Can you imagine life without the ability to drive? In January 2011, I arrived in Seattle as a new immigrant, carrying uncertainty and hope. That same year I became a mother, far from my family in Mexico. I had no support system, was struggling in a low income household, and facing domestic violence.

My first friends were my nurse and doula at the community clinic. They encouraged me when I felt alone. I longed for a community of Latina mothers. Since none existed, I created my own.

In my small White Center apartment, 15 to 20 Latina moms gathered regularly to share their experiences and learn from one another. But a major obstacle became clear — many of us couldn’t drive. I was among them. My partner discouraged my driving, warning that I could face deportation if I got behind the wheel.

Not being able to drive meant that we couldn’t work or support our families. We were always dependent on our partners to get around. In 2013, out of frustration and desperation, I founded Mujer al Volante (Woman Driving) — a nonprofit that helps low-income immigrant, refugee, and asylum women gain independence through driving. I had no financial support or social connections.

After many “no’s,” my experience as an immigrant, mother, and survivor of domestic violence fueled my determination. After years of advocacy with foundations, government, and grantors, in 2022, state Sen. Claire Wilson and state Rep. Jamila Taylor said “yes,” securing state funding to rent our space and expand our team.

Mobility is one of the top needs for immigrants, alongside housing, jobs, childcare, and language access. More than 60% of the women we serve are heads of households who need to drive to secure a job or start a business.

Starting a nonprofit in Seattle was incredibly difficult. I worked four part-time jobs to sustain Mujer al Volante before I could even pay myself a salary. Despite the struggles, I built an organization that serves the most vulnerable women. Mujer al Volante remains the only organization in the U.S. providing its vital services.

Beyond founding an organization, I found the strength to leave an abusive relationship. I was desperate for a community of women and mothers, and now, through Mujer al Volante, I have built one that has served hundreds of women from diverse cultures. What started as pain and frustration has become a movement led by Latina immigrant women, proving our resilience and strength.

Seattle has something very special: a strong culture of volunteerism and supporting nonprofits. I likely wouldn’t have been able to start Mujer al Volante anywhere else, and I am deeply grateful for this community. Our first grant was small — just $2,000 — and we used it for child care, food, gas stipends for volunteers, and a community center rental. Volunteers are the heart of Mujer al Volante and many other nonprofits.

Mobility is one of the top needs for immigrants, alongside housing, jobs, child care, and language access. More than 60% of the women we serve are heads of households who need to drive to secure a job or start a business. The 1,400 women we have served are boosting the local economy, producing at least $48 million per year based on Washington state’s minimum wage.

Our vision is to reconnect women with their inner strength. We don’t believe in charity. We believe in solidarity. We provide education programs that help women regain confidence and self-sufficiency.

I consider myself a trailblazer on this journey, but Mujer al Volante’s impact goes beyond me and will continue empowering more and more women. Remember: It is never too late to take the steering wheel of your life.

This feature is part of our annual Trailblazing Women series, honoring 10 women who turn challenges into progress and lead with courage, vision, and grit.