History
While working as social workers for immigrants seeking refuge in the United States, we realized there were limited resources for individuals to get help with simple legal filings, specifically with obtaining their employment authorization. Often, free legal organizations turn away individuals forcing them to pay high legal costs to complete an application they could do on their own, if it was available in their native language. We desperately wanted to find a way we could help our clients. Which sparked an idea, and we were inspired to create an organization to offer unlimited resources to immigrants after we met Gloria.
Our work brought us into contact with a mother named Gloria. After building a relationship with her and gaining her trust, she disclosed she was in a dangerous human trafficking situation. After helping Gloria and her daughter escape from a horrible situation, we realized we were called to do more. We saw firsthand how vulnerable immigrants are when they first arrive in the United States, making them an easy target for abuse. Their lack of available resources and fear to get help only made their situation worse. We saw how eager Gloria was to escape her situation, and we quickly acted to help her and her daughter. It didn’t take long for us to realize they were not alone. Although not all cases are as severe as theirs, we know countless people need help to succeed in a new country. This caused us to create Operación G.L.O.R.I.A.
Founders
CO-FOUNDER
Rachel Hennessey
Rachel attended Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Relations. After studying in Cumbayá, Ecuador, during a time of political unrest in Ecuador and surrounding countries, she saw how many foreign governments negatively impact their citizens. This experience made her want to do more for those fleeing their countries to come to the United States.
Rachel began her career working on State and Federal political campaigns and loved knowing her work helped shape the future of the United States. Once she became aware of the border crisis, she knew she had to do something to help. She started working as an Immigration social worker. Rachel soon realized she had found her passion, working with the immigrant population and advocating on their behalf. Using her unique personal experiences and career background, she will work hard for each client. Rachel currently resides in northern Indianapolis with her husband, three step-children and two rescue dogs.
CO-FOUNDER
Olivia Alcantara
Olivia attended Indiana State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish. After studying in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, she realized she had a passion for teaching. After returning from Mexico, she attended Taylor University to receive her teaching certificate in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in English as a New Language. She has resided in Indiana since 2007.
After many years of teaching, she decided she wanted a change in her career. With the growing immigrant population and the effects of the immigration system on her students, she decided to immerse herself in the immigration field. After working at an immigration law firm and as an immigration social worker for several years, she understood that there is a need for quality and genuine immigration resources for our population in Indiana. Olivia believes everyone deserves someone who will care and fight for their rights in the United States. She resides in the Southside of Indianapolis with her husband, daughter, and extended family.