Partner Highlight: Nora Curiel, Vida y Salud
Nora Curiel is the program coordinator of Vida y Salud (formerly PASOs Spartanburg). In collaboration with Upstate Family Resource Center, Vida y Salud offers diverse services to support the Latino community in Spartanburg County. Services include child development assessments, mental health support, SNAP applications, and more.
We are excited to share this conversation with Nora that delves into her inspiring journey from chemical engineer in Mexico to the leader of a transformative community health initiative in Spartanburg, SC.
Seven Questions With Nora
What was your journey getting to your current position as executive director of Vida y Salud?
My journey to my current position as the Vida y Salud Program Coordinator has been a transformative one. I moved from Mexico to the United States in 2010, initially as a student focusing on ESL and GED studies. As I settled into my new community, I became involved as a volunteer tutor for mathematics, assisting students in ESL and GED classes. Additionally, I served as an interpreter for Hispanic families accessing services through Harvest Family Ministries, and I served on their board for a couple of years.
During this time, an opportunity arose to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which I embraced for two years. Through this experience, I gained invaluable knowledge and skills. Eventually, I was offered the opportunity to lead the program at Harvest Family Ministries.
In 2017, with the support of the Mary Black Foundation and the guidance and structure provided by PASOs and the Upstate Family Resource Center, I transitioned into my role as a Community Health Worker (CHW), starting the PASOs site in Spartanburg County. Over the years, the program expanded its services, allowing us to hire more CHWs and grow the program significantly.
Last year, we decided to become independent from PASOs and establish the Vida y Salud program. My responsibilities did not change due to this transition. I continue to oversee the team, secure resources, and continuously strive to expand our services to meet the evolving needs of the Latino community we serve.
Overall, my journey has been one of growth, learning, and dedication to serving our community. I remain committed to advancing the health and well-being of the Latino population through Vida y Salud.
From the moment I met Nora back in 2010, it was evident that she possessed a leader's spirit. Her passion and humility, paired with a steadfast commitment to service from her early days as a volunteer, set her apart. Even before a leadership role was on the horizon, Nora was being shaped for greatness. Her journey from a student to a volunteer, then to a VISTA, and eventually to the Program Manager of Harvest Family Ministries, showcases her evolution. Nora's influence has extended far beyond, leading initiatives for Latino families in Spartanburg County and beyond. She has not only emerged as a leader but also fosters leadership in others. Working alongside Nora, as she motivates and enables women from her culture to transcend barriers and uplift children, youth, mothers, grandmothers, and families, is both a joy and a privilege.
Did you ever imagine yourself working in this field?
No. As my background is in chemical engineering, I never envisioned myself in this position or working in this field. Serving my community wasn’t something I initially considered as a career path. Back in Mexico, I volunteered for my children’s school, but it never occurred to me that this could be a potential job opportunity for me.
One of the reasons I became passionate about working with immigrants is because, in some ways, we share similar experiences of leaving everything behind. Of course, I am grateful for the many privileges I have enjoyed upon coming to this country. With those privileges, however, comes a responsibility to support those who haven’t been as fortunate.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family. I have a wonderful husband and three children whom I’m incredibly proud of. One of my children is autistic, so I dedicate a lot of my time at home to caring for and supporting him. Family time is precious to me, and I cherish every moment we spend together. It’s important to me to create memories and strengthen our bond outside of work. One of my favorite things is spending time with my siblings, whom I’ve lived far away from for many years. I cherish every minute I get to share with them, as these moments are truly special to me.
What is the most challenging part of your work? The most rewarding?
The most challenging part of my work is managing the emotional strain on my team. It’s not easy to maintain empathy for the people we serve without it taking a toll on our mental health and emotional well-being. Compassion fatigue and burnout are difficult to measure, and sometimes we only realize their effects when they start impacting our colleagues. Additionally, securing funds to keep the program operational is a constant challenge. There are so many needs we wish we could address, and it can be frustrating not being able to solve every problem.
On the other hand, the most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the positive impact we have on individuals and families within our community. Witnessing their progress and knowing that we’re making a difference in their lives makes all the challenges worthwhile.
Can you explain the transition from PASOs Spartanburg to Vida y Salud?
