Barbara T. Mendoza, Afro-descendant born and raised in Arica, Chile. I came with my family to Seattle in the late ’70s as a refugee. I have two sons and three grandchildren. I grew up in the only city where I saw people of the same skin color of mine in the country. Later I learned that it was because, in the XVII century, a number of African slaves were brought to the coast of Arica to work on the sugarcane and cotton plantation. I am very proud of being a product of this diaspora or group?
I am a retired Teacher Assistant from Seattle Public Schools, where I worked for many years. My retired life is and will be dedicating more time to community work and of course to spend more time with my grandchildren, family, and friends.
I volunteer in the community: I was a member and leader of Centro Cultural Chileno – Seattle, an organization that helps to preserve the community’s culture and their roots. For many years I helped the Chilean Community in Seattle to facilitate the connection with the Chilean Consulate of San Francisco.
I am very proud of my roots and feel very comfortable in sharing my culture and who I am, I love music, dance, and Arts. I am a strong believer in human rights, I advocate for my rights and others. I advocate for diversity. I was an active participant of our Racial and Equity Committee for students and staff.
Now I am a new member or board member of MAS Movimiento Afrolatino Seattle, I am willing to share what I know with the communities and also learn from you all.
