My social work career began at UofM where I learned the importance of research. The skills and knowledge I gained there has led me to my faculty career. I have been promoted to full Professor. I am the first Latina full professor in the history of the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. It’s a reflective moment: What’s more important, the journey or the destination? My answer without a doubt is the company along the way, the relationships we build. Without my supportive family, friends, colleagues and mentors I would never have made it here. My vision for what is next is clear: to raise up the academic mothers, doctoral students, minority scholars, and all those on this path, to success.