Today we’d like to introduce you to Grecia Rivas-Smith.
Grecia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am the daughter of a first-generation immigrant from La Ceiba, Honduras and the youngest of four children raised by a single mother in inner-city Miami – a community now known as the Wynwood Art District. Growing up in Wynwood in the late ’90s and early 2000s, I would have never imagined it would become the upscale art district it is known for today. By the time I was 14 years old, I had already made up my mind to join the military in hopes of seeking out better opportunities than the one’s my brothers and I had growing up, and to fulfill a desire to serve my country. A year after graduating high school and attending community college, I joined the Navy.
I served on active duty for five years (2011-2016) while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Weapons Technician aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and COMFLEACT Yokosuka. While in the Navy, I met my husband, who I had the honor and privilege of serving with for the majority of my five years, and who I now call the father of our two children, Lyric and Chaziya, who are ages 5 and 4. In reflecting on my years serving overseas, joining the Navy was not only the most humbling experience of my life, but also one of the most defining moments in my life. The Navy afforded me the opportunity to serve, travel, earn an education, and to gain leadership experience. But it also presented challenges with my mental health as I battled with depression and postpartum depression following the birth of my second child. Dealing with my mental health while meeting the demands of motherhood, being a wife, active duty service, and attending school full-time have undoubtedly shaped the person I am today.
In 2016, I received an honorable discharge from the Navy and have since become an avid and passionate advocate for mental health awareness. I’ve had the opportunity to speak out about my mental health journey on the Balancing Act, a TV show streamed on Lifetime, and on PBS South Florida, along with speaking on the topic of postpartum depression within my local community. I’ve since earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and I am currently a graduate student pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Nova Southeastern University. I aspire to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration on mental health in underserved black and brown communities.
I am the first of four children to graduate high school, attend college, join the military, and now the first in my family to run for office as a candidate for Commissioner in the City of Oakland Park.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think like for most people, self-doubt. I’ve learned that imposter syndrome is very real and takes consistent discipline and effort to overcome. I often joke with my husband that anything I set out to accomplish always comes with a challenge, while everything for him seems so easily attained. To which he responds, “it’s because you’re strong”. Additionally, as a first-time candidate, navigating my way around the political arena seemed a bit daunting at first. However, I’ve found that being genuine and committing yourself to doing the work for all the right reasons can make this less of a struggle.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m a candidate for Commissioner in the City of Oakland Park. I am proud to say that we are a team of four dedicated women running a strong and organized grassroots campaign. We are currently focused on getting our message out to as many voters as possible before Election Day, on November 3, 2020. We are also working tirelessly to inform voters that as a young, Latinx female veteran, wife of a law enforcement officer, and mother of two school-aged and biracial children, I understand firsthand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will ensure that the everyday hardworking residents that make up the diverse community of Oakland Park are represented and spoken for.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my husband Chaz, who has been my rock and safe haven, and who encompasses the very definition of what it means to be a loving, caring, and selfless father and husband.
My campaign manager, Shakeia Kegler, who has played a vital role in reminding me to always stay true to myself while keeping an open mind to new ideas and pushing me beyond my limits. Shakeia has been an amazing mentor, supporter, sister, and the foundation of this campaign.
Our data analyst, Laura Uribe, who possesses the strongest progressive values of anyone I know and who is a political data machine. I honestly don’t know where our team would be without her. Laura is pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science at the UCSD and I have no doubt in my mind that she will be an invaluable asset to their Political Science Department.
Dania Bernard, our marketing guru as I like to call her, has excelled at bringing the vision of our campaign to life! The time and dedication that she pours into her work is unmatched. I am so thankful for the time and expertise she has devoted to our campaign.
Pricing:
- As a grassroots campaign, we rely on small-dollar donations! Contributions can be made on our campaign website at www.greciasmith.com. Contributions are limited to $250.00 per individual person and/or business entity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greciasmith.com
- Phone: 7867071180
- Email: grecia@greciasmith.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greciarivassmith/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greciarivassmith/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/greciarsmith
Image Credit:
Alex Bailey Photos
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