The transition from PASOs to Vida y Salud was a positive change for us. We are deeply grateful to PASOs for the opportunities they provided us. One of the goals of PASOs is to cultivate leaders within communities. They gave us the chance to begin serving in Spartanburg. We will always be thankful for the tools and support PASOs provided us as we embarked on this journey. We believe this is a testament to PASOs’ commitment to empowering minority communities.
This transition aligns with the mission of our home agency, the Upstate Family Resource Center (UFRC), which is dedicated to helping families thrive. Transitioning from PASOs to Vida y Salud enabled us to expand our programs and adhere to National Family Support Network standards. We’ve adopted a widely-used database, enhancing connectivity with other UFRC programs. Vida y Salud now offers diverse services, including child development assessments, mental health support, and SNAP applications. Implementing the Self-Sufficiency Assessment tool allows us to measure our impact on families. While the transition involved significant changes, it has allowed us to better serve our community under UFRC’s umbrella.
Vida y Salud continues to serve the Latino community in our county and is excited to offer new services. We are immensely grateful for the support from our funders, including Spartanburg Academic Movement, Mary Black Foundation, First Steps, Center for Community Health Alignment, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, and United Way of the Piedmont. Their support has allowed us to sustain our quality of work. Our commitment to serving our community remains unwavering. The exceptional team at Vida y Salud is the backbone of our organization. Their dedication and passion ensure that our programs run smoothly and effectively. Their hard work and commitment are integral to our success, and we are deeply thankful for their contributions.
Over the past seven years, Vida y Salud (formerly PASOs Spartanburg) has undergone a transformative journey, serving as a "parteaguas" — a watershed moment that clearly delineates the past from the present. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, Nora confronted each with remarkable courage and grace. Here's to Vida y Salud (Life and Health) for all!
Why is it important to have representation of minorities in leadership positions?
It ensures that the diverse needs and perspectives of minority communities are adequately understood and addressed. As a leader from a minority background, I bring firsthand knowledge and understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by these communities, allowing for more effective advocacy and support. Additionally, having diverse leadership promotes inclusivity and equity within the community. It sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, has a voice and a place at the table. This fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among minority community members.
Overall, having individuals who represent minorities in leadership positions is essential for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community in Spartanburg.
March is Women's History Month and as a woman it gives me great pride to support Nora's work. It has been an amazing experience to see her direct her team to create this monumental transformation.
You were the inaugural recipient of the Dr. George Newby Jr. Health Equity Leadership Award. What affect did receiving the award have on you and your work?
Getting the Dr. George Newby Jr. Health Equity Leadership award has really made a big impact on me and our amazing team. This success isn’t just about me – it’s thanks to the whole team working together. It shows that all of our hard work is paying off and that we’re making a real difference in our community. Personally, it’s been a huge boost, making me even more motivated to keep pushing for health equity and positive change. Professionally, it has opened up some great opportunities for us to work with others and spread the word about why health equity matters. It has inspired us to keep going, tackling health disparities and fighting for fair access to healthcare.
More About Nora
Nora, originally from Mexico, holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Guadalajara and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the Autonomous University of Querétaro. Since relocating to the United States in 2010, she has been dedicated to serving her community. Beginning as a volunteer interpreter at the Upstate Family Resource Center, Nora later expanded her role to include crisis intervention and financial education for families in need. Her commitment led her to serve as an AmeriCorps member for two years, supporting low-income families in the Upstate. In 2017, Nora joined PASOs when the Spartanburg site opened, becoming certified as a Community Health Worker (CHW) in 2019. Currently, she serves as the coordinator of Vida y Salud at the Upstate Family Resource Center, leading a team of 5 CHWs. Nora is also a certified interpreter through the USC Upstate program and has completed several evidence-based Parenting and Family Programs. She holds certifications in continuous improvement methodology, “Lean Six Sigma-Green Belt,” and Quality Standards for Strengthening and Support to Families. Additionally, Nora is a Suicide prevention trainer for the AS+K program. Her dedication and leadership were recognized during the pandemic when she was named the “Unsung Hero of the Upstate” for her team’s outstanding performance. Recently, Nora received the Dr. George Newby Jr. Health Equity Award and her team was honored with the award for the best Partner from United Way of the Piedmont.
