Saidy Herrera Orellana is originally from zone 5 of Guatemala City and resides in Oklahoma, United Statesfor more than 30 years. She graduated as a teacher and is currently pastor of the Pueblo de Dios church.
Saidy’s father was part of a labor union in Guatemala during the internal armed conflict. He experienced political persecution and oppression; therefore, He decided to migrate and request asylum in the United States. The petition was approved to reside and seek security for his family.
Saidy’s family is made up of her husband, Otto Orellana; his children, Paola, Daniel and Abigail, and his beloved pet Chapo. To maintain Guatemalan gastronomy They cook black beans accompanied by fried or cooked plantainsatol de elote and have also preserved the Spanish language.
Saidy had the opportunity to learn English in Guatemala. Upon arriving in the United States, the language became easier for him and he found an opportunity to help other migrants. “When I moved to this country, I met several Guatemalan migrants who were studying English; so I helped them to facilitate learning”.
Shortly after, Saidy and his family moved to the state of Oklahoma, a place allowed him to reconnect with his native country and find a community to support. “The number of Hispanics in Oklahoma was minimal and services were not prominent”; So she decided to volunteer at parent meetings to guide the filling out of applications, among other actions that required language.
Provided advice and support to the migrant community, which allowed them gain visibility in other spaces. He worked for a financial institution where he taught courses on financial management and information about the educational system aimed at parents, a process that allowed him to understand the needs of the community.
Expand help through Hispanic ministry
In 2008, Saidy and her husband, Otto Orellana, were called to lead the Hispanic ministry of the Pueblo de Dios church. “We began to lead and, at the same time, I continued to support the community. We are currently celebrating 15 years of service”.
This space allowed him to strengthen his marriage and generate social support aimed at migrants residing in said country. “The focus is to love God, but it is also to love my neighbor. My desire is to love others; every project and action must be with love.”
Community services have made it possible to make people’s needs visible, and the tools have been the basis to solve different situations. Direct help and advice are provided; Emotional support is also provided, among other actions aimed at the community.
“Many people have problems. Sometimes we want to help, but the possibilities do not allow it; however, If we already have the tools or with little we can contributeSaidy says that the opportunities to grow have been thanks to the support of his community and, mainly, his family.
The tools to support
“I feel honored and grateful to have had the necessary tools. I understood that my education It was a privilege that not everyone has.; So using these tools to help others is satisfying,” said Saidy wistfully.
Like many Guatemalans, he recognizes hospitality, solidarity and friendship without any interest. Saidy shares his knowledge and experience on social media and in public spaces in Oklahoma. Provides advice, guidance and coordinates with entities to resolve legal situations, requirements and processes. “We continue to instill that hospitable part in our environment.”
Saidy studied logistics and operations at the university level abroad. He visited Hong Kong, Thailand and other countries, an experience that allowed him to broaden his outlook on care and needs. He currently works for the state of Oklahoma as multicultural relations officerwhere he helps Hispanics and minorities represented in that state.
He began to be part of the Guatemalan association in Oklahoma and She was elected in 2021 as Mrs. Guatemala in that state.a recognition that aimed to highlight the contributions and good actions of Guatemalans in said entity.
What is the most difficult thing you have had to experience?
Saidy sadly relates that the isolation and economic stability to travel constantly to Guatemala They have been difficult. Birthdays and special dates are moments that you have not been able to share with your family. “I haven’t had the financial ease to go every year. Isolation is challenging in a country that is not ours.”
“My husband went through a critical health situation in which I had no support system. I had to leave my children with other people; I took care of my husband in the intensive area, a strong stageHe also expressed that entering university was a challenge, since he had to learn how the educational system in that country worked.
Through experience and knowledge, Saidy understood the importance of contributing to your community. “That is why I support financial areas, the educational system, processes and guidelines,” actions that have been recognized by the Guatemalan community and entities in the United States.
The recognition
In a period of two weeks, 150 personalities were nominated on social networks and Saidy was selected among the 40 outstanding Hispanics in the state of Oklahomabeing the only Guatemalan born in Guatemala to receive said mention. “I never considered it a goal, but according to the comments, we have contributed little by little and it is good to have a presence and be an example for the community.”
With more than 20 years of service to the migrant community and the Hispanic population, Saidy has contributed through projects and programs. Your main means of communication and source of information is your social media account. People from Oklahoma and other states contact her for advice and support. “I have made an effort to excel personally and I am giving my best. We are hard-working Guatemalans who demonstrate the good we can contribute.”
From complex questions such as “How do I resolve my immigration situation?”, “I just arrived in the United States, what should I do?” or “I received a notification, what can I do?”, to simple questions such as “Where can I find Guatemalan food?” or “Where do they sell snacks?“, are solved by Saidy. He stressed that one of his main functions is to preserve the history of the people in Oklahoma.
“While I can guide, my role is to preserve historyespecially that of Guatemalan migrants.” As an example, he explained the conversation he had with the granddaughter of Domingo Bethancourt and the granddaughter of former president Jacobo Árbenz, with whom they have managed to unify and mark history in United States territory.
Inspiration
For Saidy it is important to contribute with heart and simplicity. He expressed happiness and commitment to the Guatemalan migrant community residing in Oklahoma, as well as the recognition of the lives of all migrants that they contribute through values and actions.
“Thank you for taking the time and making our individual stories known. We are more than 61 million Hispanics who are making a difference; we are a powerful minority because we are workers. We, Guatemalans, are worth a lot because of our history and descent.”
“My Guatemalan friends, I would love for you to come to the United States just to walk, but consider Guatemala as a place to develop all talents. Instead of running away, try to invent or innovate to contribute; Guatemala needs you. Not all of us have the option to decide where to be, but we do have the option to change. If you are forced to leave the country, do not forget Guatemala.”
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