A Mother’s Love

By: Ashmar Mandou

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

(Left to right) Daisy Alvarez with her mother Felipa Mena.

Community activist and peacemaker Felipa Mena is a symbol of hope for many in her community and one who inspires other mothers across the city.

“I enjoy working with many mothers around Chicago,” said Mena. “We work closely together to bring about better opportunities for our youth.”

On May 10th, 2009, tragedy struck when Mena’s 20-year old, Angel, was killed by street violence. Already a community organizer to help better the lives for low-income families and low-wage working women for years, the loss of Mena’s son motivated her to eradicate gun violence by partnering up with local organizations to create positive solutions for youth surrounded by acts violence.

“I have days when I am sad and it’s hard …it’s hard every May 10th,” said Mena, tearfully. “But I cannot be angry with the person who killed my son because that person may not have had the support system he needed. We can’t give up on our youth; we need to be there for them, guiding them to make the right choices in life.”

Mena’s ability to turn her sorrow into positive action is what called the attention of the Chicago Foundation for Women. On March 21st, Mena was one of five women honored with a 2013 Impact Award for her unyielding commitment to ending community violence through her work with under-serving women and youth. “It was a wonderful surprise,” smiled Mena. “I didn’t expect it, but I was extremely happy to be in the company of other amazing women and share my story.”

Mena currently works with Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) and POWER-PAC where she helped create a “Peace Center,” at Wells High School, where Angel attended. For three years, twice a week, Mena works with young women in peace circles, providing a safe place to talk about what’s occurring in their lives and learn about self-esteem. “When I step into the Peace Center and talk to these students, they become my children,” said Mena. “Their problems are my problems and I want them to feel like they are never alone.”

Her sweet natured spirit is what compels Daisy Alvarez, Mena’s daughter, to follow her mother’s footsteps. “I see all the work that she does in the community and I see how she is affecting lives and it makes me proud,” said Alvarez. “The examples my mom sets motivates me to do more and I just love her.”

In addition to her role at Wells High School, Mena mentors immigrant, Spanish-speaking mothers to become policy change leaders. During the summer, Mena also works as a Head Start Ambassador, traveling door-to-door to help connect low-income and immigrant families with early learning resources.

“Helping students, mothers, and working for COFI, has really empowered me to continue to do more in my community. We need to change the cycle of violence,” said Mena. “For mothers who have lost a child due to street violence, I know it’s difficult every day, but our voices need to be heard. We need to work together to bring more positive changes to our city.”

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