Angelica Alvarez and her son, Noah.

Finding Her Voice — And A Purpose

Adversity can crush hope – or build resilience.

Angelica Alvarez emigrated from Mexico at the age of 6. She “didn’t fit in anywhere.” She spoke no English, wasn’t fully accepted by the other immigrant children and families who had lived here longer, and found few women of color to serve as role models. Her mother worked from sunrise to sunset to provide for her children.

Her perspective changed when Denise Hanson, her high school Spanish teacher, encouraged her to utilize her skill in speaking Spanish to tutor students, and included her in the community associated with Root 2 Rise.

 Root 2 Rise Thrive also provided financial assistance.

“I will forever be grateful that Denise believed in me from the start and encouraged me to move beyond survival mode,” she said. Alvarez believes her life would have been markedly better if a Tutor-Mentor had helped her in elementary school.

“This is why I decided to become a teacher. I want to help other girls find their voices, discover a path to the future, and pursue their dreams. Where would we be without our dreams?” she said.

Root 2 Rise was instrumental in enrolling Alvarez in the UW-Madison Odyssey Project, which further encouraged her to earn a teaching license and undergraduate degree.

“Society tends to divide us by color, gender and other factors,” which she believes marginalizes and isolates low-income women of color, especially in the current political climate. 

She is a fierce advocate for her son, Noah, and enormously proud of how he relishes what he learns in Junior Odyssey, and ensures he has passionate and supportive role models.

“I now have faith. People listen to my voice. I believe I can influence hearts and minds,” she said.

We offer Root 2 Rise to any student willing to participate. Root 2 Rise welcomes partnerships with groups who share our goals.