECMPY), donde apoyó a las familias en distintas áreas. Me motiva sembrar semillas de esperanza para un mejor futuro, entendiendo los cambios que vivimos en este país, sin perder la fe y con la determinación de seguir avanzando.

Trabajo como trabajadora social en OCDC, donde tengo el privilegio de acompañar y fortalecer a las familias con las que colaboro. Disfruto de la música, valoro mis momentos de soledad, practico el senderismo y me identifico profundamente con la naturaleza.

Gracias por lo vivido.