submitted by devega@augsburg.edu
Elisa V, CGEE’s Regional Co-director, needs our community’s support. Here is a note from her:
Hello, my name is Elisa.
Like many of my fellow citizens, I am now facing forced exile due to a dictatorship that denies its own citizens their rights.
I come from a working class background, and through hard work and perseverance, I was able to build a home of my own, an achievement that is often out of reach for people like me.
I am an educator, and my work has been about amplifying voices against injustice, building bridges between cultures, and guiding students in their learning. Creating inclusive spaces where diversity is valued and respected has been one of my greatest accomplishments. In my own small way, I have tried to contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
I am also a mother, a wife, and a rescuer of stray dogs. Now, I face the heartbreaking reality of leaving behind everything I worked so hard to build in my home country.
Many friends have reached out, asking how they can support me as I relocate my family—including my eight rescue dogs—to safety. In response, I have created this GoFundMe to help us start over in a new country, Costa Rica.
From the depths of my heart, I am grateful for every word of encouragement, every act of kindness, and every bit of support you have shown. Thank you for standing with me in this difficult time.
Stand with Elisa
