"Focus on what you love to do and that will lead the way."
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated to highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. Ninfa Murillo serves as a retention officer for the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Ninfa's passion to helping students access and successfully complete a higher education makes her an incredible leader in our community.
Preferred Pronouns: Female pronouns
Work Title (s):Retention Officer, Dell Scholars Program, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Favorite Quote:“Es mejor morir de pie que vivir de rodillas.”-Emiliano Zapata* Translated: "I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees.”
*Historically others have been quoted as saying this too but when it inspires me it is Zapata I hear.
Who is Ninfa Murillo? I was born to Mexican immigrants in a small town in eastern Oregon. Both my parents were factory workers involved in the production of potato products. I remember loving school and long lazy summer days reading and hanging out with my friends. But as I got older I began to see the complicated layers of difference. I experienced heavy things in my small little town but so did the rest of my friends and family. That is one thing that sticks out is how we were all in it together. We cried, laughed, rebelled and mourned together. I will never forget where I came from. That place shaped me and taught me to be empathetic, hardworking, and strong.
One of the biggest impacts in my life was the relationship with my brother. The things I saw him experience impacted me forever. He was a brown boy caught up in the system and gone too young. To this day, I fight for the underdog. I feel like I have a responsibility to use my talents to help others achieve their greatest potential.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I am the oldest in my family and I was the first to go to college. I completed a bachelor’s in business administration from Oregon State University and a master’s in public administration from Portland State University. With education I went from a mom struggling to get by to being able to provide for my daughter. I am most proud that my daughter and younger brothers have followed my example and are currently in college.
Today I make a living helping other students across the nation complete their college degrees. I never imagined that my struggles while in college would become the information I use to help create successful college completion programs.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? My struggle with anxiety. It is part of who I am and what I have experienced.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I try to learn something new every day. I have a journal I keep where I write down quotes, ideas, and aha moments I get from reading, meetings, or anything else that caught my attention that day.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? Don’t get too caught up in what you are going to be. Focus on what you love to do and that will lead the way. I knew that I loved working with youth achieve their higher education goals. Once I let that become the focus I found opportunities I didn’t even know existed.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? Mocha. #LivinLaVidaMocha
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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