Leadership Timeline by Herminia Esqueda

Elementary School

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-26 02:03:44 UTC

Our Drama teacher gave me the lead narrator role in the sixth grade school play at Washington Elementary in Rupert, ID. It was the year that we moved to Idaho and I was very shy. I was surprised that my teacher selected me. I stood in front of the entire school from the stage of the auditorium with confidence as I read my lines. School was the one place that I felt I fit in, even if I didn't have any friends. The other Hispanic kids started seeing me as a leader or one of the smart kids.

West Minico Jr. High

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-26 02:11:46 UTC

Captain of the Drill Team in the ninth grade. See my whistle? I tried out because one of the older girls in band was on the drill team and said that I should. I didn't have many friends and everyone was surprised that I was good. I think my friend and the other older members influenced the vote for me as captain. It was the beginning of me seeing myself as a leader.

Minico High School

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-26 02:13:43 UTC

Co-Captain of the Dance team at Minico High School. We marched in boots!! Looking back I do see that I had some leadership traits: intelligence, self-confidence, determination and integrity.

College-Bound

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-26 02:15:38 UTC

First in my family to go to college. Received enough scholarships to attend the University of Idaho. I had many responsibilities at home, but still worked part-time, participated in extra-curricular's at school and involved in church. I was my mom's interpreter. I helped her with doctor appointments and paying bills. I mentored my younger sisters who also attended and graduated from college. Responsibility was closely tied to leadership.

Young Married (1990's)

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 02:36:10 UTC

Newly married and attending Spanish Assembly of God church in Sunnyside, WA. I started teaching children and speaking at regional children's ministry gatherings. My involvement in campus ministry in college prepared me for leadership in my local church. Campus Crusade for Christ taught me how to share my testimony, evangelize using the four spiritual laws, disciple young women, and minister and lead on mission trips.

Discipling the Next Generation (1990's - Present)

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 05:00:54 UTC

I've been leading young girls since my twenties. It was a natural next step to continue to disciple young women after college by leading the local church Missionette program. It was a structured program that taught girls to read the entire Bible, memorize Scripture, earn badges and progress in the STAR (Susanna, Tabitha, Anna, and Ruth) program. The culmination was being crowned as an "Esther" at the Regional Women's Conference in California.

NNU Week of Belonging (Feb. 2023)

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 05:04:19 UTC

Preached at chapel, led Staff Workshop and student Q&A sessions. My favorite ministry moments are still pouring into young women. I couldn't believe these young women actually wanted to hear my thoughts and counsel.

District Assembly Keynote (April 2023)

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 05:18:17 UTC

Our last two district superintendents have had a lot of confidence in me. I was the first person of color on our district's advisory board. I have made it clear that I can't speak for all Hispanic voices but I will advocate for our community. I was asked to preach on John 4 at District Assembly and focused on Jesus as the Incarnation of Reconciliation. Jesus models for us how to interact and engage with those from different cultures, religious background, and gender.

Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion Administrator (August 2023)

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 05:22:49 UTC

Presented at Statewide Department of Social and Health Services All Staff Conference on the topic of building a culture of belonging. I am blessed with being able to influence my secular government workplace as we work to embed equity, diversity, access, inclusion and belonging into everything we do. As an administration we have a goal to reduce poverty in the State of Washington by 50% by 2025 in a way that removes disparities. I am still in awe that people look to me to lead the way.

Leadership as an Adult

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 06:20:48 UTC

Leadership as followers of Jesus

Leadership in Adolescence

hesqueda0022 — 2023-10-29 06:46:35 UTC

Finding my voice. At the end I meant to say NOT positional.