NWNY Volunteer Profiles: Ludmila Leiva, 26, Blog Editor
New Women New Yorkers is run by a staff of volunteers. Some work on outreach initiatives to spread the word about the organization’s mission, while others work on the blog team or facilitate events and workshops — among a variety of other jobs. We want to introduce you to each of our fantastic volunteers, one by one.
Ludmila Leiva, a 26-year-old writer, editor, and illustrator based in Brooklyn, has been volunteering with NWNY since the end of 2015. She edits articles for the blog, working with the Blog Manager and a band of wonderful writers. Find her on Twitter and Instagram, @ludileiva.
What is your country of origin?
I’m from Canada by way of Slovakia and Guatemala.
How do you relate to the immigrant experience?
My parents are both immigrants and — growing up as a mixed kid in a predominantly white community — I was always very aware of this. Being part of the Latin American diaspora has meant never feeling fully at home anywhere in the world.
What inspired you to volunteer for NWNY?
I wanted to be a part of a community that empowered immigrants and helped them integrate into American society.
What is one US or NY cultural habit that you picked up since you came to live here?
I stopped saying, “eh!” and dropped a lot of other Canadian idiosyncrasies. To be honest, moving from Canada was a smooth transition and I was a child so I hardly noticed.
What is a dish that you like to cook from your home country? Where do you find the ingredients for this dish in the city?
I cook black bean soup which is a traditional Guatemalan dish that my mother always made me growing up. Thankfully, it only has four ingredients — water, black beans, salt, and onions — so it’s very easy to find those anywhere.
What is your greatest survival skill in NYC?
My music and headphones. This city can be very overstimulating and when I can’t insulate myself with my music I can get anxious and overwhelmed.
Do you have any advice you could offer someone else who is immigrating to NYC?
Ruthlessly look for communities that align with your interests; this city has so many clubs, events, and groups. Just go to things that interest you and you’re bound to meet other like-minded people. Once you have a solid community, anything is possible.
What has your experience working with NWNY meant to you?
It’s been really nice to see all the positive impacts of the LEAD program on young women immigrants. It gives me hope.
