Litza, A Young Woman with Dreams That WILL Come True
At only 18 years old, Litza is one of the youngest women on our San Lazaro Coffee farm team. As one of six sisters, her family has faced many difficulties due to poverty and limited opportunities in the area. But Litza has never given up on her dreams.
During her school years, Litza's parents gave her everything they could to help her make it through the 6th grade. Unfortunately the 6th grade is the end of most children’s education in the remote mountains where our farm is located. However, that would not be the end of Litza’s story. She and her parents prayed for help to continue her studies, and God answered their prayers when Litza was accepted on a partial scholarship into a boarding school program where she would be able to finish junior high and high school.
Litza’s first few years away from home were very challenging as she suffered from loneliness at the boarding school. Moreover, some of her classmates looked down on her because of her humble economic background. But Litza persevered and leaned on God, praying for strength and endurance, and working hard to learn and finally graduate from high school.
Litza’s mother, Trinidad, has worked for San Lazaro Coffee for many years. Thanks to her stable employment with fair wages, the family was able to pay for Litza’s education in full. Litza says that the night of her graduation was one of the happiest moments of her life. She could finally see that the years of sacrifice were worth it and she felt proud of her accomplishments.
Her co-workers on the farm say that Litza shines as a young woman, full of kindness, humility, and faith. She is the leader of her youth group at church, always there to help her friends when they need it the most. She is also a Sunday school teacher for the younger kids.
Litza is now about to enter university - something that wouldn’t be possible without her employment at San Lazaro Coffee. This time around, she is able to help support her family financially while also paying for her own university expenses.
One fun fact about Litza that we just can’t omit is that she’s one of a few brave women who do “tough” jobs that are usually only done by men on the farm. How cool is that? She says that being part of her warrior women crew fills her with happiness. She is grateful for how San Lazaro Coffee cares for and empowers women to do things they never thought possible.
Litza is proud to share her story with young people, motivating them to have the desire to fight for their dreams, regardless of their social class or economic situation. And who wouldn’t be inspired by a young woman with determination and a wish to rise above her circumstances?
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