Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayra Camarena.
Hi Jayra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I believe my journey on where I am today started since I was born. I witnessed domestic violence as a child until the age of ten when my parent’s got divorced. I think everyone as a young adult, searches for their purpose and jumps from job to job. That’s what I did Until I started working in a Local Domestic Violence Shelter where I learned how to identify what I had witnessed and experienced as a child and understood why I had so many challenges as a teen. In 2013 we moved to Oklahoma, where I also so started working as a Domestic violence advocate. In 2015, I left my position as an advocate to follow the calling that I believe God has placed over me and after months of prayer, In 2018, I opened La Luz Org, the only Oklahoma Attorney General-certified culturally specific, faith-based non-profit agency serving domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking survivors in the state of Oklahoma.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No! It has been extremely challenging, I do tend to struggle with imposter syndrome, I didn’t think I was the best person to do the job, as I am dyslexic and have ADHD, I kept asking God, why me? but slowly, I started understanding that I was fit for the job, I had the desire to help and I had the boldness to do it and learned to start seeing myself as God sees me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I am most proud of is that even with all the challenges and obstacles life has thrown at me, I have been able to push forward and now recognize that Jehovah was by my side even when I was living my own will.
Jayra Camarena is a first-generation Guatemalan American born in Los Angeles, CA. She has a degree in Criminal Justice, is a Certified Domestic Violence Counselor in California and is Certified Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Professional (CDSVRP) in Oklahoma.
Jayra has professional experience as a Public Speaker as a Group Facilitator, Presentations, Conference Workshops, Culturally Specific Program Development and 15 years of victim survivor services. Jayra is the first Latina Advocate to provide culturally specific expert witness services in the state of Oklahoma.
In 2015, Jayra had a life-changing experience and surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. She then pursued her calling to create La Luz Organization. La Luz Org is the only Oklahoma Attorney General-certified culturally specific, faith-based non-profit agency serving domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking survivors in the state of Oklahoma
Most recently, Jayra started Ladina LLC a consulting firm that focuses in a culturally competent lens to a wide range of fields, with its expertise in trauma and faith-informed victim services, culturally specific programs development, expert witness testimony, Professional Coaching and podcast.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
All things are possible with God by your side.
Contact Info:
- Website: ladina.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafesitoconpamela/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayra-c-041b60183/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ladina_llc/
Image Credits
credit Marylin S. Photography professional headshots
