Nestled in the arms of the majestic Andes Mountains in
Peru, Luz Corcuera’s childhood hacienda buzzed with
a luminous glow of possibilities. After long summer days
working in sugar cane elds and the cheese and milk factories,
Peruvians who could not read or write would stream to a little
makeshift classroom set up in Corcuera’s home where her
parents would lovingly and patiently teach them literacy and the
power of education.
Soaking in the scene while sharpening pencils and passing
out booklets to help out, Corcuera would forever remember her
parents’ kindness and the students’ awe-inspiring progress. With
freshly baked bread, cheeses, and preserves dotting the tables,
she witnessed these adults learn to write their names for the rst
time, read a word, or tackle a book. She saw these hard-working
laborers grow beyond their limits.
“I believe these memories impacted me for the rest of my life,”
Corcuera said with passion radiating in her voice. “I remember
these moments with such clarity, and it was so meaningful to see
the changes in people’s lives. Social justice was embedded in my
head and heart. My parents never hesitated to roll up their sleeves
and run to assist others, which was good for me to see as role
models and that everyone can give something at different times.”
Corcuera, who has followed in her parents’ footsteps and carved
out her life’s journey dedicated to helping children and families
through her work as a clinical psychologist and executive director
at UnidosNow, was honored last month with a special accolade:
The inaugural Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award.
Charles Clapsaddle, the well-known station manager of Manatee
Educational Television, has focused his camera lens for years on
people and organizations that strive to shape Manatee County into
a better place to live. Clapsaddle will now step into center stage
with an honor presented in his name each year at the Manatee
Community Foundation’s Spirit of Manatee Awards ceremony.
“Through the lens of a camera, Charles has transformed stories
from ordinary into the extraordinary and has given a voice to
those who otherwise might not have been heard,” the award
criteria states. “The Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight
Award will be presented annually to the person or organization
that best exemplies this exceptional achievement.”
Corcuera not only gives a voice to those who are often hushed
in Manatee County, but she also gives them the tools to soar and
sing with it. er career has culminated in her position at the helm
of UnidosNow, an organization that strives to empower Latinos to
achieve their American Dream. She works passionately to help
elevate the quality of life in the growing ispanic community
through education, integration, and civic engagement.
“My job is so rewarding because it doesn’t feel like work,”
said Corcuera, who immigrated first from Peru to Canada
before discovering and falling in love with her Manatee County
community. “Every day we help students and individuals open
WORDS: Bre Jones Mulock
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
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