Hispanic Heritage Month

Unsung Heroines: The Courage of Carmelita Torres

“ONE VOICE OF COURAGE CAN SPARK A MOVEMENT.”

Many people may not realize it, but Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close—its final day is October 15th. This is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives us the chance to celebrate our heritage, share our culture, and tell our stories without reservation.

Today, I want to honor one of my heroines—a young woman whose bravery changed history, though her name is rarely found in textbooks.

REFLECTING ON THE WOMEN WHO CAME BEFORE US

These heroines were brave, relentless, and wise beyond their years. They lived in a time when patriarchy ruled nearly every corner of society, yet they stood up for fairness and justice when it mattered most.

Sometimes, I imagine what life would have been like if I had been raised in their era.
Would I have been allowed to own a business?
Would I have been able to attend a university?
Or would I have been silenced by tradition—expected to remain quiet and reserved?

I may never know, but my faith reminds me that we each exist in the time and place God has planned for us. These women were born for their moment in history. Their strength and intelligence were not coincidences—they were part of a greater purpose, a destiny to fulfill.

WHO WAS CARMELITA TORRES?

In 1917, a 17-year-old woman named Carmelita Torres boarded her usual trolley from Ciudad Juárez to El Paso, Texas, where she worked as a house cleaner. When her trolley reached the Santa Fe International Bridge, U.S. customs agents ordered everyone to exit and undergo their daily “disinfection baths.”

What many history books overlook is the horror behind this so-called “sanitary” process.

Mexican workers were forced to strip and be doused with gasoline before being allowed to cross the border to work.

But on the morning of January 28, 1917, Carmelita had enough. She refused to comply. Her single act of defiance inspired other women on her trolley to do the same. Within an hour, over 200 women joined her in protest. By noon, the crowd had grown to thousands, blocking traffic and marching toward the disinfection camps to demand justice.

Journalists would later call this historic event the “Bath Riots of El Paso.”

HER LEGACY LIVES ON

After her arrest, Carmelita disappeared from official records. Many believe she was killed, her name erased to protect those in power. But history remembers what records cannot: her bravery ignited one of the earliest recorded acts of resistance at the U.S.–Mexico border.

To me, Carmelita Torres is a superhero—not the kind who wears a cape, but one who stood up for others with nothing but conviction.

I honor her by telling her story and teaching future generations about the richness, resilience, and righteousness that define our culture.

“WE REMEMBER SO WE CAN REMIND THE WORLD—OUR PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN BRAVE.”

Next week, I’ll share the story of another heroine—one whose legacy continues to inspire my faith in justice and the strength of our people.

When every door slams shut…

God Opens Another

When I graduated from graduate school, I imagined job offers would start pouring in. I had attended a prestigious university, and I thought pursuing a career in law would open doors I never dreamed of. But God had a different plan for me—one I didn’t see at first.

I went through countless interviews—on Zoom, Teams, and in person—believing my résumé and years of professional experience would carry me through. The reality was eye-opening. I had earned a master’s degree in a field where I had little direct experience. I knew I wanted to help my community with legal matters, but many employers were seeking legal assistants or research administrators with at least four years in the field. Even “entry-level” positions were asking for three years of experience. I felt stuck and wondered: How am I ever going to get my foot in the door?

After a year of trying on my own, I turned to God in prayer. I poured out my frustration: “Why is this so hard?” … “You promised if I went to school, I would have a great job.” … “You said if I ask in Your name, it would be given to me.” Slowly, I began to realize that His plan was unfolding in a way I hadn’t expected.

One day, while searching online, I came across a video of a woman sharing how she became a notary and now coaches others. Her message was sincere and encouraging. In that moment, I felt God place something on my heart: Look into becoming a notary.

So I did. I followed that call and started the process. Do I know exactly what the future holds? No. Am I nervous stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people? Absolutely. But I’m learning to let go of my own expectations and trust the higher plan guiding me.

The lesson I’ve learned is this: when every door seems to close, God always provides another way. Sometimes it’s a window, sometimes it’s a back door—but it’s always an invitation to trust Him and walk through.