Why Women Matter

By Jacqueline Vallejo, BJM Operations Assistant

I came to the Tenderloin at three-years-old as part of a new immigrant family. My mother was a woman who taught me how to be strong. She created a safe world walking through our neighborhood so I didn’t notice the needles on the street. She would smile and buy thrift items from folks sleeping on the streets, showing compassion and simple kindness.

I started kindergarten at Tenderloin Community Elementary, and without knowing fluent English, was taken under the wing of Ms. Branson and Ms. Brown. These wonderful women taught me how to use my voice in a new language, and they went out of their way to learn my first language in order to understand me. 

Ms. Tsang in 2nd grade was a woman who taught me how to vouch for myself. To fight for my opinions and express my thoughts. 

Jen Arens and Major Dawn Rochelau were part of the Salvation Army in the Tenderloin Community, and they came into my life as I grew up. These women taught me trust and confidence, and helped me begin my spiritual path. 

I would not be here if it were not for these women. Period. End of sentence. Whether a small interaction of mere months or the beginnings of friendships that continue today, these interactions were formative for me.

And my experiences are similar to many of the girls in our programs at BJM. 

They don’t want to be scared to go to dance class because they need to walk through some people laying on the street. 

They also want to find their voice and confidence in an environment that undermines those who are not men.

They want to see that goodness and kindness and community prevail, and that women can be all those things and more.

I can only hope that my time here adds a drop to their cup as they grow and develop into wonderful beings.  Because empowered women empower women.