Eloisa V. Baez: Finding Your Voice - A Fierce Path To Advocacy

In this inspiring episode of the Struggle2Success Podcast, Sterling Brown sits down with Eloisa V. Baez—advocate, notary public, and interpreter with 15+ years of advocacy and a decade of educational and court interpreting experience. From relocating across countries as a child to breaking barriers as a woman of color, Eloisa transformed adversity into purpose. She shares how constant change sharpened her adaptability and empathy, why vulnerability is often judged differently for women, and how her psychology background powers her work across courts, schools, and communities.

Eloisa opens up about parenting, neurodiversity, and building systems of support—teaching families to advocate, reframe “disability,” and create environments where different brains can thrive. She explains how resilience is cultivated, not gifted, and why some seasons of growth require leaving people, habits, and limits behind. The conversation ranges from identity and culture to critical thinking, second-language power, and responsible firearm training as a survivor of gun violence.

Connect with Eloisa:
Advocacy (free), Notary/Interpretation (fee-based), and Baez Outdoor Home Services (lawn care & tree removal)
Phone: (602) 918-2069 • (484) 708-7828
Web: baezohs.com (Baez Outdoor Home Services)
IG/FB: “Eloisa Baez” / @justello1 (as provided)

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Eloise V Baez
• 2:24 Vulnerability and Gender Differences
• 5:02 Cultural Transitions and Adaptability
• 8:13 Psychology Education and Motivation
• 11:22 Advocacy for Neurodiversity
• 17:51 Parenting with Purpose
• 22:27 Defining Success Through Legacy
• 29:05 Firearms Training and Making Peace
• 35:22 Closing and Contact Information

Transcript

Sterling: 0:36
Hello everyone, this is Sterling Brown, and welcome to the Struggle2Success Podcast. Today we have the privilege of speaking with a woman whose journey embodies resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference. Eloisa V. Baez is an advocate, a notary public, and an interpreter with over 15 years in advocacy and more than a decade in educational and court interpreting.
From navigating constant relocations as a child to breaking barriers as a woman of color, Eloisa has turned every challenge into an opportunity for growth. She’s passionate about helping others find their voice, bridging cultural gaps, and making a lasting impact on families and communities. In this episode, she shares her story of perseverance, purpose, and the mindset that transforms struggle into success.
Welcome to the show, Eloisa. How are you?

Eloisa V. Baez: 1:20
I’m good—and we were talking about being the first woman on this podcast.

Sterling: 1:37
Yes—vulnerability, but more importantly, being the first woman guest. Since we went public in May of last year, I’ve tried to set up interviews that often fell apart at sound check. You’re officially the first woman on the show—you like being number one—and we were talking about…

Eloisa V. Baez: 2:13
How it opens doors and conversations.

Sterling: 2:17
Right. We were talking about men and egos. Can you share what you said?

Eloisa V. Baez: 2:25
When a man is vulnerable, people often call it strength. But when a woman is vulnerable, she can be seen as nagging or “too much.” As people of color, we don’t always create safe space for men, either. I tell my daughters—one in college, one in high school—be mindful at work about what to share and when. It’s not shame; it’s wisdom. Even for this interview I said: I’ve survived a lot, but today we’ll focus on what’s broadly relatable.

Sterling: 3:24
That’s important. For many men, ego gets in the way—we don’t want to say “I don’t know,” and that slows growth. Responsibility starts with admitting we need help. And again—you’re the first.

Eloisa V. Baez: 4:13
When I was single and dating, my favorite trait in Dominican or Black men was, “I can learn. I can do it.”

Sterling: 4:24
You learn along the way. You’re Dominican?

Eloisa V. Baez: 4:32
Yes. I was born in the Dominican Republic, moved to Puerto Rico at six, then to the U.S. at twelve.

Sterling: 4:35
How did moving from DR to PR to the U.S. shape your strength?

Eloisa V. Baez: 5:03
Moving—and our economic status—shaped everything. From K–5 to 6th grade I attended six schools. In DR, I went to private school; in PR I bounced around. I entered a place where I wasn’t welcomed—there was prejudice at first.

Sterling: 5:28
In Puerto Rico?

Eloisa V. Baez: 5:28
Yes. I’d hear “go back on the boat.” But then I observed—they made fun of everyone: too dark, too light, too much hair, not enough. Once you see the culture, you stop taking it personally. I made friends I still have today.

