Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the community for 9 years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of some amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s Latina Leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re starting “Estrella del Mes” in 2018 to introduce the Sacramento community to our shinning stars!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella de Mes: Enero / Star of the Month: January

Susana Becerra

Susana Becerra – Board of Directors, Secretary and Chair of Programs & Events Committee

How long have you been a part of Chicas Latinas?

5 years this year!

What’s your favorite aspect of being a Chicas Latinas member?

Being around like minded people who believe that a person can make a difference in their community by volunteering.

What do you love about Sacramento?

It continues to have a “small town” feel with the benefits of a city such as diversity, cultural events, great restaurants, fun bars, wonderful bike trail and parks for enjoying the outdoors. Plus we are conveniently located a couple of hours from the ocean or the mountains.

What is one of your most fun or memorable experience volunteering with Chicas?

Most fun is watching Los Hombres de las Chicas walk a mile in women’s high heel shoes to raise funds and increase awareness about domestic violence. Men in heels…how could that not be fun?

Most memorable is our annual “Starting Off on the Right Foot” Shoe Drive, specifically the day we distribute shoes to the elementary school children. Seeing their eyes light up when they get individual attention from community volunteers to help pick out their new shoes is priceless.

Why did you join Chicas?

I strongly believe in helping those that are in need and Chicas focuses on volunteering and serving those in our community that are often disenfranchised. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by Latinas that use their skills/talents/time to selflessly help others.

What are your interest and hobbies?

Traveling, hiking, going to festivals, going to cultural events, movies.

What or who inspires you?

To be honest, regular every day people, like those that join Chicas. It reminds me that you don’t have to be a super star, rich or famous to do great things for people. Regular people doing good things gives me hope.

Favorite quote to live by:

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why? 

Each place I’ve been to has been great for different reasons. Cuba is beautiful with such kind people who seemed to always have a smile regardless of their circumstances. It felt like a time warp because their cars and buildings are of the era when the U.S. embargo started. It was very interesting to see their anti-US signs and propaganda. China was also quite an experience because it’s so different than the Latin American and European countries I’ve been. It was fun to experience a place where I absolutely did not know the language and no way I could “get by.” Both places had such rich history!

What is your most favorite family tradition?

During the Christmas holidays making tamales with my mom and sister. My sister and I always whine and gripe about having to help, my mom usually makes some sort of comment about putting in work in order to eat, then we and other family members laugh and join in the tamale making. Whining is part of the tradition, there has to be whining or it doesn’t quite feel the same☺

Read more from Susana, check out her guest Blog Post from 2015:  There’s a first for everything, backpacking with Chicas Latinas and Latino Outdoors