Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulce C. Sanchez.
Hi Dulce, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For over two decades, I’ve proudly called Cleveland, Ohio my home. Originally from the beautiful city of Santiago, Dominican Republic, I come from a very humble background. Growing up in a poor family, I’ve learned firsthand the values of compassion and resilience. Transitioning to life in Cleveland was a significant adjustment, but I’ve approached challenges with humility and a willingness to learn, striving to be a positive force in my community. I came to Cleveland with a suitcase full of hopes and dreams that today God is making a reality.
Throughout this journey, my husband has been my rock. I met him at a very young age, and he’s not just my partner but also my best friend and motivator. Together, we’ve raised three beautiful children who fill our lives with joy and purpose. I’m also blessed with a supportive family: a brother, a sister, and a very caring mother. As the oldest, I’ve taken on the responsibility of setting an example and providing support whenever needed. And I can’t forget to mention Nana, my biggest fan, whose unwavering support and encouragement have meant the world to me. I may drive her bananas with all my crazy ideas, but she’s always there to hear me out and support me no matter what. Mama (My Grandmother) is very special to me, having played a pivotal role in my upbringing, and I carry her guidance with me. Mama’s wisdom helped me through my years of adolescence.
Reflecting on my roots, I owe much of who I am today to the support of my community and my school in Santiago. From them, I’ve learned invaluable values that I now share with those around me. I make it a point to remember where I came from and where I’m going. It’s important for me to appreciate my past and look forward to what’s ahead. So, I make sure to remind myself, especially the 10-year-old me, to be proud of where I’ve been and excited about where I’m headed, all while cherishing the moments with my loving family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has truly been remarkable, filled with valuable lessons in determination, community, and leadership. Like many, I faced my share of challenges along the way, each one a stepping stone toward personal and professional growth.
One of the biggest obstacles I encountered was the language barrier. Learning English later in life was no easy and it demanded immense effort and perseverance. However, through unwavering dedication, I was able to master the language, using it to pursue educational opportunities, build relationships, and advance in my career. Juggling college while fulfilling my roles as a mother of three and a wife required exceptional time management and resilience. Despite the challenges, I remained determined to pursue higher education, aiming to set an example for women facing similar circumstances. I wanted to show that with determination, parenthood should never hinder one’s path to success.
Additionally, Navigating the Professional Landscape: My journey began in the fast-food industry on the west side of Cleveland during my high school years. From there, I transitioned into the banking industry, then the nonprofit sector, and now I find myself working in government. Despite the shifts in my career path, I’ve always held onto the skills and lessons learned from my first job flipping burgers. Those early experiences taught me the importance of hard work, teamwork, and customer service, qualities that have remained invaluable throughout my professional journey.
Throughout my journey, the unwavering support of my family has been my pillar of strength. Their encouragement, combined with my own inner drive, propelled me forward, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it was working late nights at the fast-food restaurant or navigating the complexities of the banking industry, their belief in me never wavered. Their support has been a constant source of motivation, reminding me that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination and a strong support system. Despite the obstacles, I emerged from each challenge stronger and more resilient, ready to make meaningful contributions to my community. Each hurdle served as a testament to my perseverance and determination, reinforcing my belief in the power of hard work and dedication. From overcoming language barriers to balancing the demands of motherhood and education, each challenge was an opportunity to prove to others and myself that resilience and determination can lead to triumph.
Remaining Grounded: Through it all, I stay humble and grateful, recognizing the pivotal role my family plays in my journey. Their unwavering support continues to inspire me, reminding me of the importance of staying grounded amidst success. No matter how far I have come, I always remind myself of my roots and the values instilled in me by my family and community. Their support keeps me grounded and focused on making a positive impact, both professionally and personally.
In essence, my journey underscores the transformative power of perseverance and the invaluable support of community and family. It’s a testament to the belief that with determination, resilience, and a strong support system, anything is possible.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. My work has been driven by a passion for serving my community and making a positive impact wherever I can. Currently, I’m focused on continuing to contribute to meaningful initiatives within my role in government, striving to address the needs of those I serve with integrity and dedication. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my efforts, including, humbly, the EmpowHERed LeadHERship Award from Cleveland State University in 2024. Also, the Outstanding Leadership Award at the City of Cleveland Hispanic Heritage Month Ceremony in September 2023 and being featured in the list of 100+ Latinos Cleveland Must Know 2022. Nevertheless, I believe there’s always more to learn and ways to grow. My aim is to continue supporting and advocating for others with sincerity and humility, hoping to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Looking ahead, I’m also excited about the possibility of sharing my experiences and insights through writing. I’m planning on exploring the idea of writing a book in the near future, with the hope of inspiring others and shedding light on the importance of perseverance, community support, and the transformative power of resilience. It’s a new endeavor that I’m approaching with humility and excitement, eager to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to share my story with VoyageOhio. What matters most to me is leaving a legacy of community empowerment and advocacy, particularly as a woman of color from the Dominican Republic who has encountered various challenges throughout my life and career. Despite these obstacles, I’ve remained committed to making a positive impact and advocating for fairness and equality within our Hispanic community in Cleveland and beyond.
My experiences as a woman of color have profoundly shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for social justice and empowerment. I hope to inspire future generations, including my children, to embrace their cultural identity and stand up for what is right. My goal is to instill in them the importance of preserving and promoting their culture in Cleveland and advocating for the Hispanic community as a whole.
Through overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers, I aim to demonstrate that resilience, determination, and purpose can lead to meaningful change. I want the future generations to inherit a world where they feel empowered to make a difference and where diversity within the Hispanic community is celebrated and respected.
Ultimately, what matters most to me is leaving behind a Dominican culture in Cleveland and a Hispanic community in general that is better than before. I believe that each of us has a responsibility to contribute positively to our communities and to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By staying humble, staying true to my values, and remaining committed to making a difference, I hope to leave behind a lasting legacy of positive change.
Lastly, It’s my hope that through sharing my story, I can inspire others to embrace their heritage, stand up for what is right, and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Thank you again for this opportunity.
