October 8th, we had the honor of welcoming two exceptional guest speakers whose stories of resilience and community impact left a lasting impression. Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, a champion for justice, and Shelly Lares, a Tejano music icon, shared their journeys of advocacy, healing, and empowerment, inspiring all of us to reflect on our roles in fostering positive change within our communities.
Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez took the spotlight, sharing her remarkable story as a devoted advocate for justice. As the visionary founder of the innovative Reflejo Court program, she has established a transformative initiative that addresses family violence through a restorative lens. With an impressive 96% success rate in preventing reoffending among first-time family violence offenders, Reflejo Court serves as a beacon of hope for many individuals and families.
The program’s name, “Reflejo,” which translates to “reflection” in Spanish, beautifully encapsulates its core philosophy: encouraging offenders to reflect deeply on their actions, comprehend the impact of their behavior, and engage in meaningful dialogues with their victims. This restorative approach not only fosters accountability among offenders but also facilitates healing for the victims and families affected by violence.
During her time with us, Judge Gonzalez engaged in meaningful discussions with our employees, sharing insights about the challenges and triumphs she has encountered throughout her career. Her willingness to listen to their questions and experiences fostered an enriching dialogue, allowing everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the justice system and the importance of restorative practices. Her interactions not only inspired but also encouraged our team to think critically about the role of justice in fostering community well-being.
In addition to Judge Gonzalez, we were thrilled to welcome Shelly Lares, a legendary figure in the Tejano music scene. Known affectionately as “Little Miss Dynamite,” Shelly’s illustrious career spans over four decades, positioning her as one of the pioneering female artists alongside the iconic Selena Quintanilla. With her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Shelly has become a symbol of strength and resilience in the music industry.
During her visit, Shelly connected with our employees, sharing stories from her journey and discussing the healing power of music. Her experiences not only highlighted her musical achievements—such as being nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year for 13 consecutive years—but also illustrated her commitment to community service through music therapy. Inspired by her father’s illness, she began using her musical talents to provide comfort and solace to hospice patients, showcasing how music can serve as a profound source of healing.
As the first artist in residence at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Shelly is dedicated to mentoring young artists, ensuring that the next generation of musicians receives the support and encouragement they need to thrive. Her resilience, creativity, and commitment to nurturing new talent reflect her passion for both music and community.
In exploring Shelly’s journey, our attendees discovered that one of our employees has worked closely with Shelly as an artist. Alicia Cintron, who has had a unique and insightful experience with Shelly. Alicia shared, “Working with Shelly, both professionally and personally, has had a huge impact on my music. She’s taught me so much about making sure my songs connect with people on an emotional level”
On her experience in her mentorship she shared, “One of the most meaningful moments of Shelly’s mentorship happened with a song that she had originally held onto since she was around 12 years old. She always believed that song was meant for me…At first, I struggled with it… but Shelly sent me home from the studio because I wasn’t capturing the essence of the song the way it needed…It forced me to really dig deep and focus on the emotional storytelling of the song, rather than just singing it…That experience taught me a lot about the importance of emotional depth in a performance and how essential it is to trust the song and let it guide you.”
Both Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez and Shelly Lares have made lasting impressions on our community, demonstrating how individuals can inspire change and uplift others. Their stories remind us of the importance of advocacy, healing, and the transformative power of the arts in shaping a better future. As we reflect on their invaluable contributions, let us continue to support initiatives that promote justice, healing, and creativity in our neighborhoods.
Thank you, Rosie and Shelly, for your unwavering commitment to making a difference!
