Delia is a single mom raising her son Kaleo (14). They have a special bond, and Delia strives every day to provide a better future for Kaleo. Delia has been an administrative associate in the Chadwick Center at Rady Children’s Hospital for nine years. She loves her work and the opportunities she has to bring hope and support to children who are in desperate need of help.

This year, Delia was the first person in her family to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, and plans on continuing to work toward a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Education has always been a priority for her, and she hopes it will help provide her son with opportunities in life and also serve an example that hard work and dedication can help you reach your goals. Her passion is to serve others and looks forward to landing a direct service position where she can help children and families in need even more.

At the age of five, Delia immigrated to the United States from Mexicali, Mexico, with her father and older brother. Her father taught her that other people may give up on you, but as long as you never do, you can get anywhere you want to go. Kaleo enjoys math, science, history, and basketball, and will be entering high school this year. He has been recognized for excellence in academics, which makes Delia beam with pride. He had some difficulty last year, after falling ill and missing a lot of school, but he worked hard and got caught up. He likes being the center of attention and was voted “most spirited” in his 8th grade class. He was a Boy Scout for several years, which reinforced the values in their home — kindness, honesty, determination, self-respect, and fun.

Delia and Kaleo enjoy having Sunday morning breakfast together at Denny’s and binge watching their favorite Netflix shows together. They love riding the Belmont Park roller coaster, and visiting with friends and family in Mexicali. The first in her family to own a home, Delia says it will change her life. She says, “It will allow me and my son the space to feel like we belong and can feel secure that there will be stability for both of us.”