Hi, my name is Ana Escamilla Pereyra. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and was brought to the U.S. when I was only 45 days old. My mother migrated from Northern Mexico and my father migrated from Southern Mexico and then met in Gainesville, GA in 1987. Like most immigrants, they came to the United States to provide a better lifestyle for their families. Gainesville, known as the Poultry Capital of the World, provided a huge opportunity for them to start their mission here.
My dad had a vision and understood that to get somewhere, you needed both skills and an education. He graduated with a Commercial Driver’s License back in 1993 which allowed my mom to become a stay-at-home wife and mother. In January of 2000, my mom started working at Northeast Georgia Medical Center as a Housekeeper. Over the past 20 years, she has won many awards and been recognized for her hard work and dedication and still works there today! My parents’ work ethic and ambition to become better has stayed with me through the years, allowing me to be successful in my own career. There are millions of stories like mine where progress and dedication are always the key to being successful.
Many immigrants have become entrepreneurs, creating jobs and spending money to help the U.S. economy. According to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia, the Hispanic market is the largest ethnic market in the U.S. and controls a total of $1.5 trillion in buying power. This market, which is the second-fastest growing minority market, has grown 212% since 2000. What am I saying? Companies should be proud to encourage more marketing of their services and opportunities to Hispanics as it can potentially bring much success to their business. Hispanics have become much more than just your average hard workers. We are Hispanics: enhancing values through education, leadership, unity and perseverance.