She burst into tears as she talks about her biggest dream. A dream so big and unimaginable that aches her heart. For most of us, her dream is our everyday life. Empowering conversationZ guest this week was Maria Estrada, a trauma nurse, and a firm believer in humanity instead of documents. In this episode, she talks about the pains of not belonging, the pains of being rejected and disrespected during her migration journey, and also the many strengths she developed through time.

Bio: Maria Estrada was born in Mexico, and raised in San Diego, CA. Once in the states, she felt rejected as a Mexican national in America. She never felt belonged, as she was not Mexican enough to be accepted by her Mexican natives, or American enough to be allowed a place in her American society. Regardless, she embraced her Latina/Chicana roots in college and learned to wear her “undocumented” label like a badge of honor. Maria is currently an undocumented nurse practicing in the state of Texas. Working as a Trauma nurse felt like a perfect fit for her as she could find peace and solace knowing that she would serve those most in need. She finds satisfaction in providing healthcare to her community, for which healthcare is often denied, people like her father.

Her path to citizenship has been bumpy and traumatic, however, she has healed from her traumas through motherhood and she shares her narrative as an undocumama.

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