

Cristina Gloria, a mental health clinician at the Rosecrance Ware Center, also is an activist on immigration and other issues, a wife, mother of six, grandmother of one, student who is close to earning a doctorate, and is training to be an ultra runner — a person who runs more than the standard marathon of 26.2 miles. How does she do it, and why? Read on.

815: Why are you so passionate about immigration issues?

GLORIA: I am an immigrant. For a time, I was illegal because my visa expired. But more than that, I believe in helping people and got involved with ALERTA, a Belvidere organization that worked with Latinos. I met Sara Dady, who shared my sense of justice. We became good friends and work together whenever possible. So I joined her in the fight against having an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) center in Rockford. I was amazed with how the community responded. It wasn’t only immigrants who helped, but people from many different circles of our society. That experience reinforced my belief that there are more good people in this world than bad people.

815: Tell us about your journey to the United States.

GLORIA: I was born in Mexico and came here at age 20. My parents both were teachers — my mother is retired and my dad passed away when I was 3 months old. I thank my aunt Enriqueta who insisted that I learn English, and my mom for following up on that. So when I got here, I could speak English, although my accent was heavier than Sophia Vergas’ on the TV show “Modern Family.” Still, knowing English opened doors for me. I saw how difficult it was for immigrants who didn’t speak English and that started my involvement with helping them. I never was afraid of speaking up and defending those who are not able to defend themselves.

I had a lot of jobs — waitress, cleaning lady, factory worker, interpreter, translator and nanny. They all helped me get to where I am today. I earned a bachelor of science degree from Rockford University and was hired by WAVE (now Remedies). Then I worked as a child abuse investigator and child welfare specialist for 10 years for the state. I kept working on my education and have a master’s degree in clinical psychology from ARGOSY University in Schaumburg, and have completed three years of doctorate work.

815: How do you react to the nation’s current debate on immigration and other issues?

GLORIA: Our nation is multi-cultural, a rainbow with people from many diverse backgrounds. We need to be more concerned that everyone’s rights are respected and protected. That will move us toward peace and progress; otherwise we sink to division and hate.

815: How can people make a difference?

GLORIA: I think, by being good citizens. By that I mean, staying involved in the process of government after people are elected. We must make officeholders accountable and remind them that they are working for us. Too many people are apathetic about what officials do after election and don’t follow what happens once a person is in office. Then we suffer the consequences. I do believe that people have the power but if we don’t stay involved and use our voices, then we give that power up. I have worked to educate people about their rights and encouraged them to be more proactive in their homework before voting and remaining active afterward. Our presidential administration’s goal is to divide the country; we must empower and unify minorities who face similar social issues. Our goal is not impossible because so many of us share common hopes and dreams.

815: You sound very busy. What about your personal life?

GLORIA: My husband, Jose Gloria, and I have been married for more than 25 years. We have six awesome children and just this year, were thrilled to welcome our first grandchild, Elly. We also have two magnificent furry babies, Dante, a Rottweiler, and Sochi, an African Boerboel.

815: Does that leave time for any fun?

GLORIA: I love running; I became an ultra-runner four years ago. Next year I will be 50 years old and I am training for my first 50-mile race and to run the Machu Picchu Marathon in Peru. When I run, I feel most alive, celebrating life and giving thanks to God for all my blessings.

815: What words do you live by?

GLORIA: My favorite quote, by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”