Stories that Shaped Us

The Stories That Shaped Us

In a time when divisive voices are louder than shared humanity, sharing our stories can move us toward unity. At the St. Joseph Fund, we believe that to foster empathy, connection, and equity, we should share our stories to unearth the threads that connect us. We are honored to share our family histories as an invitation to listen more deeply, understand more fully, and build bridges across lived experiences.

These are our stories of immigration, as told by Gabriela Robles, Chief Executive; Jason Lacsamana, Director, Programs and Partnerships; and Amy Huang, Program Officer. Their families’ sacrifice, courage, and resilience are foundational to who they are as individuals and as a team. Their stories span generations and geographies, shaped by history and dreams. Above all, they speak to the universal hope for a better life, the strength of family, and the enduring power of community.

 

From Mexico to California: A Legacy of Quiet Strength and Collective Hope

Gabby’s story begins in the early 1960s when her father was sponsored by a cousin to immigrate from Mexico to California. After arriving in the Los Angeles area, he worked in the meatpacking industry to save money and return home to marry, and eventually returned to L.A. with his wife. Through letters and long-distance love, he and Gabby’s mom built a life of resilience and integrity, raising their children with a deep sense of responsibility and hope.

Growing up in a mixed-status neighborhood, Gabby experienced firsthand the community’s collective strength as a young teen when she helped neighbors navigate citizenship applications under the Immigration Reform and Control Act. She witnessed the powerful organizing efforts of churches, schools, and families, sparking her lifelong commitment to community health, equity, and advocacy.

Now, as a parent and a philanthropic leader, she carries forward her father’s simple and profound model to work hard, love your family, and invest in the future. Even in moments of fear and uncertainty, her story and her presence remind us that as long as we are still here, there is still hope.

 

From the Philippines to New York: A Leap of Faith and Legacy of Service

Jason’s parents migrated to the U.S. from the Philippines after the Immigration and Nationality Act opened new opportunities for professionals from underrepresented regions. They arrived in New York in the late 1960s with skills, hope, and a sense of adventure, only to discover a country still unwelcoming to Asian immigrants. Despite facing exclusion and having to start over, they found stability through community. They built a network of coworkers, neighbors, and relatives, establishing a legacy of mutual aid and responsibility.

Their story is carried forward by Jason, who upholds the same values of service, justice, and empathy that were part of their family’s journey. Today, as he and his wife raise their children as third-generation Americans, the legacy of his parents’ sacrifice continues in his work in public health, philanthropy, and a strong commitment to immigrant communities.

 

From China and Indonesia to Seattle: A Family Rebuilt on Determination and Love

Amy’s family story begins with the economic hardship shaped by the Cultural Revolution in China. Her parents faced forced labor, trauma, and difficult choices before they were approved to immigrate to the United States.

Her parents’ arrival in Seattle marked the beginning of an entirely new life. With no money and limited English skills, her father drove a delivery truck while her mother worked her way from volunteer to head preschool teacher, fueled by courage and a love of learning. Community organizations provided critical support along the way, helping the family settle and grow.

Now, Amy channels this legacy into her work focused on policy and justice. Her story is one of a legacy of survival, of building joy and belonging despite hardship, and of honoring the sacrifices that made her life possible.

 

A Call to Community

These stories are personal, but they are not unique. They echo the journeys of millions who have come before and those who still seek belonging and safety today. Sharing these narratives is not about centering our voices but about building a culture where every story matters.

To foster connection in our divided times, we encourage you to ask others to share their stories with humility and compassion. And we hope you will share yours when you are ready. Holding space for the full complexity of people’s lived experiences, whether joyful, painful, or in-between, is vital if we are to build a more equitable, connected, and hopeful world.

Stories unite neighborhoods. Understanding dismantles division. And empathy fuels justice.

 

You can read our team’s full stories here: