The Making of Voz de Victoria
Advocacy
Inclusion
Empowerment
A Voice of Victory
Education
Support
Rights
The Start of Voz de Victoria
Thirty-five years ago, Marta’s first teaching job involved a shared classroom door with a special education teacher, a unique arrangement that permitted them to practice inclusion. Two decades later, while a school administrator, Marta was invited by her nephew Abraham to his IEP meeting. She was troubled by his predetermined fate and the school’s actions, like enrolling him in the wrong state tests and planning a non-diploma program. The district’s program wasn’t providing Abraham with a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Three meetings and six hours later, Marta discovered a passion for advocating for students with special educational needs and their families.
After a long battle, Abraham transferred to a non-public school where he learned to read, write, and eventually graduated from high school with his diploma. Today, he’s a welder, living in Northern California semi-independently thanks to his brother Kamron’s support. Abraham was, in fact, the very first client of Voz de Victoria (VdV).
How Voz de Victoria Got It's Name
At the age of 17, Victoria, Marta’s daughter, was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and a year later, while in college, she was diagnosed with having Rapid Cycling, Type 1 Bipolar Disorder.
Victoria, who had often spoken to her mother of her struggles, had gone without much support due to her advanced academic placement. When Victoria received her formal diagnosis, Marta felt as though her daughter “finally had a voice.” Hence, Voz de Victoria, the name of Marta’s business, was born.
In Spanish, Voz de Victoria either means Victoria’s voice or the Voice of Victory. Marta was determined that Victoria would always be heard and that she would live a victorious life. Victoria is now a middle school credentialed English teacher and has a Master’s degree in Education. She has made it a priority to make her students feel heard and seen.
A Turning Point for Marta and Voz de Victoria
Four years into owning Voz de Victoria, and after a lifetime of self- criticism, procrastination, and challenges to finish what she started, Marta decided to seek clarification from a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with ADHD. Suddenly, her life started to make sense. The diagnoses brought both relief and pain.
Marta was relieved to have learned that her differences were not character flaws, but rather a result of neurodivergence. Upon reflection, the pain resulted from the choices she had made in parenting her son.
Marta realized that she had tried to “fix” her son, José’s, ADHD, for many years, causing her to lose sight of his many gifts and abilities. Marta apologized to José for not looking beyond his disability; a heartfelt lesson she tries to impart to her clients.
Voz de Victoria
Dedicated to Looking at Disability Through a Different Lens
While in third grade, José, Marta’s son, who was also her student, was diagnosed with ADHD. José who was creative, insightful, and silly struggled significantly to focus during class. As a result, Marta spent countless hours after school working with her son which strained their relationship, despite her good intentions.
Thankfully, José, an incredible photographer, has helped Marta see the world through a different lens, not only in pictures but also in the world of disabilities.
José is a resilient man. He has been a high school teacher, where he openly supports students and ensures that they are valued, seen, and heard as they are. In addition, José has embraced his diversity and is venturing into new horizons, such as owning Golden State Off-Road, a trip planning and guided tour business.
