Ofelia Cancio
What makes Ofelia Wildly Capable?
Ofelia is a beacon of compassion and selflessness. She dedicates her life to helping others, from her family to the Latino community. As a civil engineer, her work has shaped cities across the nation. She is a pillar of strength for her friends and family, a devoted mother, and a loving wife. JACQUELINE SIT
What makes you feel proud?
I feel a deep sense of satisfaction using my gifts and talents to serve others. It takes time and hard work to hone skills, so being willing to freely give them can seem contrary, but I think it is the beauty of community.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My mother is my biggest influence. I could write a book on the trajectories of her life yet she has been the most nurturing and loving mother to me. Despite her shortcomings she has modeled strength, bravery, and humility to me. Through her actions I find myself wondering how I can be more patient, loving, and humble like she is. My husband is also a big influence to me. Without his support and love I would not be able to do even half of the things I do now.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Doubt in my own abilities, especially as a working mom feeling like I’m pulled in two different directions. Being the first woman in my family to graduate high school, I worked hard to avoid the difficulties of life I saw growing up. I think that those struggles can sometimes overshadow the beauty of the simplicity in motherhood and raising your children.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope I can continue to allow myself to change even when it seems scary or contrary to who I think I am. As women, I believe we change throughout the seasons of our life and that was especially true for me when I became a mother. Change is a good thing because it allows us to keep learning about our abilities in unimaginable ways.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Being the first woman in my family to attend college, I felt alone and scared of the unknown. Unbeknownst to me, I chose a very challenging career of architecture and felt pressure to give up in the face of struggle and challenge of my capabilities. I wanted to quit, but my uncle told me to finish what I started. Those words ring true to me to this day and in that moment I learned what it meant to have grit.
