Check Out Diosselyn Tot-Velasquez Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diosselyn Tot-Velasquez.

Hi Diosselyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My community story starts at the age of 12. I began to get engaged in community programs and started volunteering at a local non-profit, CHWC. At age 13 and beyond, I specifically worked with this organization in their Community Building & Engagement Department. There, I met one of my mentors, Steve Curtis. He asked if I wanted to get out of the office, and ever since then, we were.

We worked on green, art, and entrepreneurship initiatives. Our projects ranged from revitalizing vacant lots to creating artwork in our community. We did murals in alleyways, created pocket parks, an urban farm, a coffee shop in WyCo after decades of not having one, provided internships, led volunteer groups, and so much more. I was part of all these amazing projects until I was 24 years of age. However, before I go on, I must share a part of my personal story.

During my high school years, my family had a blessing in disguise. We had the opportunity to begin our path towards citizenship. I got my u-visa and then at age 17 I had to fight for my education when colleges and scholarships dismiss me due to my legal status. The phrase was, “I wasn’t legal enough…” Due to that my world change and a door of resources and opportunities opened up that taught me many great life lessons. Needless to say, all those “no’s” turned into yes’s and I graduated college, debt-free, in 2017. After my high school years, after college, I joined El Centro, Inc, as their Lead Community Organizer for Advocacy & Community Engagement for three different counties in KS.

We focused on bilingual integrated voter engagement, advocacy for our Latino Community, and immigration resources work. I fully embraced being an advocate and a community enthusiast. Nowadays, I work at NeighborWorks America Midwest Region and co-founded Urbanworks, LLC. (focuses on community projects). I serve on a handful of boards and continue to serve my community, my home. Oh and this year, I finally became a citizen in April 2021.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. At an early age, I experienced discrimination, I had to accept our blessing in disguise, and then fight for my own education. I lived a lot of life, in my 28 years here in this world, but it made me who I am today.

Being an immigrant, came with its price. My experience began at age 6, developed at age 14, and became a pathway at age 16 and the reality of being a citizen was finally an option this year.

For my education, my senior year, I had to understand why things were being taken away from me and then learn how to fight for them.

And my line of work has not been easy either. But everything has been worth it and I hope with my work, I am able to create changes to help others out.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for a couple of things. I am known for my work at CHWC and revitalization projects, especially doing murals for the community. People, also, recognize me for the work I did at El Centro, Inc. I was able to create and sustain various programs like citizenship clinics, DACA clinics, Preparemonos clinics that included Know Your Rights, advocacy, and integrated voter engagement. My team help translate a lot of the voter material into Spanish.

I, too, am recognized for my engagement in the arts. I am the board chair of the Latino Arts Foundation and try to help out in the art community, as well. And last but not least, for the work, I do at Urbanworks with Steve Curtis, my mentor and now business partner and a life-long friend. This year, I, also, ran for the USD 500 school board, I was the first naturalized candidate to run. I did not win but still was able to learn a lot and create wonderful friendships.

I am really proud of the work I have been involved in and for the community that surrounds me. My mentors were amazing and the community resources that were provided for me when I most needed them, became my passion. And if I can give back in any way, that is what makes me proud.

P.S. sorry this is a little lengthy. I am trying my best to keep it concise.

How do you think about luck?
I have been lucky, more like BLESSED to be surrounded by the mentors, friends, family, and community that has helped me grow into who I am. That has helped me stand up, when I could not see the light, and who always encourages me in my adventures and notions.

As far as business or my career, not sure if there was any luck involved. There were more no’s and doors closed before I even knocked. I had to work hard to be seen, to be heard, and to be counted.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.urbanworks.biz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanworksLLC-2057757570902076
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/totforthedotte

Image Credits
Urbanworks, LLC Latino Civic Engagement Leadership Development Project