For Anayeli Cuevas-Castro – one of our newest Women’s Giving Fund Steering Committee members – community is more than just a place; it is a responsibility and a calling, even when it feels hard.
Anayeli moved to Park City when she was just seven years old from Mexico, arriving with her family and beginning school at McPolin Elementary. Like many children navigating a new language and culture, those early years came with challenges. She remembers moments of feeling unsure and having to grow up quickly, often serving as a translator for her family at a young age. These times stayed with her and quickly shaped a dream she had for years: becoming a teacher.
“I always wanted to be a teacher, but I never thought it was possible until I saw someone in that role who looked like me,” Anayeli shared.
That moment of representation mattered, and today it is something Anayeli is intentional about creating for others now that she has become a first-grade teacher.
Anayeli’s path into education began working for an after-school program where she made connections and eventually led her to a dual immersion teaching role at McPolin Elementary. Despite other opportunities, she chose to stay rooted in McPolin and the community that felt like home.
As an educator, Anayeli understands how powerful it is for children to feel safe, seen, and represented.
“I wanted to give kids a better experience than what I had growing up,” she said. “Not just feeling safe but feeling represented.”
Those values extended beyond the classroom and guided how she gives back to Park City through advocacy, connection, and service.
Anayeli was first introduced to Park City Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund a few years ago by a friend who invited her to a social event. What stood out immediately was the energy and power in the room.
“Being surrounded by so many women, you really feel the power of it,” she said.
She was drawn to the deep connection that Women’s Giving Fund’s has in the community and its commitment to supporting women+, children, and strengthening Park City as a whole. Seeing a group of strong women leading by example, she remembered herself as a little girl, always looking for representation, and made it a point to be that person for another girl looking for the same thing. She became a Women’s Giving Fund member in 2023 through a gifted membership. With this opportunity, Anayeli has gained more confidence in herself and her power and has even been able to share this experience with her sister and friends.
When Anayeli first saw the call for Women’s Giving Fund Steering Committee nominations, she hesitated. Steering Committee members are responsible for reviewing grant applications, selecting three finalist organizations each year, and helping award high-impact grants that strengthen our community.
“At first, I didn’t think I was worthy of it,” she admitted. But the opportunity kept popping up in her head. Despite her doubts about nominating herself, she followed her instinct.
“I try so hard to be the person I wish I had growing up, so I decided I needed to nominate myself. I gave my everything in the application. It was raw, and I didn’t think twice,” she said. Her application was fantastic and as one of three new Steering Committee members, Anayeli is most excited about helping create a more inclusive table where more voices are welcomed and represented.
“I want to be a voice for people who are more like me,” she shared. “We want to be in the room and part of the conversation. We have things to offer.”
Her hope is that her presence helps open doors for others and reminds women like her that they belong in these spaces too. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, Anayeli remains committed to showing up, giving her time and knowledge, and helping build a stronger, more inclusive Park City.
To learn more about Women’s Giving Fund, a program of Park City Community Foundation with more than 2,300 women+ members, please visit our website and reach out to Rebecca Blanchette at: rebecca@parkcitycf.org
Posted in: Women's Giving Fund
Tagged: Women's Giving Fund