Guadalupe Vidales moved to the United States from Mexico when she was a young woman. She and her future husband met while in school and quickly married. Soon she was the mother of two young children.

Over time, her husband turned violent—often being verbally and physically abusive. Guadalupe’s husband even once cut her hair in a fit of rage. Guadalupe felt increasingly isolated and alone. She was living in a foreign country with little support and limited English language skills. Her self-esteem deteriorated and she fell into a deep depression.

She knew she needed to escape her husband, and eventually moved herself and her children into a local domestic violence shelter where she slowly began rebuilding her life. Guadalupe enrolled in English as a Second Language classes. She eventually earned a certificate in domestic violence counseling, and began working toward a bachelor’s degree at a local college.

Today, Guadalupe has a Ph.D. in psychology, and now helps other violence victims leave abusive situations. Everyday, Guadalupe helps women live their dreams. “I’ve become a role model for my children. By taking control of my life, I’ve shown them that anything is possible. You’ve just got to get out there and make it happen.”