Andrea Oviedo, Health and Wellness Manager at IRC Denver, is committed to providing high-quality care to individuals facing the most challenging situations. She shares a unique bond with her clients, many of whom have experienced similar journeys to hers, leaving countries threatened by civil unrest.

Originally from Colombia, Andrea knows firsthand the violence and persecution that have ravaged her country. For over fifty years, the government, guerrilla groups, and paramilitary forces fought in a civil war that endangered millions of Colombians, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety and security. This continued conflict heightened poverty and limited access to essential healthcare, education, and employment services. Instability, danger, and lack of opportunities made it nearly impossible for many Colombians to live safely. In response to this dire situation, Andrea dedicated over a decade to working with organizations in Colombia and aiding survivors of war-related human rights violations.

 A new beginning

When Andrea arrived in the US from Colombia in April 2021, she knew she had a long, difficult road ahead. She explains:

The first year was incredibly stressful and challenging, and everything from trying to understand the nuances of the U.S. healthcare system to looking for a job came with a cascade of complications,

 Andrea quickly realized that continuing her life in Colorado from where she had left off in Colombia would be a complex process.

Nevertheless, Andrea persevered and secured a position at the IRC in Denver later that same year. Upon joining the IRC in Denver, she received tremendous encouragement from her colleagues, who became an integral part of her support system. In her day-to-day duties, she frequently comes across various acronyms and technical terms that require clarification. Her team has wholeheartedly embraced this challenge, using funny memes and graphics to make her learning process engaging and memorable. They affectionately refer to this as "cultural orientation for Andrea," enabling them to bond with her through anecdotes, laughter, and a strong feeling of connection.

The path to citizenship

Andrea immediately began preparing for her citizenship exam. As an admitted history enthusiast, she delved deep into gaining a better understanding of the country's history and processes. With the help of friends, family, and colleagues, Andrea spent months studying, often surprising them with little-known facts about the Cold War and the 1800s!

July 22, 2024, was the long-awaited day for Andrea as she received her citizenship certificate. At the citizenship ceremony, she was the only person from Colombia among 30 individuals from different countries, each with their unique story and journey, representing 20 different languages. Andrea's mother had traveled from Colombia to support her, making the moment even more emotional and meaningful. Many friends and colleagues who had been there for her throughout her journey were also in attendance. Reflecting on her journey and the support she received along the way, it felt like an accomplishment for her and everyone who had been part of the process.

"It [the ceremony] was so moving; it was more emotional than I thought. To see how everyone made it here to be safe and to have rights and opportunities. That was a really special moment." 

When asked what Andrea did first upon receiving her citizenship, she said:

"The first thing I did after my certification was step outside and register to vote. This was very exciting, and I am ready to participate in the election in November."

Shining a light for others

Today, Andrea is proof to many others that the path toward citizenship, although extremely challenging, is attainable. She is proof that there are people who are happy and willing to support you on this journey, and she is proof that there is HOPE.

"I am honored to serve and inspire my clients at the IRC in Denver, and I am thankful to my colleagues there, who I now refer to as family. I am also grateful to be a citizen of the US, a country with freedom, opportunities, and rights. However, I dream of Colombia becoming a safe place where people can thrive and travel purely for the joy of connecting with others, rather than to escape,"

concludes Andrea.

Written by IRC in Denver's Communications Intern: Mariam Naibi.

Edited by Hanna Simmons.