Tireless woman, passionate about art, culture and education, and always committed to her community, Verónica Escámez Martínez received the 2022 Ohtli Award given by the Mexican government through the Institute for Mexicans Abroad ?IME? and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco.
And it is that Verónica, Mexican by birth and who has lived in the Bay Area for more than thirty years, has become a reference not only for migrants of Hispanic origin, but in general for the entire community of Redwood City, California. . Especially since May 17, 2009, when he founded the community, cultural, educational and sports center Casa Circulo Cultural.
It was the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, Remedios Gómez Arnau, who gave the recognition to the community manager: "It is the highest distinction that the Government of Mexico presents to members of the Mexican community who live abroad and who have stood out for their contributions in favor of other members of the community," he said.
The consul also explained that othli It is a Nahuatl word whose meaning is "path". When asked what path the heart should follow, he said, "the answer is in the codices: melahuac ohtli, which means: the straight path is the one that will lead you to fulfill your destiny».
The recognition given to Verónica Escámez consisted of a diploma, a silver rosette, and a medal, and, in the words of Consul Gómez Arnau, "it is granted to people who have dedicated most of their lives and professional activity to breaking ground, to open the way abroad, so that the younger generations of Mexican men and women who have followed them find a relatively easier path to walk ».
And this is precisely what Verónica Escámez Martínez has done, since Casa Círculo Cultural is a space where everyone fits, but where the little ones find not only the opportunity to develop their creativity and skills in art, culture , sports, multimedia journalism and recreational activities, but also a second home in which they reunite with the traditions of their ancestors and make them their own, as happens every year in the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
The girls, boys and young people who come to Casa Círculo Cultural ?and also their parents? they not only feel a deep respect for Vero (as they call her), but also a sincere affection. Because Verónica Escámez Martínez is a generous person, who always has something to share, from a word of encouragement. Whoever writes this witnessed it by being part of the faculty of the Summer Camp 2022 in this institution.
"Verónica Escámez has a history of more than thirty years of hard work promoting community outreach and social responsibility activities," said the general consul. Gómez Arnau also affirmed that the consulate he represents "has witnessed the great convening power of Mrs. Escámez's cultural initiatives in the city of Redwood City and also in other places."
He also mentioned the annual community concert organized by the institution founded by Verónica Escámez with the San Francisco Symphony to celebrate the Day of the Dead and the altar of the dead that the Casa Círculo Cultural team has also set up at the consulate on several occasions.
As "a sign of Casa Círculo Cultural's vocation for community service," the consul pointed out "the collaboration with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, through which they bring children and young people closer to sports activities, with which they are keeps them away from harmful actions such as gang membership and addictions.”
"I would also like to highlight," continued Consul Remedios Gómez Arnau, "that on August 24 a community plaza was inaugurated at Casa Círculo Cultural to empower the families that meet there with education," and stated that although the Ohtli Award went to In Verónica Escámez Martínez, "her family also supports her and the community through the various initiatives they have undertaken."
"Finally, I do not omit to mention that Mrs. Escámez contributes to disseminate information of interest to the community through the radio channel that Casa Círculo Cultural has," he also said, referring to the "The Voice of Our Roots" program that is broadcast every Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Facebook page of the organization.
After translating her words into English, the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco proceeded to present the distinction to Verónica Escámez Martínez, a pioneer in cultural, educational, sports and community promotion, in Redwood City, California.
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