I am proud of the country I was born in, but I am also proud of my Mexican roots; I am a first generation American. I’m Kind of like that saying, “Made in America with Mexican parts.” Both of my parents were immigrants in this country before becoming American Citizens but that doesn’t change the fact that they were illegal immigrants when they first arrived. My parents crossed the boarder into this country to be able to create a better life for themselves and eventually for us and that’s exactly what they did. Somehow two people with no formal education were able to put their 2 daughters into private schools and see them both off to college. With hard work and dedication my parents were able to give us the American dream but also gave us the gift of loving our roots and where we came from. Through stories and my personal experiences while going back to Mexico every December for an entire month to be with family were key to shaping my appreciation and love for the culture that made me ME. And trust me when I say I am blessed to be a part of a huge family (I am one of 63 grand kids on my mother’s side) something I came to appreciate even more after my mom passed from cancer over 13 years ago.
In the 12.5 years that I have been here at Deckers I have tried to honor who I am (a 1st generation American and a child of a parent who died of cancer) through events I’ve helped head up like Relay for Life and our annual Fiesta events. Even through simple costumes during our Halloween celebrations at Deckers I’ve tried to highlight my Mexican culture by dressing up in different versions of Día De Los Muertos outfits. I love when people ask me where I get my inspiration so I can tell them about my mom and my culture. This is my way of honoring my roots and the person that gave me the love of those roots!
Through Relay for Life for years I’ve been a part of a Team that has helped raise thousands of dollars to help our local American Cancer Society and Cancer patients, something I know my mom would be proud of. Through our Fiesta events where we have sold tacos, margaritas, chips and salsa we have also raised money for two children hospitals and the ACS, but have also brought a little bit of our culture to share with Deckers employees and that’s what is really important to me. To share the love of different cultures at a place that has provided so much to me, makes it easy for me to say that Deckers is my other “Familia”.
-Elvia Lopez
Deckers Careers 