About Juana Bordas
In the traditions of many cultures, a person tells his or her story when meeting someone. This is a way to honor one’s family, connect in a meaningful way, and share unique experiences.
My mother, four brothers, my sister, and I stood at the ship’s rail watching the image of our beloved Nicaragua become smaller and smaller and then finally disappear into the Caribbean Sea. In the hull of a banana boat, we rocked and swayed, across the Gulf of Mexico. We docked in Tampa, Florida, and fell into the welcoming arms of mi Papa, who had arrived earlier, earning money to bring his familia to America so his children could have a better life. This immigrant dream has been the promise of America and the wellsprings of its greatness.
My mother, Maria, cooked food and scrubbed floors in the school lunchroom, so I could get a scholarship to a Catholic school. My parent’s vision, determination and sacrifice have been an endless source of inspiration and strength. They taught me the very essence of Servant Leadership.
Personal History
Personal History I was the first in my family to go to college. When I graduated, I wanted – to give back – just as my parents had done for me. I joined the Peace Corps and worked in the barrios of Santiago, Chile, helping low-income women develop work cooperatives so they could feed their families. This early decision set my life on a path of service and reconnected me to my Latina culture and soul.
Do you believe in destino or destiny – that every person has a unique life path and contribution to make? I do because my destino has led me to do the work I do today. I know that as an immigrant; a Hispanic girl from a low-income family with 7 brothers and sisters. I learned to be resourceful, scrappy, talented, and street-smart. It was the perfect preparation for me to become a leader, writer, and teacher.
Receiving the Martin Luther King Social Responsibility Award
from Governor John Hickenlooper and Governor Bill Riley.
- Inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame.
- Wise Woman Award from the National Center for Women's Policy Studies.
- Leadership Legacy award from Spellman College's Center for Leadership 2006.