Collective Memories
Wind of the Spirit shares its story through achievements, laws, and campaigns, and also through voices like these: voices that found family, strength, freedom, rights, dignity, and a path forward.
This memoir is a tribute to those who made WotS more than an organization: they made it a home, a school of life, and a community of resistance.
“This stems from a migratory need.”
Uriel
I learned about Wind of the Spirit thanks to my daughter Diana, a few days after arriving in New Jersey. I got involved because I knew that my experience as a community leader could be useful in organizing and supporting others. I supported English and citizenship classes, community initiatives, and participated in the fight against 287(g). For me, WotS was a space where I could contribute my life to a just cause. I dream that the organization will continue to be a strong pillar for the immigrant community.
“We started Wind of the Spirit based on my own experience as an undocumented immigrant.”
Diana
Diana Mejía founded Wind of the Spirit 25 years ago to provide support and legal services to undocumented individuals. Under his leadership, the organization has contributed to immigrant rights policies through organizing, advocacy, education and mobilization of immigrant and non-immigrant communities.
“a small experience became big for a lot of people.”
Stuart
When I arrived at Wind of the Spirit, I never imagined that a simple Spanish class would change my life. I joined out of curiosity and ended up finding a place to serve, to grow, and to walk alongside a community striving to live with dignity. I have participated in the fight against 287(g), English classes, driver’s licenses, domestic workers’ rights, and trainings. What has impacted me the most is seeing so many people transform, find their voice, and discover their strength. Today, I dream that WotS will continue to grow with leadership born from the community itself.
“WotS became like another family to me .”
Brian
I met Wind of the Spirit at a Black Lives Matter protest. That day, I ended up at the front of the march and had a political awakening. There, I met people from WotS and began getting involved in interviewing undocumented people, recovering wages, and advocating for education and driver’s licenses. This work connected me to my parents’ own history and allowed me to get closer to who I am. WotS broadened my political and social vision. I dream of an organization that continues to train leaders and serves as a catalyst for change for future generations.
“There isn’t a part of my life that WotS hasn’t had a positive impact on.”
Karol
I met Wind of the Spirit at a community event at church. At the time, I was going through a difficult period as an undocumented young person. Diana, who was just beginning to organize the community and speak out about immigrant rights, stayed in touch with me. I participated in my first major fight: access to education for undocumented students—something I had personally suffered when I was denied that opportunity. That campaign transformed me and led me to become a lawyer. I also walked the streets during 287(g), raised the flag for driver’s licenses, and accompanied families during the pandemic. WotS has been like a family—a space for healing and transformation. What I treasure most are the moments when we recognized each other as family, like during the trip to Niagara Falls. My dream is that WotS will continue to be a space of hope and dignity for those seeking a better future.
“It is an organization that has persisted despite many changes it has undergone.”
Erick
When I arrived in the United States as a day laborer, without knowing the language or the system, I learned about Wind of the Spirit because Diana was at the bus stop handing out information. That encounter opened a path for me: I learned English, understood my rights, continued studying, and was able to grow professionally. I participated in important struggles, such as stopping an anti-immigrant law and the campaign for driver’s licenses, and what impacted me most was being able to help others who were going through what I had experienced when I first arrived. Today, I continue to believe in social justice and dream that WotS will remain a true support for the community.
“Since I’ve known Wots, I’ve never been left alone.”
José
I met WotS during one of the most difficult times of my life, and since then Wind of the Spirit has been a constant source of support. The organization helped me discover that I had so much to offer and even develop my talent as a health and safety trainer. I participated in the fight against 287(g), in the campaign for driver’s licenses, in the defense of domestic workers, and in providing support during the pandemic. What has impressed me most is that WotS never stopped working or accompanying the community, even in the worst moments. I dream that it will continue to grow in its alliances and remain a space where people find rights, support, and dignity.
“Throughout my life, some of the most influential people have been immigrants.”
Adam
I first learned about Wind of the Spirit in 2017, when I heard Karol speak at a community meeting and immediately felt it was a movement I wanted to join. I started as a volunteer and later worked on public policy, coordinating trips to Washington and supporting campaigns such as the ITA, the Registry, and domestic workers’ rights. I come from a family of immigrants, and this work allowed me to honor that history and make sense of my own experiences. For me, WotS is deeply meaningful. I dream of a vibrant, influential organization that remains closely connected to the community.
“I found that sense of community and familiarity.”
Ruby
I got to know Wind of the Spirit because Diana would stop me on the street and invite me over and over again. I always said no. I was completely alone in this country, and the organization became my family. I began giving my testimony in campaigns, learned to speak in public without fear, and participated in the fight for driver’s licenses, which for me meant freedom. During the pandemic, when we were excluded from all federal aid because we were undocumented, WotS fought until it secured support for more than 1,300 families. Here I discovered my mission, and I dream that the organization will continue to pave the way for immigration reform that brings justice to our community.
“I am now a much more empathetic person.”
Hellen
I joined Wind of the Spirit in 2020, recommended by people in the community and driven by a deep desire to work directly with those facing injustice. I participated in the campaign for driver’s licenses, in housing forums during the pandemic, and in the fight for domestic workers’ rights, contributing to the language of that law. This work transformed the way I see the world: it made me more empathetic, more aware, and more committed to collective action. I believe in the power of WotS and dream of an organization that grows with a strong, sustainable structure to continue supporting our community.
“The organization has helped me see and feel differently while living in this country.”
Alejandro
I learned about Wind of the Spirit when I was looking for English classes, and from that first workshop on immigration reform, I knew I wanted to get more involved. I started participating in marches, walks, and workshops such as: Know Your Rights and We Make History. One of my most important memories was speaking for the first time in a senator’s office; at first I was shaking, but the second time I was able to do it in English and I felt truly empowered. I dream of an organization that continues to open spaces where people can learn, participate, and feel supported.
“The best thing that could happen to WOTS is for it to cease to exist… because we live in a fair country with fair immigration laws, and the community doesn’t need us to fight for their rights.”
Jacky
I grew up in Dover, and although I had papers, many people close to me were undocumented. My first connection with Wind of the Spirit was when a volunteer lawyer from WotS helped my mom during a very difficult time for our family. Later, when I graduated, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to community work and joined the organization. I participated in campaigns for access to education, financial aid, and driver’s licenses. WotS opened doors for me, gave me confidence, and helped me find my voice. I share the dream that one day it will no longer be necessary, because we will live in a more just country.
“Emigration is a right that all human beings have… the people united will never
be defeated.”
Ana
In 2008, I came to Wind of the Spirit looking to do social service. Over time, what began as occasional collaboration became a deep commitment; I went from attending marches to becoming an active member and leader, especially when they opened the office in Plainfield. Getting organized allowed me to learn about my rights, cultivate friendships, and feel that I was not alone in an unfamiliar land. Thanks to WotS’ support, I obtained my work permit and have supported “Know Your Rights” workshops, the defense of domestic workers, and community support during the pandemic. I firmly believe that when we come together, we can defend our dignity and build a better future for our community.
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