Meet Trailblazer Betzy Valdez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Betzy Valdez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It was about two years ago, that’s when I started sharing my story with others. While most of my life, I had believed to be an introvert and afraid of getting attention from others, at this point in my life something in me spoke louder than my fears. There was a burning desire to speak up, to be a positive voice in my community, to change this negative narrative about “Dreamers” like myself. I know it sounds so cliche, but the truth was, I simply needed to be part of the change I was looking for.

I am originally from Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. My parents, my younger sister and I, came to the United States 22 years ago, seeking the well-known American Dream. My parents wanted to give us the opportunity to have a better and brighter future than the one we would have had in our home country. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, we made our journey to the United States undocumented. Yes, undocumented, something I know is viewed as unacceptable in our society. I do believe though, it is not openly talked about or understood which leads most people to condemn individuals like myself without knowing the full real stories.

I share my story as a “Dreamer”, a DACA recipient (DACA protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation), to shed light on this issue. I began opening up about my situation to give a face and a story to such a controversial topic. When people hear and see far more than what is spewed in the news or social media, real connections are made. I understand it may be difficult but it’s necessary to have conversations to perhaps reach a solution.

After a few setbacks with DACA, I wanted to create a space where I could continue to share my story as well as redirect the negativity to something positive. I created B. Empowered, my way to encourage and empower others to use their voice, to lead and make a difference. It’s a movement that is growing and evolving and quite honestly, it may not be all figured out but what I do know is that this work matters, we matter, I matter.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, I think just like anything else we do in life, there will always be bumps on the road. I think one of the biggest struggles I have dealt with is working through my own fears and insecurities. This is what I believe gets in the way of most of us playing BIG in life.

The negative chatter gets loud, often trying to convince me out of moving forward on this path I am currently on. I often find myself second-guessing what I am doing, worrying about “What will others think or say?” or “Will they approve?”

The reality is, my work and message may not be for everyone and I have to be okay with that. I need to keep in mind that at the end of the day, what matters the most is that my work and passion are aligned with my beliefs and values. It sounds so simple right? But it takes time, work and most importantly, belief.

My advice to women: GO FOR IT! Do what makes you happy…that one thing that lights your soul on fire. Yes, it’ll be scary at times (heck most of the time) but do it anyway. You were given a specific job, assignment or idea for a reason…because you are the perfect one for it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about B. Empowered – what should we know?
Through B. Empowered. I have had the privilege to serve as a speaker, writer and most importantly, as a community volunteer. My mission is to encourage and empower others to use their voice, to lead and make a difference regardless of color, religion, race, or legal status. I want my work to serve as a reminder that we are stronger and better together. It’s about having a vision, not division.

I am mostly proud of the volunteer work for organizations such as the Habitat for Humanity (Women’s Build and Veteran’s Build), Weld Food Bank and Street Clean-Ups. This is something I am able to accomplish with friends, family and other community members who believe in this mission. Opportunities such as these, allow young and old, men and women, from different walks of life to come together and make a massive impact in others’ lives.

I also serve as the Vice President of the Hispanic Women of Weld County, a non-profit organization that awards academic scholarships and acknowledges accomplishments of Latina women in our community. I am honored to work alongside powerful Latina leaders who are committed to the growth and success of each and every single woman.

What sets me apart from others? Wow, what can I say? I am a “Dreamer”, both as a DACA recipient and also as a woman who dares to dream that B. Empowered will make a difference in the lives of many.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Honestly, the biggest barrier I see is not believing in our own capability as leaders. With uneven expectations we have as women, we often believe we simply are not good enough or worthy of leading in any area. Whether that may be as a mother, a business owner or a community leader, we tend to hold ourselves back due to the lack of belief in ourselves.

We are capable of anything we set our minds to, ANYTHING. As women, we need to connect to a group, tribe or circle of women who are by us to support, love and encourage us, because it is extremely important. Women who will be there to cheer us on and at times, believe in us more than we do in ourselves, is a must in our journeys.

When we have this amazing support system, we grow, we evolve, we flourish and we believe in the power that we all hold.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bempowereddreamer.com (coming soon)
• Email: betzys970@hotmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/bempowereddreamer
• Facebook: facebook.com/beempowereddreamer

Image Credit:
Pamela Mayka Photography
Moms Who Rise

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