Juanita Nuñez serves on the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board. She works as co-pastor with her husband, Eligio, at Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer in Apopka, Fla. She is also an ex-officio member of Iglesia Menonita Hispana general board and a chaplain in Marketplace Chaplains USA. In the past she served as moderator of IMH and as Hispanic Women’s Mennonite Conference coordinator.

Do/did you have a woman leader as mentor? If so, how does/did she help you?

When I was 5 years old in the Dominican Republic, two humble women left a great impression on me—Benita and Estebania Ramirez. Both of them were in difficult marriage situations, but they held on to their faith and were an inspiration to the whole congregation. When I went to Bible school in 1981, I had the opportunity to meet the director, Maria Luisa Gomez, who took me under her wings.

Are you mentoring a young woman who may be a potential church leader?

I have a friendship and mentoring relationship with Madeline Maldonado. I have also been able to influence my daughters, Alexandra and Jovanna. Alexandra is currently a leader in a Christian microfinance organization, serving people in the Dominican Republic and in Haiti, where she acts as a leader and a person committed to God.

If so, how is her experience the same/different from yours?

Madeline and I are from different upbringings. I was born in the Dominican
Republic, and she was raised in the United States. She is also from another generation of Hispanics growing up with a different culture. Luisa and I currently
belong to different denominations. Finally, while my daughter Alexandra and I will always have a parent-child relationship, we have been developing stronger bonds of a caring friendship.

What impediments have you faced in becoming a leader?

First, I am a Hispanic woman of color. Sometimes the fact that I speak English with an accent has an impact on my leadership. Second, serving in a different country from my own has its challenges. Third, the Hispanic community historically has been male-dominated. Some women prefer men in leadership roles, mostly based on past experiences or personality clashes with other women.

When you face challenges as leader, what encourages you?

Prayer and knowing God’s Word has been an important part of my journey. God is able to see me through all things. My family, my congregation and my friends are a significant part of my life, as they love me and accept me as I am. Serving God is the highest calling anyone can receive. What higher honor could anyone ask for?