Meet Jovanna Gonzalez

I, Jovanna Gonzalez, have worked with Gracias for over 5 years. Working with Gracias was one of the best decisions I have made. I enjoyed helping in serving the surrounding communities. I am interested in helping to empower Latina women who have overcome obstacles to provide inspiration to others and remind them that anything is possible.

My passions are my family.  David my husband of twenty-one years and my two daughters Corina who was Miss Puerto Rico of 2009 and Dezyre my baby girl with a heart of gold. My dog Snoopy a lovable Western Highland Terrier.  I enjoy traveling, yoga, exercising, reading, musicals, and anything to do with Mother Nature and spending quality time with my family and friends. 

From a girl who had NOTHING and was once homeless at the age of 15 with my 6 month baby girl. I am very happy to give back and jumps at every moment I have to give with my whole heart. I know exactly what it’s like to feel alone.  My two daughters are what drives me to fight for a better future.

When stepping into new adventures my advice boils down to confidence and when you want something done, don’t be afraid to take charge. Learn as much as you can. Learn people skills, network, build relationships, and always have GOD in the center of everything you do. As women we’ve got to believe in ourselves more and empower and build each other up, pushing out those doubting voices.

I am a big believer in paying it forward and giving back to the community. I have seen the real impact of giving. The act of sharing a part of oneself to help others has benefited me in so many ways. It’s a high return on investment, and it is what keeps me wanting to do more. My plans for the future match with my true interests and values. Helping others is so empowering and I feel happy and more fulfilled when I am serving others.

I believe having the power to improve the lives of others is, to many people, a privilege, and one that comes with its own sense of obligation. Acting on these powerful feelings of responsibility is a great way to reinforce our own personal values and feel like we’re living in a way that is true to our own ethical beliefs. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others

I will forever be grateful and thankful for what Gracias has done for me. It opened the doors for many things like being able to do my first mission trip in Querétaro, México. I was able to help in serving in a summer camp with over 400 children. I also had the opportunity in helping in my first disaster relief in Wewahitchka, Florida and worked alongside many amazing people. Being able to serve and be part of an organization that comes together for the greater good.  I am confident in what they stand for and what the future will bring to our Hispanic women knowing that together we can make a difference.