Viri is a first generation Mexican American who grew up in the border town of El Paso Texas and Cd. Juarez Chihuahua. After graduating college she followed her sister to Minnesota. Having a passion for languages and hispanic culture she joined the team at Listos Preschool and Childcare in 2018 as a Spanish teacher and now serves as Program Director. 

Viri is an involved leader in Kids Count on Us, speaking at press conferences, hosting legislators, rallying at the Capitol, and recently taking on a leadership role in organizing Spanish speaking providers. We were thrilled to have her as our co-host for our Grassroots Assembly in Minneapolis at the end of September. 

Viri, it was so great to work with you this fall. Tell us about your vision of a child care system that actually works.
My vision of a childcare system that actually works, is first dismantling the one we currently have to rebuild one that encompasses everyone’s needs. Childcare IS a public good from which we ALL benefit and it deserves to be treated as such by being publicly funded. This means that we need a childcare system that is high quality, equitable, affordable for families, and one in which it provides a sustainable career path with benefits for every teacher. Minnesota families would no longer have to pay the equivalent of a university tuition for childcare, but instead would pay no more than 7% of their income for high-quality care.

Yes! What excites you about being part of the Child Care for Every Family Network?
I’m excited to be part of a group that can see the bigger picture, advocating and organizing to change the way the childcare system works for the future of our children, families, and childcare workers. In this network I have met many extraordinary women and men who are doing hard work in their communities to make these needed changes. It brings me hope to meet other like minded individuals who are pushing for our lawmakers to act in order to bring this vision of a childcare system that actually works for all.

Kids Count on Us has built incredible power in Minnesota. What has it been like for you to build power as part of Kids Count on Us? 
It feels like a breath of fresh air, like we are finally being heard. Although there have been many great changes made for Childcare in Minnesota, I feel we are on the cusp of something bigger. We are paving the way, but I know it will take more time, dedication, and more people like KCOU members to do so. We need to keep this power momentum going because, together, we are strong, and there is no stopping us from pursuing the changes we want in our current childcare system!

How important does the upcoming election feel for you when thinking about the future of child care?
It is very important to me. I am educating myself and others about those candidates who have Childcare as their priority and want to work with us to create a better system. For far too long our policymakers have failed to invest in our children, families, and caregivers and instead opt to enact expensive tax cuts that give benefits mainly to the wealthy Minnesotans. I believe it’s about time they invest in Early Childhood Education. I am hoping to be as involved as I can be, because like one of the KCOU members once said “If you are not at the table, then you are part of the menu.” I do not want to be part of the menu anymore, I want to be a part of that table that makes these important decisions happen.