After a long stretch of financial hardship for many Latinos, it seems the tides may finally be turning. As the nation’s economy begins to add jobs, those positions are quickly being filled, and mostly by Latinos! Sixty percent of new jobs, most of which are in the areas of hotels, food services, healthcare and manufacturing, went to the Latino population according to the Huffington Post.

This week we’re pleased to introduce you to Monika Langarica who has fought adversity and substandard conditions to not only become the first in her family to go away to school, but to also leave a positive, lasting impact on her community in the wake of her success. We were made aware of Monika’s story through an email from her stepmother, Martha Gonzalez, and now we’re proud to reveal her many accomplishments here to you.

Here’s Why Monika Inspires Us: