[Article to be printed in “Mujeres,” a monthly journal in Oaxaca.]

One of OLL's scholarship recipients, Sonia Bautista León, is a rising star in her native state of Oaxaca, in Mexico and in Pan America. She has been integrally involved with The Oaxaca Learning Center (www.tolc.org.mx) both as a student and as the coordinator for the young women's program there.

In July and August of 2008, Sonia was selected to participate in the "Seminar for Student Leaders," sponsored by the U.S.A. Department of  State. During this seminar she, along with other students from Mexico and Guatemala,  spent four weeks in Amherst, MA, three days in Tucson, Arizona, and another three days in Washington D. C.

Having participated in this State Department program, Sonia and her Mexican counterparts were invited to attend an event on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 in Mexico City. The Embassy of the United States in Mexico made it possible for these young leaders from different states of the country to meet Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who wanted to hear about the experiences these young people had during their sojourn in the U. S. A.

Secretary Clinton listend to what Sonia and the other seminar attendees had to say about their experiences as they enjoyed their State Department exchange program scholarships. During their discussions, Hillary stressed the importance of offering opportunities to young natives to see and learn different perspectives.

For Sonia, this was one of the best experiences of her life. Just imagine, a young woman from a remote pueblo of Oaxaca having the opportunity to meet one of the world's most accomplished women, a woman with an enormous degree of recognition at the international level and who is an example for young women around the world to become better persons each day.

From her meeting with Hillary Clinton, Sonia concluded that the Secretary is a very social and kind lady, with a personality that impacts the people who meet her. She says, "I really believe that she is an inspiration for women like me, who believe that if we want something, we can achieve it.

"When I met and greeted her, I could see the quality of person she is and the simplicity of her personality, the presence that demonstrates she is capable of facing any situation. She is an extraordinary, intelligent and plain woman. She expresses an attitude like saying 'everything is possible if we are united.'

"I had the opportunity to talk with her and tell her that the citizens from Oaxaca, Mexico greeted her, and if it was possible for students from Mexico who had participated in the "Seminar for Student Leaders" to have our picture taken with her.

"In her meeting with us, she commented that it was important to work in teams, to look for equity and parity. The Secretary stated that the  participation of women and youth are the future of our society. As young people we have to fight for our dreams and to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented for the well being of ourselves and our community.

"Sometimes I think that I wouldn´t have had these many opportunities if it had not been for the group of people who have supported me and have relied on me, and more that anything else, my dreams have become their dreams.

"I often think that my people and community might not understand the situations and opportunities that have been afforded me, such as having a conversation with Hillary Clinton. However, I feel that they are proud that I am able to make some positive differences in their lives and the lives of young Mexicans, especially women."

Sonia is in her sixth semester of studies for the Bachelor in Educative Intervention degree in the National Pedagogic University.