Luzmira Valenzuela is applying to study Women's and Human Rights & Equity studies at York University. The letter writer has known Luzmira for decades and witnessed her volunteer work in Canada and Southern Africa with organizations supporting women and girls' issues. As a single mother who has faced adversity, Luzmira brings experience working with marginalized communities and a strong commitment to equity. The letter writer hopes Luzmira will be considered a worthy candidate for her studies.

1. September 28, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my great pleasure to support Luzmira Valenzuela in her studies. I have
known Luzmira for several decades and have witnessed her work in community
settings, including the she done with us.
Luzmira’s experience with outreach through her volunteer work in various
organizations speaks both in Canada and in Southern Africa speaks to her ability to
create, and sustain relationships with others. She is clearly a valuable member of the
organizations to which she belongs, bringing with her experience and commitment
women and girls’ issues in international settings. This not to mention the work she
has in the city of Toronto in various agencies and organizations such as Christie
Ossignton Neighbourhood Centre with the homeless, hard to housed and as a
Coordinator for Drop In Centre in Syme Woolner Neighbourhood & Famliy Centre.
Luzmira has overcome many obstacles in her life as a single mother. I was
present when she was once exiled alongside her family, and later when she left the
continent to follow her parents who sought to support government efforts in
Mozambique in 1970s,80s and most recent. It has been my experience that
displaced peoples often have greater sensitivity and understanding of issues that
impact others who have lived the same. As she is student in Women’s and Human
Rights & Equity studies program at York University, this is important to note, due to
the challenges facing communities of marginalized women and in understanding
gender normative issues facing women in all parts of the world today. Luzmira has
worked with communities of women and girls facing incredible challenges in health
and in the betterment of life chances in various areas of life. Luzmira brings with her
a strong equity lens, a necessity for a wide various of work.
I sincerely hope that you will consider Luzmira as a strong and worthy
candidate.
Sincerely,
Patricio Bascuñán,
President, Chilean-Canadian Cultural Society – CASA Salvador Allende, Toronto
Email: Patricio.bascunan@cupe4400.org
Phone: 416-456-6603

2. Being awarded the chance to study further in my field at York University in Gender and
Women's studies is an incredible opportunity for me and one I intend to seize wholeheartedly
without reservation. I have consistently proven throughout my previous studies and working
experience than when presented with an opportunity I will strive as hard as I can to best
represent myself and reward those who have granted me a chance to prove such.
Being a single mother and have health challenges have as well faced personal obstacles; I
continuously worked with communities of women and girls facing incredible challenges in
health and in the betterment of life chances in various areas of life.