My aunt, Elba Moran de Berruz, was the first of her family to immigrate from Ecuador to the United States of America.  Her arrival gave passage and inspiration to the remainder of her relatives and for the opportunities this has garnered since;  in addition to her own generosity to her extended family,  we will forever be indebted.  For she not only planted a seed of prosperity among her own, she never forgot where she came from.

Elba dedicated her life to the Ecuadorian people to bring awareness and aid that existed in the gap between our glorious  circumstances that this country affords us and those unfortunately available in a third world.  She never distinguished between her immediate family and those abroad. To my aunt, everyone was an extended family member and as such she educated on politics, female equality and the need for superior healthcare as a matter of human right.

As a first generation American, my aunt taught me the importance of success, willingness to elevate the family and most importantly, never forgetting our roots.  

I love and miss you tia with all my heart!