My Purpose Drives My Steps.

My path to humanitarian service is deeply rooted in personal experiences that transformed my worldview and my purpose. The struggle of a loved one with schizophrenia, which nearly claimed their life, marked a turning point, igniting in me the determination to make a significant impact. Added to this was the painful reality of watching my own country crumble, feeling helpless at being unable to help while I myself struggled to heal my trauma.

This introspection led me to seek training with a clear purpose, deciding to pursue two crucial certifications simultaneously: CPS (Certified Civil Prevention) and QMHA (Certified Qualified Mental Health Associate). The CPS certification, accredited by the MHACBO, is notoriously rare in Oregon, with only nine people holding it.

Initially, I sought out the American Red Cross to obtain the hours necessary for my CPS Certification, hoping to work directly with children and youth. However, fate had other plans; I was accepted into the disaster and catastrophe field. It was there that my passion was truly ignited. I studied tirelessly, and each training session deeply moved me as I imagined the devastating consequences of nature. This work became my motivation, driven by the need to find solutions and offer help regardless of language or religion, because a natural disaster doesn't discriminate.

The reality of migrant communities has been a constant driving force in my development. I observe how the language barrier leaves countless families without help in times of crisis. According to my statistics, only 1% of Guatemalan migrants in the United States have DACA and are fluent in three languages: Spanish, their dialect, and English; the remaining 75% speak only their dialect or Spanish without knowing how to read or write. This opportunity gap drives me to seek alternatives to make a safe and meaningful impact globally.

With this goal in mind, I have trained extensively through the Red Cross and on my own, acquiring the following certifications that support my response capacity today:

Active Roles in the American Red Cross:

- DCS GAP: Mass Care Sheltering Service Associate: Active role in the American Red Cross to assist in emergency situations, serving in places like The Dalles, Oregon, and preparing for future missions in any affected states.

DCS GAP: Recovery Client Care Program Service Associate: Role obtained thanks to my experience as a Mentor and Counselor, focused on comprehensive support for clients in recovery.

Complementary Certifications (acquired and ready for the role):

- DCS GAP: Disaster Services Technology All DST Activies Service Associate.

- DCS GAP: Logistics Fulfillment Service Associate.

- Client Care Program: Disaster Client Intake.

My commitment to this path extends to the vision of founding my own Humanitarian Project Management organization. Every step, every certification, is intertwined and calculated for this purpose. Obtaining the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAMP) certification was a challenging experience, demanding 100% of my cognitive abilities, but it gave me a panoramic view of what I want to achieve on a global scale.

I have also deepened my knowledge through DisasterReady.ORG, obtaining essential certifications that have cemented the foundation for my project:

- Certificate in Project Management Fundamentals.
- Certificate in The Fundamentals of Humanitarianism.
- Certificate in Finance for Development and Humanitarian Aid Professionals (Finance DPro).
- Certificate in Leadership Essentials.
- Certificate in Sphere in Practice.
- Certificate in Project Management.

My QHMA certification also led me to volunteer with NAMI Clackamas, where I eventually obtained the Federal Family Support Certification, expanding my ability to provide comprehensive support.

I am currently completing my two remaining GED subjects with the Cultural Center organization in Hillsboro, the final step toward obtaining my certificate and moving on to college. This journey is proof that nothing is impossible. Saving and helping others is an act born from a place of integrity and is priceless.