Meet Oye Vecino LIVE panelist Rocio Martinez
We are honored to have Rocio Martinez join us as a panelist on Thursday, September 22 for Oye Vecino LIVE: Her Story. Tickets are still available for the panel, musical performance, and Patron Party - buy your tickets today to support the mission of Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors!
Rocio Martinez is from San Luis Potosí, Mexico. More than 20 years ago, she moved to the US after finding she could not attend college in her hometown. She met her husband in ESL classes, and they now have a daughter, Julie, and a son, Jordan. Rocio is a professional actress. She also works with her husband at his painting business and studies Business Management.
GET TO KNOW ROCIO MARTINEZ
What are you working on right now?
I have been traveling to Mexico to stay with my Mom, Dad, and siblings because of the pandemic. Unfortunately I’ve had to quarantine multiple times. For this reason I have not been really active in the community like I used to. I miss it very much.
Aside from that I am very excited, because I am eligible to become a US Citizen. I am looking forward to being able to vote in future elections, and continue my Associates Degree in Business Management.
Why do you believe in TNJFON’s mission?
I believe in TNJFON’s mission because they really listened to our case with compassion and respect. They helped us stay together as a family with dignity and without fear of being separated in a time when my daughter was chronically ill.
My daughter Julie is now a senior in college studying Social Work. She says she wants to become a social worker because, “I like to give back to the community who has helped me.” My son Jordan is a senior in high school and wants to go to college and study business or engineering. He is a soccer player who has been showcased at the 2019 MIC, Youth International soccer cup tournament in Barcelona, Spain.
These are examples of how TNJFON allowed me to see my children grow and to be the first generation to attend college in the USA.
What are you most looking forward to about Oye Vecino LIVE: Her Story?
To be able to say thanks again to this amazing organization, and to every single person who has been part of TNJFON over the years. You are a beacon of hope, light, and compassion to your fellow immigrants; thank you for treating us like humans.
You have changed my life in so many positive ways. For example, to be able to work in my dream job as an actress and being able to take college classes.
Also, I want to express gratitude to every single person and organization linked to TNJFON, like the United Methodist Church, which has not only impacted my life, but my family all the way from Mexico and Honduras.
Gracias! Thank You!