Getting to Know... LULAC National President Margaret Moran

By Amanda L Keammerer on 04/04/2011 @ 07:00 AM

QUESTION:

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where were you born and raised?

President Moran:

San Antonio, Texas

QUESTION:

How did LULAC become such an important part of your life?

President Moran:

I was raised by parents who always instilled in me an appreciation for education, respect and giving back to my community. I am honored to be serving and following the Mission of LULAC.

QUESTION:

What are your top priorities as National President of LULAC?

President Moran:

I believe that everyone must have access to the best education possible. I believe that every child should be provided with the critical tools and resources needed to excel in this country. Advocating for an education that encompasses the latest technology, financial literacy, voting rights, human rights and civil rights is one of my top priorities.

In addition, working to see our members of Congress pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform is also at the top of my list. I am very disappointed that this process has dragged on for so long, and I pledge to continue speaking out loud and clear on behalf of our entire membership. We are a nation of immigrants and it is un-American to delay a solution to fix our broken immigration system.

Health care and the environment are also central issues for LULAC. Simply put, we need a healthy population. Healthy families are essential to strengthening our workforce and contributing to our nation’s financial stability.

QUESTION:

What has been the toughest obstacle to overcome as President of LULAC?

President Moran:

Obstacles seem to occur for many of us in our everyday lives – small ones and some not so small. What works for me is keeping a positive outlook, staying focused, listening to others and working towards a united mission. I applaud our National Board of Directors, National staff, and all of our grassroots members for the work they do in their communities throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. They are the core of our organization and, above all, we are “family.” We come together during tough times and support one another.

QUESTION:

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

President Moran:

Continuing to volunteer and spending precious time with my family.

QUESTION:

What advice do you have for women who want to become leaders in their communities?

President Moran:

Reach for the Stars! Be somebody because God never intended for you to be a nobody. Always have confidence in yourself, respect others, stand tall, and always remember to give back to your community.

QUESTION:

OK, now for a couple of fun questions. What is your favorite hobby?

President Moran:

I love to read and I love listening to jazz and classical music (for meditation). I have a collection of rancheras albums of Trio Los Panchos, I enjoy listening to Glenn Miller music, and, once in a while (for fun), I like to get rocking with “In The Mood” - which also reminds me of some my family’s service to our country during World War II.

In 1985, I started a collection of unique coffee mugs and shot glasses from every state that I have visited. I have quite a few to go! I also have a collection of photo albums of each of our grandchildren from birth to the present.

QUESTION:

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

President Moran:

My mother. She is a descendant of one of several families who first settled in San Antonio, Texas. Her great-great grandfather was the first elected Hispanic Justice of the Peace (in spite of the Jim Crow laws) in a small town south of San Antonio: Von Ormy, Texas. His name was Rafael Quintana, who came from Majorca, Minorca, Spain.

To that end, my mother always made sure we went to the polls and voted. She also insisted that we remain in school, participate in church activities, and to always respect others. She is a nonagenarian, and in 2010, she cast her vote to elect me to the highest and most prestigious office in our beloved organization, the National Presidency. I see her as a saint. Until his passing, she was my father’s sole caregiver for thirteen years. My mother cherishes family; I too cherish family and admire my mother beyond words.

QUESTION:

Last question: If you were to enjoy a peaceful sunset anywhere in the world, where would you be and who would be with you?

President Moran:

I would pick Maui, Hawaii, and my soul mate, Oscar (a former LULAC National President).

A peaceful sunset with family would be so delightful, so I would want to share that experience with my children and grandchildren as well.






Note: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and not necessarily shared by the LULAC National Office.