Sterling: 6:16
How did that build adaptability and empathy?

Eloisa V. Baez: 6:21
Changing schools six times teaches you to read cultures quickly—each school is a culture. I learned systems, how to maneuver them—for safety and growth. It became almost fun, a learning curve.

Sterling: 6:48
That’s a unique perspective.

Eloisa V. Baez: 6:50
A lot of anger happens during learning. People avoid discomfort, so they avoid learning. I didn’t share certain traumas here out of respect for my family; healing matters. Everyone experiences things differently—you develop a muscle for change.

Sterling: 7:38
How did those experiences lead you to advocacy and court interpreting?

Eloisa V. Baez: 7:46
I started interpreting at 12. I learned English in six months; my family and neighbors didn’t speak it. I’d get pulled from school to translate—appointments, bills—basically unpaid work. In college I did pro bono for neighbors. It became community work.

Sterling: 8:32
Perfect example of turning learning curves into service and meaningful work.

Eloisa V. Baez: 9:09
It’s also about choosing when and with whom to share. I help families who’ve lost loved ones or need victim services. Sometimes healing comes through sharing, but you must be mindful—it can trigger others. If the relationship matters, find a way to navigate differences respectfully.

Sterling: 10:18
You have a psychology degree—what drew you to it?

Eloisa V. Baez: 10:29
Exactly what you said: understanding my own mind and family dynamics after childhood trauma. I studied psychology, political science, and anthropology. Professors who were passionate—about African American studies, statistics, family systems—lit the path for me.

Sterling: 12:16
Did you face resistance or lack of support?

Eloisa V. Baez: 12:28
I had a village. I’m a J. P. McCaskey grad (Class of 2000). I received scholarships—including the MLK Scholarship—and multiple college acceptances. But a counselor told me to go to community college “because of my English,” even though universities offered to cover costs and teach me. I tried a factory job for a week and said, “I’m going to college.”

Sterling: 14:31
It hits different when an educator you admire says you’re not “fit” for it.

Eloisa V. Baez: 16:32
He likely meant well. Years later I saw him; we were both further along. Life moves.

Sterling: 17:28
Your bachelor’s is in psychology. What led you from social work to advocacy?

Eloisa V. Baez: 17:50
My daughters are autistic. Years ago, schools and insurance weren’t prepared. As a Brown woman, I advocated for my kids—and then for other families. I led parent groups, worked with schools, taught self-advocacy, reframed “disability” as different wiring that needs the right environment.

Sterling: 19:56
As a former teacher, I’ve seen those systemic gaps—even in “good” districts.

Eloisa V. Baez: 20:05
Yes—politics can harm progress. Inner strength is intelligence—assessing, coping, adapting. Mine comes from faith, culture, family, and knowing who I am: Black, Dominican, assertive. I communicate to make things fair and equitable.

Sterling: 21:30
Give an example of standing on your values.

Eloisa V. Baez: 22:00
A conference on “Afro-Latinas” had a panel lighter than me—and I’m light-skinned. Experiences were flattened and others ignored. It hurt. I stepped back to regroup—and kept pushing for honest representation.

Sterling: 23:20
What advice for someone torn between ambition and loved ones?

Eloisa V. Baez: 24:15
Sometimes you must leave people, habits, and limits behind to grow—and you can return later. If they love you, they’ll understand. Let go to walk into the unknown. I’ve learned to be happy with much or little—resilience makes that possible.

Sterling: 26:02
Powerful. How do you identify goals and pursue them amid obstacles?

Eloisa V. Baez: 26:56
As a Dominican daughter, my first dream was giving my mom that college degree—I did. Later I built a nonprofit—Collaborative for Advocacy and Neurodiversity—to reframe neurodiversity and educate employers, schools, and parents: different wiring needs different environments; “success” varies by person.

Sterling: 28:33
You said “American society”—why?

Eloisa V. Baez: 28:47
I compare systems. I’m celiac—America allows trace gluten in “gluten-free” foods. With autism, U.S. approaches can be compliance-heavy—teaching kids to perform sameness instead of honoring sensory realities—leading to meltdowns. Spain/UK/Canada handle some things differently. Sometimes you must look outside for better models.

Sterling: 30:57
Your “have to” mindset—versus “want to”—is key.

Eloisa V. Baez: 31:45
My child was suffering. “I have to” pushes you to second/third opinions and better answers.

