Lucy Flores, right, to audience of young Boston Latinas
BOSTON – Rising Latina political star Lucy Flores joined Chica Project today and implored a room of young Massachusetts Latinas to become active in political life and run for office to affect change for themselves and others.
“Our time is now,” said Flores, “Mentor. Volunteer. Donate. Do whatever is in your capacity to make your mark on the world. When we truly come together as one, that’s when we will make a difference, change the outcome of our own lives, the lives of others and the direction of the country.”
Flores shared her amazing story of overcoming family turbulence, gang life, and juvenile incarceration to later become a lawyer, legislator, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor and now a candidate for Congress in Nevada – all by the age of 35.
Boston City Councilors Ayanna Pressley and Tito Jackson and Holyoke City Councilor Gladys Lebron-Martinez joined Flores at the event to inspire young Latinas in Massachusetts as part of Chica’s annual celebration at Suffolk University Law School.
Led by Nurys Camargo, a political veteran and now regional director of external affairs for AT&T Massachusetts, Chica Project’s mission is to close this opportunity divide for young Latinas living in Massachusetts through its empowerment program.
“There are many systemic and institutional barriers to overcome, which is why we need the Chica Project to ensure there is equitable access and inclusion,” said Pressley. “That’s what the Chica Project is all about.”
“The future is calling,” said Jackson. “We need more young women to step up and become leaders like Nurys Carmargo and Lucy Flores.”
Since 2011 Chica Project has served more than 200 young Latinas, with the support of a tremendous volunteer staff and a network of like-minded women mentors. Chica’s work has been recognized by numerous organizations in Massachusetts and across the nation.
“Two years ago, I didn’t know where I was going, I was lost,” said 19-year-old Chica Project member Veronica Alcazar. “Thanks to Chica. I’ve discovered there is a whole new world out there. I want to be successful and professional.”
