My dream is for Latin America to have the strong institutions and good governance it deserves. I was born and raised in El Salvador, a small, vibrant country in Central America. I quickly learned that loving my country meant celebrating its beauty, acknowledging its flaws, and working diligently to improve it.
My country and the surrounding region suffers from the consequences of pervasive poverty and generalized violence. I recognize that one of the crucial steps for its prosperity lies in achieving peace, justice, and strong institutions. For that reason, I decided to study international affairs. As this is not a common career in my country, I moved to Canada and started from scratch. But every second was full of joy and a desire to keep growing because I was studying what I loved. Now I work with intergovernmental institutions, think tanks, and non-profits to strengthen democratic institutions in Latin America.
I dream of and work for establishing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions, with roots that run deep and firm like bálsamo trees,*8 holding steady against the stormy attempts of strongmen and vested interest to bend them to their will. I dream of and work for truly democratic governments, conscious of past errors and ready to rectify them by giving everyone—young and old, women and men, rich and poor, mulatos, mestizos, indígenas, afrolatinos, and caucasians—fair representation.
I dream of and work for a Latin America where gender is not a determinant of opportunity or a hindrance to safety, freedom, and autonomy. A region blooming with female leaders and their abundant presence in every decision-making process. There will be no unfair structures, stereotypes, or systemic impunities limiting their boundless potential or infringing upon their human dignity.
I dream of and work for El Salvador, and our fellow siblings on this great continent, being respected participants in the international community, with our beautiful exports of goods, culture, art, food, and ideas blessing every corner of the Earth. I dream of and work for countries to respect our passports, currently vilified internationally by xenophobia, and welcome the work of our honest hands.
I am fortunate to be able to dream and work, but I will not rest until my brothers and sisters mistreated across international borders are granted the same rights and dignity.
———–
Get a copy of WE HAVE A DREAM 201 Dreams 201 Countries