Émigré women head up the most effective NGOs here--the ones that really help the locals. Women are also at the forefront of almost all worthwhile volunteer charity efforts. And the two most generous (and wildly successful) organizations in town--"Mujeres in Cambio" and "A Hundred Women"--are founded and run by, well, expats who are women!
Women are also in the vanguard of many exciting local entrepreneurial ventures in the arts, food, real estate, animal welfare, education, travel, and marketing. Finally, women are the dynamic center of just about every expatriate religious group in San Miguel.
Since moving here, I've been fortunate enough to have met a number of these natural leaders. Although I could easily and pleasurably pay tribute to each of my very good friends, such recognition would no doubt cause embarrassment, and of course there are many other women in leadership roles I have yet to meet.
So what makes these female residents--these so-called 'matriarchs' of San Miguel--the forerunners and trailblazers of our expat community? They all share certain key qualities that include a sense of adventure, creativity, perseverance, highly developed governance skills, sensitivity to people's needs, a close kinship, and a keen work ethic. Most important of all, they seem to thrive on the challenges and opportunities that living in a city such as San Miguel offers.
© 2014 Tony DeCrosta
Contact me at adecrosta@gmail.com
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