In January 2011, a new immigrant arrived in Seattle, filled with uncertainty and hope.
The year marked a significant turning point in her life as she became a mother, far removed from her family in Mexico.
The struggles were overwhelming; she faced domestic violence and lacked a support system, feeling isolated in a low-income household.
Her first supporters were a nurse and a doula at a community clinic, who encouraged her when loneliness set in.
Longing for a community of fellow Latina mothers, the woman took the initiative to create one of her own.
In her modest White Center apartment, she welcomed 15 to 20 Latina moms regularly, fostering an environment for sharing experiences and learning from one another.
However, a significant obstacle soon became evident: many of the women, including herself, could not drive.
Fear of deportation loomed over her, as her partner discouraged her from taking the wheel.
This inability to drive restricted their opportunities for work and essential mobility, leaving them dependent on their partners for transportation.
Frustrated and desperate, in 2013, she founded Mujer al Volante (Woman Driving), a nonprofit organization aimed at helping low-income immigrant, refugee, and asylum women gain independence through driving.
Despite lacking financial support or social connections, her determination, fueled by her experiences as an immigrant, mother, and survivor of domestic violence, kept her mission alive.
After facing numerous rejections, she found champions in state Sen. Claire Wilson and state Rep. Jamila Taylor in 2022, who ultimately helped secure state funding to expand and provide a physical space for Mujer al Volante.
Mobility ranks as one of the most pressing needs for immigrants, alongside housing, jobs, child care, and language access.
Strikingly, over 60% of the women served by Mujer al Volante are heads of households who require drivers’ licenses to secure jobs or launch businesses.
Establishing a nonprofit in Seattle proved to be a formidable challenge.
The founder juggled four part-time jobs to sustain the organization before she could afford a salary for herself.
Through tireless effort and dedication, she cultivated an organization that provides critical services to some of the most vulnerable women in the community.
Mujer al Volante stands as the sole organization in the U.S. offering its vital services.
Beyond the founding of the organization, the journey empowered her to escape an abusive relationship.
The desperation for a supportive network of women and mothers blossomed into a thriving community through Mujer al Volante, impacting the lives of hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds.
What began as pain and frustration has now evolved into a movement led by Latina immigrant women, showcasing their strength and resilience.
Seattle’s strong culture of volunteerism and support for nonprofits played a crucial role in enabling this initiative; the founder recognizes her gratitude for the community she found.
The organization’s first grant was modest — just $2,000 — yet it facilitated crucial needs, including childcare, food, gas stipends for volunteers, and rental space for community gatherings.
Volunteers serve as the lifeblood of Mujer al Volante and many other nonprofits throughout the city.
With a focus on education programs, the organization aims to help women regain confidence and achieve self-sufficiency.
The impact of Mujer al Volante extends beyond the founder; it symbolizes a collective journey of empowerment for women who take control of their lives.
By facilitating mobility and independence, the initiative has influenced the local economy, having served over 1,400 women who collectively generate at least $48 million each year, based on Washington state’s minimum wage.
Their vision transcends mere assistance; it emphasizes solidarity and connection, reinforcing that it is never too late to take the steering wheel of one’s life.
image source from：https://seattlemag.com/seattle-culture/trailblazing-women-jaqueline-garcia-castillo/
