On Life
Lisset Mendoza, Director of the Dominican Learning Center and Rising Youth, came from a family where her parents did not speak English and had very little schooling. She experienced first-hand the struggles her parents faced. Born and raised in southern California and the oldest of four. Lisset is a first generation Mexican American who is the first to graduate from high school and go to college in her family. Being first generation meant that she did everything on her own, not because she was without support, but because her parents education combined was only elementary schooling, and they were unable to guide her. She realized from a very young age that she wanted to make all her parents sacrifices for her and her three siblings well worth it. “They left everything behind. Family, house, jobs… all to live the American dream and run from a corrupt county”.
On Success: What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
Graduating college, because as this had not been accomplished before by anyone in my family. Moreover, while in school studying she had two jobs and many scholarships and grants, which she worked very hard at achieving and maintaining, so that she could continue her education.
She is the amazing director of the Dominican Learning Center and an awesome foundress of “Rising Youth”. Her people skills are extraordinary as well as her insights and compassion. She is a leader and mentor who you want to be with as everyone is a “we” with both collective and individual goals. The respect she shows to each person consistently is very hard to find; it is so uplifting and invigorating.
On Leadership: Give advice to your younger self… (What do you think is the most significant barrier that is hinders girls from fulfilling their greatest potential and what advice would you give girls trying to get to find their voice?)
Do not be afraid to “say something” when you don’t know the answer, to ask for advice when questioning a decision, and/or don’t feel safe. Ask for help!
Who is your role model and why?
My role model has a sixth grade level education; an immigrant who is still learning English, and is has the biggest heart in the world. ¡Mi mama! My Mom was the key role model whom I still love, adore, and respect. She was the biggest advocate in helping in any way to enable me to reach my goals, and to the success, I have now. For example, we did not have a computer at home until my senior year of high school, and she would be my Uber to and from the library, tutoring sessions, and college visits. Nothing was going to stop us!
What are some obstacles you have faced? How did you overcome them?
- Being a Latina
- Being Brown
- Being 1st Generation
- Low Income
Being forgiving and resilient. See question below.
On Being ‘Unstoppable’: What does being “unstoppable” mean to you?
Being ‘unstoppable’ is having faith, constantly growing in faith, and never stop believing in yourself, and your capacity to change the world.
As Mother Theresa says,
“The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one be one.”
