The Arc of Leadership | Part 9

Written by Tim Buckley, January 2026

If you watch birds at all, you’ll notice they keep their beaks sharp by scraping them against branches. Cats are similar, sharpening their claws on trees or fenceposts. Daily work on beaks and claws keeps them prepared for success in the world.

Leadership skills are sharpened in a similar way, honing edges on the fenceposts of life…challenges, in other words.

Imelda Sanchez’s personal life in 2022 was severely challenged. COVID added stress for many during those years, and it certainly did that for the Sanchez family. That was when she and her husband parted ways for good. Now single, she struggled to find an affordable place to raise her boys, Fernando and Ayden, who were 12 and 8 years old at the time. They found an affordable place in Independence, but it meant driving a lot of extra miles to the boys’ respective schools in Salem and Keizer every day. “The boys didn’t want to change schools and I agreed,” Imelda said. “I thought it would offer some stability for them, where they were already familiar with teachers and friends.” Her daily life also included full-time work at the Mano a Mano Family Center, and being a parent before and after work.

2022 was also the year the Kennedy Neighborhood Family Council (NFC) was launched. Imelda, who had been living in the neighborhood and whose son Ayden was a student at Kennedy Elementary, went to the first organizing event…a BBQ…where CBEL’s project was outlined and where NFC director Eduardo Angulo asked for volunteers to start the Kennedy Council. Imelda said yes, and even though the challenge brought more responsibility, she also imagined joining might have benefits for her and her sons.

“The first year after my divorce was the hardest,” Imelda said. “It’s still difficult, but now I also feel blessed. The experience helped me grow in different ways. Getting more training and more knowledge was so helpful, in my role as a parent, as a professional and in a spiritual sense as well. My sons grew, too! And the best thing is that I feel closer to my kids. Our communication improved and our attachment is stronger,” she said.

“Fernando and Ayden have been part of our team of volunteers since the beginning,” Imelda continued. "Now 15 and 11, the boys help set up, hand out prizes, serve food or run an activity,” she added. “And they stay afterwards, too, to help clean up after a Fun Friday or holiday festival.”

“Before I started with the Council, it seemed like the boys were less social and spent a lot of time playing video games at home,” she said. “Being part of the Kennedy Council family has helped them be more independent, outgoing and social. They’ve built close relationships with lots of adults, gaining a lot of respect along the way.  They’ve also invited their friends and met other kids as volunteers too.

 “My youngest said to me recently, ‘Mom, you seem braver now.’ It’s true. I used to be unwilling to drive more than 20 miles from Salem. Now I drive out of state as part of programs at our church.”

Imelda’s job at Mano a Mano Family Center has also helped her effectiveness as a mentor and leader. “I meet people who are going through what I went through. It’s gratifying to be able to share with them what seemed to work for me,” she said. “My job includes helping families with challenges they’re having, like getting enrolled with the Oregon Health Plan, getting extra food for the family, and notarizing legal documents.”

Imelda has been a Resource Navigator at Mano a Mano for five years. Mother, full time resource navigator, part time Neighborhood Family Council member and event volunteer, it’s amazing to watch how much gets done - with grace, support from her team, her church, and her family. It’s gratifying to see her sons, Fernando and Ayden, finding their way as youngsters, growing into leaders too, with a smile on their faces and eager to help.