I Love My Community: Elizabeth Sanchez
Elizabeth Sanchez, community engagement director at PREVAIL, formerly known as Women’s Center, talked recently with HERLIFE Magazine staff about her dedication and service to our community.
HLM: What do you love most about where you and your family live?
ES: I am from Mexico City, moved to California in July 2019 and currently live in Tracy, California. Is there anything not to love from California? You have beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes, snow, the tallest trees I have ever seen! Natural beauty is all over! I fell in love with San Francisco back in 1996 when I first visited, and I am still in love with such a unique city full of character and history. And then let’s talk about the city where I currently work, Stockton; I feel a true citizen of the world in this vibrant and diverse city. I feel that Stockton is going through an awakening. You just wait!
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
ES: Throughout my life, I have been able to live in different cities and countries, which has presented me with the opportunity to cross paths with people from many walks of life. I have a natural curiosity to find the common ground with those I meet and through this process, I came to understand that we all have our struggles and joys, our passions and fears. We all need each other, and there is nothing that brings more joy to my heart that finding those connections and being a positive presence for those around me.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
ES: My family, my dogs and cat; actually, any dog or cat! Dancing, music and the ocean, which is my happy place!
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
ES: I think that my biggest accomplishment is my family. Nobody’s life is picture perfect, and of course, we have faced challenges, but I am proud of the love, acceptance and closeness that unite us. My husband of almost 26 years is my best friend and I have not met a soul that is more transparent and caring than him. My kids, who are not kids anymore, make me proud every single day; they are amazing human beings and I know that they make a better world for those around them.
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
ES: Time with my family watching a nail-biting thriller, walking my dogs, or spending my weekends sharing food and great conversations with friends.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
ES: This is a tough one because I have been blessed with accomplishing many of my bucket list goals. In all honesty, I do not have a bucket list. I am a true believer that we need to embrace what life brings to us and we just have to enjoy the ride. We often waste a lot of energy trying to make something happen and we lose vision of all the wonderful opportunities we are given. With that said, here I go! Getting myself into the Conformation Dog Show world with my dogs (which I have done), visiting Rome (which I have also done), and re-enrolling in some ballroom dancing (maybe even competitively!), which I need to find the courage and time to do!
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
ES: There have been several events that have changed my life trajectory. Meeting my husband was definitely one, as it was through his work that we ended up moving to the USA in 2000. But I would say that the one event that changed my life and is the reason why I currently do the work I do, is attending a luncheon with the YWCA in Knoxville, Tennessee. After the luncheon I became a volunteer, then an employee working with survivors of domestic violence, and I fell in love with this line of work. Here I am, 16 years later, being grateful for the opportunity to work in something that has become my passion.
HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
ES: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
HLM: What are you currently reading?
ES: Well, I am again going to be pretty honest! I am not reading anything because I have not had much time lately. I do have a book in my reading queue; it was actually Toni McNeil who made me want to read this book. It is called Women of the Bible. Being such a feminist and having worked for so many years elevating voices of women, I cannot wait to get my hands on this book that tells one of the most read books, The Bible, through the lens of women.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
ES: There is this cake that I used to eat when we lived in Santiago, Chile, that I have not been able to find anywhere else! It is a traditional dessert called Pastel de Huevo Mol and maybe I like it and crave it so much because it is made out of almonds and I love almonds in anything!
