Parent Spotlight: Dulce Trujillo
March 11, 2026
Original coverage via Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL).
The Inspiring Journey of Dulce: Strength, Kindness, Leadership
Written by Dulce Trujillo
I am originally from southern Mexico, where I worked in the mines searching for minerals. One day, in Mexico City, I met my husband, who had been living there for years. We got married and chose to live in Elgin almost 5 years ago.
I came to Elgin for love. My little boy, who is now 4 years old, was born here. I started getting to know my community, but I didn't know about many resources, and I definitely felt a little lonely because of the language barrier. Then I started taking my son to the park, and one day I met Amber Peters from Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning (EPEL), who at the time was making a video clip for "Learning on the Go." She invited me to EPEL. So I went, and thanks to the program, someone was invited to study English as a second language at the YWCA Elgin, where they would help me by taking care of my son while I studied through the Family Literacy program. The "Y," as we commonly call it, connected me with the ECC (Elgin Community College), which helped me validate my studies that I completed in Mexico. So, in the mornings I would study, and then my son and I would go to EPEL, inviting my classmates with children who are friends with my son.
EPEL connected me with countless resources that helped us, such as getting to know the Gail Borden Library, which was something new for me, so my son and I got our library cards. Then it connected me with The Basics of Greater Elgin, a powerful resource that helps me with my son's upbringing by sending me personalized messages; I love them!.
Later, one day David Quiroz came and invited me to fill out an interest survey for Birth to Five Illinois. Of course, if I qualified, I would stay, and I did! I am currently still part of the Birth to Five Illinois Family Council where, thanks to it, I have been able to be a leader in my community, participating, informing, and sharing events that can help families and the little ones at home. One that I really like is Parent Cafe, which is perfect when we, as parents, can't find solutions and are looking for a space to be heard and find peace.
I am very grateful to EPEL; I am a follower and fan because, thanks to the program, I can now say who I am. So allow me to introduce myself: I am Dulce Trujillo, I have a bachelor's degree in earth sciences, I am a level 6 student at the YWCA, and I am participating in the Family Literacy and Educator Career programs. I am currently part of the Illinois Birth to Five Family Committee, and this is my third consecutive year. And I am a firm believer that information should be shared so that resources reach the people who truly need them.