I grew up at grandma’s house. I grew up watching her spread her love all around and help whomever came to her. It didn’t matter how much or little she had; she always made it work. Maybe it was watching such a kind, warm and generous heart, maybe I was born to give, maybe it’s both. I have had this huge desire to help others for as long as I can remember. You should have seen my mom’s face when I brought my first homeless kid home.

Let’s rewind a bit… I grew up in Ecuador; homeless kids are not hard to find. As a teenager, I got involved in beauty pageants. Yes, dressing up and traveling was fun! But that wasn’t the most important reason I was part of it. Those pageants gave me the opportunity to help many kids in need, which filled my soul. I saw so much pain, need, and neglect; I knew one day, I had to do something to make a difference in the quality of their lives. They were content with some basic groceries, diapers, and goodie bags, but they needed more, much more.

After becoming a mom, I thought that dream had to be put on hold for a long while. I couldn’t travel the world helping kids in need when I had my own little kids that needed me. I thought that one day after all my babies went to college I would devote all my time and energy to making my long-time dream happen.

Well… 2020 happened. The pandemic made things so much more challenging for people that were already struggling. Friends and family in Ecuador had people knocking on their doors asking for leftovers. They stood there with their babies, desperate to feed their families. Many organizations and shelters stopped getting funding so they couldn’t provide much relief either.

It was then that I realized I couldn’t wait 15 more years until my kids were in college. I had to do something now. I was able to collect donations from several generous people, and I included funds of my own, to send aid to a children’s home and a senior assistance program that had been impacted drastically. We have continued to help them since, and I knew that I could do more. I channeled this inspiration into founding this nonprofit organization. After two years of paperwork, challenges, and anticipation, Mi Luz is now a 501 (c)(3), registered in California. Contributions to Mi Luz are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.