Ana Rico-Sanchez was born in the United States and raised in Mexico before returning at 18 to build a better future. Ana was determined to pursue a career in healthcare despite the new language and the new culture. She balanced marriage and motherhood while continuing her education, challenged by financial struggles as well as postpartum depression. She found the EMPOWER program through Merced County Office of Education, completing her medical assistant and phlebotomy technician training. Guided by supportive instructors and classmates, Ana now works in healthcare and continues striving toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse.