Meet Elizabeth Pino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Pino.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia during one of the darkest times in my country known as “The Pablo Escobar Era.” I witnessed things a young child shouldn’t have to. The country was going through a volatile political era.

This experience helped me shape my perspective and fully understand how without proper government control any country can just fall apart. I moved here when I was 17 years old. I didn’t know the language, but my determination and passion for social justice pushed me to take advantage of every opportunity available. I am a graduate student with an (MPA) Master’s in Public Administration and a bachelor’s in Political Science.

During my freshmen year in college, I interned at City Hall with Los Angeles Councilman, Greig Smith. During the internship, I acquired valuable research skills which helped me realize how complex the government is. After graduating from college, I created an awareness program called Kiikas.org. Through this program, we educate young women on self-awareness techniques and provide tools to increase proactive participation in their health.

We created this program when I found out my dear cousin Rosemary was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29. During this difficult time, I learned that Latina women tend to be less aware of breast cancer and their risk factors and more importantly; access to health care is limited. This knowledge prompted me to step into action.

Kiikas was founded when we realized that there was a great need of support for young women under the age of 40. Through this program, we educate young women on self-awareness techniques and provide tools to increase proactive participation in their health. Part of our mission is to raise funds to help young women obtain free mammograms.

We have done so by teaming up with the White Memorial Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles for a month-long purse drive, “Purses with a Purpose.” The proceeds were donated to the Cecilia De La Hoya Cancer Center, and we were featured on Univision for their morning news show.

Presently, I serve on the UN Women Los Angeles Committee as an event coordinator where I create and execute innovative community impact programs and initiatives that result in an increase in community engagement. Part of my job is to coordinate community events, contributions, and sponsorships designed to support the chapter objectives.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, It hasn’t been a smooth road. My story includes an array of obstacles that almost forced me to give up. When I arrived here, I didn’t know the language, that was a huge barrier I had to overcome. The way we do essays in Latin America is completely different than the way we do it here. Also, being an Academic Mom was very challenging.

When I was almost done with my MPA, I found out that I was pregnant with my first child (Maia). At that moment my priorities completely changed. I knew that I wanted to be there for her every step of the way. So, I dropped out of school, quit my job, and became a full-time Mom. A year later, my second child, Mila came into the picture, and those dreams of running for public office were pushed further away into the horizon.

At that point, the easiest thing for me to do was to give up. But since I wanted to be a positive role model for my girls, giving up was not an option. So I went back to school and soon found out how difficult it was to balance family life and graduate school. Having two girls under the age of three takes precedence over everything, including finishing your masters.

But along the way, the most important help that I received was the patience, support, and encouragement from my husband and my mother. They dedicated the time and effort to help me succeed. As difficult as this has been, I am so happy that I have been the main person raising my girls. My MPA was a family undertaking, and I am proud to share this accomplishment with them. That’s why it’s important for women like me to run for office.

We need people in Washington D.C. to know our stories and to understand how legislation affects us all. Therefore, we need more Latina mothers sitting at the table discussing the issues that are relevant to us. We need those who have experienced first-hand the difficulties that women face as contributors to this society, because in the end, not only do the hours we punch in at a 9-5 job matter but so do the hours that we spend raising the next generations of tomorrow.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I have always felt a call to a life in public service, and I believe that it is now my responsibility to continue acting on this call to the best of my ability.

Looking back over the last 11 years, I realize that everything I have really applied myself to has in some way or another manifested itself in the realm of public service. I want to run for Public Office because, despite progress toward gender equality, many challenges still persist.

Women are still disadvantaged compared with men in regards to economic and social opportunities. Latinos, represent 17 percent of the population and continues to be one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the nation, our representation is overwhelmingly low.

And in order to have a government that’s by the people and for the people, we need a government that represents all the people. We also need more women from different backgrounds representing us and speaking about the issues that matter to us because who knows more about women’s issues than women themselves.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents, of course, my dear husband who is always there to support me and my two girls who are my everything.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_pino/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzieGomez
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-pino-mpa-4ba28840/

Image Credit:
Luis Luque Photography

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