Maria: Immigrant, Community Activist

by Maria E. Rundquist

As a young girl growing up in Merida, Maria faced tragedy and hardship. As a young woman she endured abuse by her ex-husband. Maria found the courage to break free from her abuser and build a good life as a single parent with two small children. Maria's life changed when she met a young American medical ex-change student from Iowa while she worked as a secretary for the medical residency program at a Hospital in Merida. Maria and her two small children came to America with a fiance visa in order to marry Dr. Rundquist. Maria and her two children are naturalized citizens and they hold dual citizenship. She is proud to be an American yet part of her heart belongs to her native country, as well. Maria has actively assimilated into the communities where she raised her four children. She advocates for women, children and the environment. Maria wants to inspire women to face challenges in their own lives by getting involved in their children's activities as well as volunteering in their communities."

212 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2016

Reviews

[Charles Bill McKenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating story of a woman who is an active, energetic leader in our community. The book reveals her to be honest, hard-working, creative, dynamic. The reader comes to respect her as she unflinchingly reveals the many things she has been through. She's adventurous and inquisitive. The book could have been improved through more thorough editing. Repetition and language problems occur, but the story and experiences are powerful and the desire to communicate is genuine.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a cup of coffee and sit down for a fascinating chat with Maria Rundquist. She has struggled through many hardships, in Mexico and the U.S., yet is so positive about life. She has successfully juggled the demands of family, community activist, teacher, business owner, and politician. Today she is still going strong. She gives an honest account of how she navigated these various roles by striking a realistic balance, sometimes dropping one commitment to add another. She is a wonderful role model for any woman who is trying to "do it all". Maria is living proof that one person can indeed make a difference in our world.