KEY PEOPLE

My name is Martha Mendoza and I am one of the Pa'lante Movement's (PLM) founder . I was born alongside my amazing twin-sister, in New York, to Dominican parents. When I was about six-year-old, we moved to the Dominican Republic (DR). Although we were poor, I remember my life in the DR as being fun and full of joy. To be honest, I don’t remember ever feeling like there was anything missing because I had a roof over my head, food, family and friends. I remember every year, my mother would cook something simple like oatmeal and make coffee on the day of The Three Kings (El día de los reyes magos) to give out to children and the motoconchistas (men who serve as cab drivers but in a motorcycle) and I always loved that.

In 2003, I moved back to New York with my mom and siblings and it was tough. I didn't speak English but the school we were in, insisted that my twin and I took monolingual classes because we are U.S. citizens. Eventually, we transfered schools and were placed in a bilingual class, where I had the honor of meeting my best-friend/sister and one of the founders of this organization, Yosselyn.

I've lived in shelters (multiple times) and I've struggled in life like many others. However, I have always had my family by my side, which is probably why I've been able to get through it all. 

When I was in my senior year of High School, I had this amazing career counselor who organized events for which students had to volunteer. Out of the ones I participated in, volunteering at a soup kitchen was the one that had the biggest impact on me because it was like finding everything I wanted but couldn't figure out until that day. 

I love food and I love serving others. Food is essential and nobody should ever go a day hungry. As someone who has been through some rough times, and who has a son and nephew who I love dearly, I like to extend a helping-hand to those who need it because, why not? I'd love to make positive contributions to this world that they are now a part of. Life is tough so why not treat ourselves and others kindly?

I have a Bachelor's of science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's of arts in Spanish: Interpreting and Translating. I am a Spanish interpreter and translator who plans on attending law school to become an attorney and eventually, hopefully, a judge one day. Owning a non-profit was part of my dreams for when I retire but luckily for me, thanks to the amazing people in my life, I am able to do it now! I am passionate about giving back, helping others however I can, and justice. I look forward to creating a warm, welcoming environment to those who need our services.