The media generously tosses around words like champion and hero. Yet, the true definition describes someone who chips away at an enormous challenge, who commits years to the task, and who recognizes the value of others, no matter the backlash. And that, dear friends, is Celia Esparza to a tee.
With extensive training in fields such as speech pathology, deaf education, sociology, and child growth & development, Celia puts her skills to use as the president/CEO of United Community Centers, Inc. (UCC), which exists to support and enrich Fort Worth’s neediest families. About UCC, she said, “We have ramped up our after-school program into a literacy curriculum-based program. I want UCC to be known for improving school age literacy in the communities we serve.” Not only has she made a career out of helping others, but Celia has also given of her personal time and talent by serving on numerous boards throughout the community.
But she’s quick to tell you . . . . Her greatest accomplishments, the most important aspect of her life is her family–a son and retired Fort Worth firefighter husband. When she does kick up her heels, Celia enjoys crochet and baking, wishing for the extra time to take classes in both.
Here’s how she answered our famous 5:
If we peeked into your purse right now, what would we find?
HAHAHA. Un-opened mail that I picked up from our mailbox a week ago (or maybe longer) that I still haven’t gotten to. Oh, and lipstick.
Why do you call Cowtown home?
Born and raised in the north side. My grandparents moved to Fort Worth in the Stockyard area. Their home was the opposite corner of the current Joe T Garcia’s restaurant. My grandfather was the barber of the neighborhood. I love Fort Worth and the hometown feel you get when you’re here. Everyone still knows each other.
What’s been the greatest joy of motherhood?
Watching my son grow up. He turned 21 on September 21st; it just seems like yesterday we were at Harris Hospital waiting for him to make his choice: come out or be taken. I should have known then I was going to have a strong-willed child. Each stage of life brought new meaning to being a mother, and I learned how to raise a strong willed child. Birth-to-5 years? Wow, fun times. Five-to-10? Growing, learning. Then adolescence! Okay, at that time, I wanted to give him back, but we worked through it. High school years were great; we were the house where everyone came. Those young men and women have all enriched my life. They all touched my life, and it was such fun to watch the homecoming, proms, and kanwick. To date, our son and we have never stopped talking. We had our first “family meeting” when he was 3 years old, if that tells you anything.
What’s been the greatest challenge of motherhood?
Raising a strong willed child. Raising a boy who truly did not think anything like me. He watched bull riding for fun when he was 2.5 years old! His eagerness to learn and explore life has also been very rewarding; he is a true a blessing and has developed into a great young man.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
I hope women see me as a person who puts love of family and friends first. That I have stood for love and hope, and that I have taught my son (and hopefully his friends) that family and supporting those you love is a very important quality. And that I am someone they can always turn to when in need. I hope, at the end of my life, people say I made a change and helped improve their lives through United Community Centers.
Fort Worth Favorites:
- Date night: Del Frisco’s and an apple martini, yummmmm
- Dessert: My mom’s capirutatda (bread pudding)
- Entertainment: Movie night or just going to the movies with my husband
- Shopping (clothing for you): Jane Sykes with Doncaster and Janet’s Boutique
- Relaxation: Saturday and Sunday pajama day and watching football games from morning til night
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