Inspirame Mujer: Lily Soto

You may know me as Lily Soto award winning journalist. But what you don’t know is that the journey to get me there was an uphill battle .

I grew up in a very dysfunctional family. I love my parents, they have great qualities but their flaws definitely affected me. My dad battled alcoholism and my mom was almost never there. At a young age, I witnessed domestic violence, infidelity, and learned to survive hunger. I became a mother at 17, as a teen mom I also suffered domestic violence. I felt as if my life was always going to be a never-ending struggle. I remember while pregnant having to rely entirely on a local food bank to eat. I remember also waiting outside of a thrift store at night so that I could look into the bags being dropped off to find me clothes. I never experienced buying new baby clothes for my daughter, I was never able to afford a crib. I used to cry all the time asking God, why my life couldn’t be any different? Until one day, I decided to change that. I made the decision to leave an abusive relationship, to work, to learn English, to enroll in college to stop blaming my parent’s flaws and focus on the values, the positive qualities they both have and to fight to provide my daughter with a life I didn’t have.

Who has influenced your life the most?

My daughter Andrea, I am stronger because of her.

What are your proudest achievements?

Graduating from college with a Journalism degree, after being told I was too naive to think someone like me could ever achieve a degree from a university.

Who inspires you?

My parents

What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in what you do?

Journalism is a lifestyle, and not precisely a glamorous lifestyle. It takes a lot of passion to be able to survive, long days and most of the times really stressful ones. You will sacrifice family time, weekends, and holidays. But, if you really love making a difference in the community, holding those in power accountable, asking tough questions, then I can guarantee you that the rewards of this career are endless, and finding a balance with your family is possible.

Tell us five things no one knows about you

1.My first job was at el Pollo Loco

2.  I have a certificate as a bartender (but I can’t make drinks other than margaritas)

3. My favorite restaurant is California Pizza Kitchen and I always order the same (Sedona soup)

4.    I stole my parent’s car at 14 and got caught

5.    My little sister taught me how to tie my shoes (she was 3-Years Old, I was 6)

Until next time ,

Sandra