#017: How a Young Single Mom Changed Her Mindset to Change Her Family's Life

 Doreen Padilla had her daughter when she was 19 years old. She talks about the challenges of being a young single mom. And how she was able to overcome adversity and create the life she wanted. 

Doreen grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, where she currently lives with her husband and two children. She is honored to be the first in her family to graduate from college and go on to earn a graduate degree. She now earns six figures. In her current role in local government, she wears many hats to support employees in the organization.  

She is also the author of “Outsiders: A Journey to Belonging,” which tells the true story of a DREAMer’s persistence, love, and triumph on the journey through the United States immigration system. Doreen is dedicated to the communities around her and is consistently advocating for positive change.

 Why do you think change is important?
"I think change is important because life requires it. Whether it is a  career change, lifestyle, or something else, if we want more in life, we have to be willing to pivot. It’s not always easy, there are growing  pains, but it makes us better people and helps us grow."

What would you tell your younger self?

"If I had the chance to tell younger me something, I would tell her to stop thinking her life is over. That success might look different than she originally thought, but it is absolutely attainable and the first step was finding the courage to leave and knowing she deserves better. I  would tell her that she is deserving of healing, love, and happiness and that it is up to her to go out and find it."

What have you learned from your plot twist?
"I have learned that it is never too late to make a change in your life.  That change that you may have been holding off on may have been the key to the happiness you always desired. I have learned that change can take  courage and it can be a lot of work, but it is worth it."

What is your favorite quote?

 "Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway, we might  just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” - Earl  Nightingale  "

Follow Doreen:

Facebook: Doreen Padilla- Author

IG: Doreen_Padilla_Author

Purchase Book: Outsiders: A Journey to Belonging