Sterling: 32:08
Facts. Many accept the first answer. My wife keeps pushing—saved our son from a misdiagnosis.

Eloisa V. Baez: 33:13
We’re not teaching resilience. Online culture often says, “If it costs my peace, I’m out.” I study my triggers; I sat with sex offenders to understand systems. That curiosity comes from changing schools: I had to learn how things work to be safe.

Sterling: 34:23
Makes perfect sense.

Eloisa V. Baez: 34:23
Kids are told to be “a hundred things,” but not given identity anchors. If parents don’t guide and love them toward truth, systems will. I homeschooled my daughter for a year—identity, critical thinking, choices. We even read banned books.

Sterling: 35:29
Mama Bear energy.

Eloisa V. Baez: 35:38
It’s for the whole community. If five people hear this and three change, those three affect their children, who affect more. That’s impact.

Sterling: 36:28
You’re answering everything on my list—in the best way. Last advice for someone feeling lost and defeated?

Eloisa V. Baez: 37:12
Ask for help. Ask ten people if one says no. And know—my biggest lessons came from defeat.

Sterling: 37:37
Say that in Spanish for a soundbite?

Eloisa V. Baez: 37:56
(Spanish statement recorded—paraphrase kept per your note.)

Sterling: 38:49
You also shared a nonprofit that didn’t work out.

Eloisa V. Baez: 38:49
Yes—Collaborative for Advocacy and Neurodiversity stalled. I got discouraged by “I can advocate for myself” trends. Later I realized: if something burns inside you, do it anyway. Your message is for the ones ready to hear it.

Sterling: 39:48
How do you define success?

Eloisa V. Baez: 40:12
Success is legacy—touching lives that touch other lives. I’ve been a mom since 19; that’s my first calling. I’ve long said, after 42 I’ll pour into something big. Generational change is my metric—even if I don’t live to see it fully.

Sterling: 41:46
Can you recall when you realized your legacy was already forming?

Eloisa V. Baez: 42:27
A neighbor’s child bullied my daughter. I had helped that mom with school advocacy. I expected conflict, but when I set a boundary, she thanked me, asked to keep our friendship, and to rebuild slowly. That respect—that’s legacy.

Sterling: 43:38
You were ready for a tough conversation—not violence—justice.

Eloisa V. Baez: 44:24
She’s a great mom; she corrected her child. We’re good.

Sterling: 44:44
Takeaways: stand for justice, believe in yourself, pursue your dreams, and build what you can leave behind.

Eloisa V. Baez: 45:39
You will leave something—good or bad. Heal, or you’ll pass hurt forward. I love Maya Angelou’s quote…

Sterling: 46:03
Say it!

Eloisa V. Baez: 46:15
“La gente puede olvidar lo que dijiste, pero nunca cómo los hiciste sentir.” Live by that—you can’t take back how you make people feel.

Sterling: 46:29
Curveball—context for listeners: we met in 2024 at CB Tactical (Sinking Spring, PA). You trained, sought family safety, and today you have your PA concealed-carry permit.

Eloisa V. Baez: 47:28
I’m shopping for my firearm now—the system was down, but I’ll be back. My husband’s joining me.

Sterling: 47:36
Shouting you out—it’s a big step for women learning responsible firearm skills.

Eloisa V. Baez: 48:18
Training was amazing. As a survivor of gun violence—my partner (my daughter’s father) was murdered—I wanted to make peace with firearms and understand responsibility. You explained the law and safe storage clearly. It felt respectful and thorough.

Sterling: 49:15
That was all you. Purpose drove your learning.

Eloisa V. Baez: 49:48
Like psychology, I have to understand how things work—tools, safety, responsibility for family and guests. The session flowed and honored my boundaries. The carry permit process was simple.

Sterling: 51:13
Eloisa, thank you—this reminded me why I do this. If listeners need your services, how can they reach you?

Eloisa V. Baez: 52:48
For notary or interpretation (fees vary), and for advocacy (free), contact me at (602) 918-2069.
We also run Baez Outdoor Home Services (lawn care & tree removal): baezohs.com and (484) 708-7828. You’ll do the work—I’ll do it with you.

53:46-55:11 (Spanish translation audio only)

 Ms. Eloisa, thank you for joining us on Struggle2Success. Have a great day.

Eloisa V. Baez: 55:21
Thank you so much for having me. You too.