Hometown: Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Present City: Dallas
Education: Texas Tech University
Profession: Retired
Tell us about your family.
I was born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. at age 7 when my father became pastor of a Latino Assemblies of God congregation in Lubbock. My father was 40, my mother was 35 and there were eight children; the oldest was 16, the youngest was 2. None of us spoke English. Two more children were born in Lubbock. We moved to Dallas in 1965 when my dad became a pastor here. I was married to Barry Nadler for almost 40 years. Ours was an interfaith marriage. Barry was Jewish. My evangelical parents accepted him enthusiastically. In turn, he loved being part of a big family. I was deeply moved by Timothy Peoples’s support when Barry died on May 22, 2024. Timothy is a true servant leader!
How about your work or volunteer life?
I had a 28-year career with AT&T. I led teams in human resources, network services, regulatory relations, business sales and corporate real estate. I retired at age 49.
Any favorite hobbies?
I have written, directed and produced documentaries on the lives of my parents, siblings and husband. These are compelling stories of individuals, 10 of them immigrants, who demonstrated a high work ethic, perseverance, resilience and inner strength. One story recounts Dr. Michael Hinojosa’s journey from being hit with a ruler on the first day of school because he spoke Spanish in the classroom to leading and transforming numerous school districts, including DISD.
What are your favorite places to travel?
I have been to 36 countries and six continents. The most memorable experiences include the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls and going on safari in South Africa. I hope to have as many additional adventures as possible. Perhaps I can make it to my seventh continent, Antarctica.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
After leaving home, I seldom attended church. Eventually, a career crisis brought me back into the fold, and I became active in the Presbyterian Church. I left that denomination because of a position they took on Israeli matters. I began searching for progressive, open-minded congregations. A friend told me about a “barely Baptist” church, Wilshire! I joined in 2006. It was a special bonus for me that Wilshire had strong connections to the Jewish community.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I am a member of Cord of Three Class and serve on the Personnel Committee.