Monica Gallegos joined Prospera in February 2016 as our Administrative Assistant. She is currently working on a graduate degree at UC Berkeley! We are thrilled to have her in the space and on our team, read below to get to know Monica!
Why did you join Prospera?
Prospera’s mission resonates with me as a first generation Latina. I have brought much pride to my family in my pursuit for a post-undergraduate education. I have experienced first hand the lack of support and awareness that exists towards the Latino Community. Our potential for attaining the same advances that other communities do is constantly being undermined. Prospera strives to make changes in this thought process especially by focusing on a feministic approach. My goals are that one day I will see a world filled with equity and equality, not only in regards to culture, but gender, sexual orientation, and all other -isms that are so common and overlooked in our society.
What Background and experiences do you bring?
I bring my life experiences, as well as my close bonds with my family and their struggles. Additionally, I bring my passion in advocacy work, and direct practice in social work experience to underrepresented and underprivileged communities. Both my lived and professional background made me more aware of the hardships and realities of those communities and the dire need of assistance. I hope to bring more insight from my experiences as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree and assist with the progression of Prospera in any form possible.
What is your favorite paleta flavor?
Paleta de Coco!
What would be your ultimate vacation?
Touring Europe! I’ve never been, I want to do it right and not backpack.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a Singer! I have taken professional voice classes and I am an avid Baker. My favorite thing to bake -from scratch- is cupcakes because I get to play with flavors and experiment. One of the best combinations I’ve created so far is a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting. I want to try to incorporate some strawberry filling, to mimic a PB&J sandwich.
What is your favorite book?
I love Pride and Prejudice, it’s a great novel. I like it because I am skeptical about love at times, but this book shows the importance of acknowledging the complexities of love. I enjoy how it explains the ways someone can compliment you, and yet be really different people. I also appreciate that it challenges the role of women at the time, which I think is important.
Who is your ultimate role model?
For a long time, it has been Sandra Cisneros. Lately, it feels like my parents are my role models!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
At the end of my career I want to be a professor. I have had so many amazing professors that have been great mentors and I want to pay it forward. So many Latino students from high school to college lack great mentors who expose them to new things, so I hope to be able to do that throughout my career. I also want to try doing advocacy work, because I think there is such a need. In the most immediate future, I want to do direct service and be a clinician when I graduate with my MSW.
Anything else you want to share?
I am very organized and neat! It’s something I enjoy about myself.