Meet Zoila

In 1994, Zoila moved into one of Hacienda CDC’s rental apartments. She is well known around the community as Doña Zoila for her willingness to help others when needed. Three years ago, Doña Zoila joined Micro Mercantes—Hacienda’s micro-enterprise program that trains low-income Latina residents to sell homemade tamales at area farmers’ markets. Micro Mercantes is her primary source of income. “For the first time I’m my own boss managing my own business,” she said. Before Micro Mercantes, Zoila worked the night shift (8:00 PM—1:00 AM) at a fruit processing company standing up in cold temperatures. “After my shift was over I would wait for the last bus to take me home at 2:00 AM.” Zoila feels grateful to Hacienda for all they do for the community. Because of her age (60) and language barrier it is hard for her to find a job. “Thanks to Micro Mercantes I feel independent again, and once in a while I get to take my grandsons to the store.”