Ana Manriquez, a Springfield resident and parishioner at St. Katharine Drexel, came to the United States from Mexico about 25 years ago seeking safety and better opportunities for her family. Today, she serves as president of Hispanic Women of Springfield (HWOS), where she works to support other women facing similar challenges.

At HWOS, Manriquez leads the board in planning events and initiatives aimed at providing resources and opportunities in areas such as health, education, leadership, and community engagement. “Through our work, we focus on areas such as health, education, leadership, and community engagement,” Manriquez said. “I dedicate myself to recruiting new members, building partnerships, and promoting the organization in different community settings.”

Reflecting on her arrival in the United States at age 33, Manriquez described the experience as extremely difficult due to language barriers and cultural differences. “The transition was extremely difficult for me. The language barrier was one of the hardest challenges. I suddenly found myself unable to communicate, express my needs, or even understand simple things. Beyond that, the cultural differences created a profound sense of isolation," she said.

She recalled arriving in Springfield without family or friends and struggling with feelings of loneliness despite having her daughters' father by her side. She left Mexico because her hometown had become unsafe with limited work opportunities.

Manriquez initially worked in housekeeping before moving on to jobs at local coffee shops and Springfield Memorial Hospital. There she met a Dominican Sister who invited her to work at the Dominican motherhouse. While working there, Manriquez studied cosmetology and raised her children. Both daughters graduated from Sacred Heart-Griffin High School; one became the first Hispanic woman member of the Springfield Police Department. Manriquez now owns a business in Springfield.

She emphasized that migrants often face significant obstacles but remain resilient through hope and faith: “The migrant community in Springfield is very diverse, but what unites us is the experience of sacrifice and resilience,” she said. “Many migrants come here searching for safety, stability, and opportunities for their families... Despite the struggles, there is a strong sense of hope, family, and faith that keeps people moving forward.”

Faith has played an important role in Manriquez’s journey: “Our parish has played a very important role in this journey,” she said. She recounted how Spanish Mass began being celebrated monthly at Little Flower Church after Bishop approval in 2001 by Father Carlos from Columbia; soon after Monsignor Kevin Vann offered weekly Spanish Mass at Sacred Heart Church (St. Katherine Drexel Parish), helping form a supportive Hispanic Catholic community.

Manriquez said those early years were challenging but essential for building faith communities among migrants: “For people like me it was a space to learn, grow in faith, and share traditions.”

Having overcome many obstacles herself—including learning English—Manriquez is committed to helping others navigate similar transitions: “Every obstacle shaped me into the person that I am today...it also gave me the strength and determination to serve others who face similar struggles."

“I see my role today not only as a responsibility but also as a commitment to strengthening and uplifting the voices of Hispanic women in Springfield,” she said.“I am very blessed to be here.”