Each year from September 15 through October 15, we as a nation celebrate the contributions of persons of Latin American heritage. In keeping with the national theme, "Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving our Nation," CBF Field Personnel are sharing stories of persons and ministries that honor and celebrate Latino culture.
When I began working as a CBF field personnel on the Texas-Mexico border in 2011, one of my first realizations was of lack of affordable education available to adults in the surrounding impoverished communities. God took me directly to the doors of an established adult learning center which was already offering ESL (English Second Language) classes at a low cost, from one central class site. Long story short...I quickly joined their board, then became the Director of the Rio Grande Valley Literacy Center. However, as a field personnel, my goal is to not replace capable leaders from the community, but to find them, and to help them lead and succeed.
Eventually, Diana Farias took over the helm of the Literacy Center, and volunteers her time in doing so. Mrs. Farias is a retired school principal, and knows how to teach and lead. She grew up poor in a small town in the Rio Grande Valley, with her Mexican parents and many siblings. Diana eventually graduated college, earned a master's degree, and worked as a school teacher/administrator for over 30 years in Pharr, Texas.
What impresses me most about the leadership of Mrs. Farias is her perseverance and tenacity. Today, we have grown from one class site to eighteen sites throughout Hidalgo County. She directs the Literacy Center very well, and has managed to keep the organization solvent. Nonprofits which serve the poor here along the border are difficult to maintain, but she has done just that. I would call her an outstanding, passionate leader in this community, and beyond. My new role as Board advisor is to assist and advise Mrs. Farias as needed. It is a true joy to work with her, knowing that the future of the Rio Grande Valley Literacy Center is in great hands.
Diann Berry, CBF field personnel serving in Rio Grande Valley, Texas