Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Cabrera.

Hi Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Cuba during a period when the Soviet Union had just fallen, and what little financial support was felt by the citizens suddenly disappeared. This made life more difficult than it already was for the nation. I learned at an early age I could not complain about insufficient food rations, government harassment, or question anyone with an ounce of authority. There was a government informant in every block, and saying the wrong things could land my parents in a KGB-style prison. Even though I was as careful as a child could be, my father became a target for preaching and was sentenced to 8-20 years of prison. I can still remember the moment he was taken away from us. I was being fed dinner by my dad at the age of 6, suddenly officers interrupted by turning my house upside down before taking him. Four years later, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba and asked for the freedom of many political prisoners, 150 of them were released under the condition they left the country immediately. After leaving Cuba we started a new life in Kansas City in 1998. My parents always raised me to be fair and to love and protect this country in any way we could, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be here. For this reason, when I look around and see our city making headlines for record numbers in crime, I feel the responsibility to stand and do my part whether I’m a public servant or a civilian.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Unlike my case, most candidates plan their run months, if not years, in advance. The timing of my decision has left a tight opportunity to prepare. Despite the uncertainty, I believe in working hard and trusting in God. It has not been a smooth road, and I do not expect it to be. In my experience, challenges have been a source of strength and character-building. The struggle of surviving hunger and need in Cuba has equipped me with hope in seemingly hopeless situations and gratitude for everything I have now. Challenges have led me to prioritize relationships and respect the value of human beings. Although I do not chase after struggles, I can appreciate the depths they leave me with when I face them. If I can be a better person next year than I am today, that will be a success, not just for me but those around me.

I look forward to the experience and knowledge I will acquire through this journey and the connections I am making and will continue to make.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After graduating high school, I wasn’t sure what to study, so I began working as an interpreter for a nonprofit community health center. While helping with anything I could, I gained experience in different roles, facilitating many promotions within the same organization. I supervised call centers and interpreters, assisted directors in managing clinics, optimized workflows, improved quality, engaged in outreach, and assisted the CEO and Board of Directors. I spent close to 16 years working in nonprofit community health centers, and it has been both rewarding and exciting to learn so much. One of the things I am most proud of is my professional reputation. It feels good to be sure I’ll know what former supervisors and colleagues will say about me if asked. I approach each role with responsibility; the bigger the promotion, the heavier the burden to serve, and I ensure I provide the team with what is needed to succeed.

How would we have described you growing up if we knew you were growing up?
I was a very calm child. I listened and observed intently; I remember having 100 questions for every answer I would get. Listening to the elderly was one of my favorite things to do. I was very empathetic towards them, even standing between their house and rowdy children who enjoyed throwing rocks at them. I was very obedient and well-behaved, although I was not above responding aggressively if I needed to defend myself and others. My childhood was very different from most people in the United States or the rest of the world. I did not have toys or television for entertainment. My friends and I had to make our toys, creating baseball bats and balls from scraps and or carving slingshots and traps for birds. Contrary to popular belief, education in Cuba is not free. I remember paying more than my fair share by walking several kilometers outside of town to pull thorny weeds from a potato field twice per week under a burning sun and with very little sustenance.

Arriving to this country without knowing the language and culture was a shock. Although I was ecstatic about having a roof over my head that was not full of holes, electricity and running water, I was not prepared for the vast difference in daily life. This is something that might take require the depths of a book to dive into.