Class of 2020: Isabel
Isabel, an immigrant mother of two, was directly affected by COVID-19. The pandemic didn’t stop her from completing the most challenging Training Institute yet. Her story is one of persistence, growth, and the power of women.
Isabel sporting a blouse she made during CC’s first ever virtual Training Institute.
Isabel, a graduate of CC’s first virtual Training Institute, was born and raised in Ecuador to fashion-minded parents. Her mother was a clothing designer and her father a shoemaker. She always hoped to follow in their footsteps. “It’s my passion,” she explained, “my plan with my husband was to have a laundromat and do alterations, to have my own online store.” Isabel’s aspirations remain strong, but the pandemic has presented immense challenges for her and her family.
In April, soon after COVID-19 ravaged New York, Isabel’s husband was hospitalized for the virus and has yet to be released. Every few days, she takes busses and trains from her home in The Bronx to visit him in New Jersey, a trip that can take up to two hours. For months, she’s been single-handedly supporting her two children while spending countless hours at the sewing machine working towards her goals. “My husband was the only one who made income for our family. It’s been difficult to handle that financially and emotionally,” she said. Nonetheless, her positivity is unwavering. “I’m very lucky, and CC was always my first respondent.”
Isabel exemplifies the persistence and perseverance of women, especially when supported by a strong community. Her ability to complete such a rigorous program in such a tough situation is truly inspiring, as are all of the women who graduated amongst a pandemic that rocked their city. “I was so lucky to have wonderful women who were very supportive,” she reiterated. “I didn’t always have time to sit and try - I have two kids - but they gave me the strength to keep learning everyday.”
“I was so lucky to have wonderful women who were very supportive. I didn’t always have time to sit and try - I have two kids - but they gave me the strength to keep learning everyday.”
Isabel’s first alteration project.
When addressing the difficulties of online learning, she explained, “we didn’t even finish our first project in class. All our projects were made at home.” Isabel allowed nothing to stand in her way, “I finished all the projects that were assigned, because I know there’s no excuse. My husband was in the hospital and I was sick too, but I was at home and I had to do something to keep my mind off things.” When the program transitioned to online learning only two weeks in, not a single woman quit. CC instructors were on call 24/7 for their students and many of the participants followed suit. Isabel mentioned a few peers in particular who made her graduation possible, “I have a special angel among my classmates - Ms. Beverly has been with me everyday… My favorite thing is the friendships I built in the program.” Outside the program, she credits her dear friend Rosa Juca who helped her open up to her CC sisters.
Isabel heard about CC through the Grace Outreach program she received her GED from. “I have a dream and when I read the vision and missions of the organization, I visualized how it could help my business. CC had the tools I needed.” All students develop acute sewing and design skills, but Isabel spoke to less tangible skills she’ll use in every aspect of her life, “through this organization, I was able to find myself, think as a woman, and learn how important it is to love yourself and to know how capable you are. There are no limits.” She also emphasized improvements in her communication skills, financial management, and visual intelligence.
“I never knew something like this would happen to me,” Isabel reflected. “Now, when I speak to my husband about the program, he can’t imagine how helpful it is for women. I can’t imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t been in the program in these hard times.” When asked what her favorite garment that she made was, she couldn’t pick one, “even the first stitch I made, it’s like when you taste your favorite food! The most emotional thing was when I was sitting in the classroom, just touching the machines. Every single project has been amazing.” In society, women are undervalued, especially those of color or low income, but Isabel and the CC family seek to flip that narrative. “Sometimes you don’t have a chance to think about the things that have happened to you, to appreciate the important things. In the end, the important thing is you.”
“Through this organization, I was able to find myself, think as a woman, and learn how important it is to love yourself and to know how capable you are. There are no limits.”
Isabel emphasizes the importance of dedication and hard work in completing the program and reaching one’s goals in general. “It requires a lot of responsibility, honestly, respect and passion,” she stressed. “When I signed up for this program, I was very committed. It was my decision, and I had to keep it, no matter what.” Isabel’s CC experience, especially during COVID-19, was much more than an educational one. It became a relationship and support system that will stay with her forever. “My kids and my husband - I don’t have anybody else in this country. I received the family support I don’t have, here at CC.”
One-of-a-kind flare pants by Isabel.
Words by Auden Barbour, Senior Intern