My beautiful mom makes me so proud! She’s overcome many challenges. Her mother died when she was just 10 years old. She then had a difficult stepmother. She put herself through college and was the first generation to graduate in her family.
My Dad was unable to function within our family and she spent most my brother’s and my childhood as a one-income single parent. She started in the mail room at a large insurance company and got promoted to manager of claims within a few years.
When I was in high school she earned her CPCU designation, which is like a master’s degree, in insurance. She continued to climb ladders. She retired as the Director of Risk Management a few years ago, which meant she oversaw the entire County of Santa Clara.
In all of this time she went to every cheer, football game and dance recital for my brother and I. She always saw that we had a family vacation every year. She gave us both braces, and she bought our family a house—all on her own. She put my brother and I through college.
She moved to Gilroy to be closer to my children and even became part of Gilroy Leadership. She is a huge support in my life and my example of how to succeed.
She has had a very challenging couple of years , and I just want her to know that I recognize all that she’s been through all of these years. I thank God that He blessed me with this wonderful mother!
I love you Mom more than words can ever say! Thank you is not enough!
Jennifer Mariscal
