By Ana Reyes | La Voz Internacional
NEW YORK. Some stories inspire us because of the achievements they represent, while others move us because of the journey behind them. Shirley Segovia’s story embodies both.
Born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, she immigrated to the United States as a child, faced a diagnosis of skin cancer, experienced extreme poverty and discrimination, and today has more than two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, dedicated to serving the most vulnerable communities.
With a calm smile and the conviction that every hardship had a purpose, Segovia shares a story marked by gratitude, perseverance, and a desire to extend a helping hand to those who are facing challenges similar to the ones she once endured.
“My Childhood Was Filled with Love”
Question: Shirley, how do you remember your early years in Ecuador?
Shirley Segovia: I had a childhood filled with love. I was raised by my maternal grandparents while my mother worked to give me a better future. I grew up surrounded by affection and strong values, never imagining that life would lead us to start over in another country.
Question: What was it like arriving in New York?
Shirley Segovia: My mother told us we were going on vacation, but when we arrived, I realized that a new life was beginning. Everything changed. We went through difficult times while she worked long hours to make ends meet. We learned how to start
from scratch.
The Diagnosis That Changed Her Life
Question: Shortly afterward, you received some very difficult news.
Shirley Segovia: During the medical examination required to enter school, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. We did not have health insurance, and we were told that they could not operate on me. It was one of the hardest moments for my family. But that same day, someone came into our lives who helped us obtain medical coverage. Thanks to that assistance, I was able to receive the surgeries that saved my life.
A New Opportunity
Question: Years later, you decided to return to the United States on your own.
Shirley Segovia: Yes. I returned with only $300, a suitcase, and many dreams. I knew it would not be easy, but I felt that God had a purpose for my life and that one day I would be able to help other people.
Question: What was the most difficult part?
Shirley Segovia: There were days when I barely had enough to eat a piece of bread. I lived alone, I was afraid, and many times I cried in silence. I also faced discrimination and harassment. Nevertheless, I never lost hope.
Angels Do Exist
Question: On several occasions, you have spoken about the “angels” you encountered along the way.
Shirley Segovia: They are people whom God placed in my life when I needed them the most. A Dominican woman opened the doors of her home to me when I had nowhere to go. A boss believed in me and helped me finish my education. They taught me that kindness can change a person’s life.
A Mission of Service
Question: Today, you have been working in the healthcare sector for more than twenty years. What does that work mean to you?
Shirley Segovia: It is my way of giving back what I received. The first person who helped me obtained health insurance for me; years later, I ended up working specifically to help other families gain access to those same services. I realized that everything had a purpose.
A Message to the Immigrant Community
Question: What would you say to those who are arriving in the United States today in search of a better future? Shirley Segovia: Never stop believing in yourselves. Learn,
study, work honestly, and help those who come after you. No hardship lasts forever. When you maintain your faith, work with discipline, and serve others, your dreams begin to become reality.
A Story That Continues
Today, in addition to her professional career, Shirley Segovia dedicates part of her time to supporting and guiding people who are going through difficult moments. Her professional experience allows her to help and inform others about how to gain access to health insurance.
Her story demonstrates that circumstances do not determine one’s destiny and that every act of solidarity can transform a life.
Above all, it shows that when we believe in ourselves and place our faith in God, anything is possible.
As she herself puts it:
“I arrived in New York with $300 and many fears, but I discovered that when faith, education, and service walk together, no dream is too big.”
