In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), we celebrate Sergia Cardenas, the Seat 4 member on the Pierson Town Council. Cardenas was born in Selma, California, to Mexican parents.

A 2002 Taylor Middle-High School graduate, the first in her family, Cardenas moved to Pierson when she was 4 months old. Her parents, who were undocumented, later became U.S. citizens.

Dedicated to success from an early age, Cardenas attended Pierson Elementary School. It was difficult for her to learn English, which she did with the help of her teachers. 

She balanced her learning at an early age with working in the ferneries in the summer to assist with purchasing school supplies and clothes for the following year. Experiences like that led to her growth, understanding and love of family, and appreciation of education.

Cardenas later explored her interest in law, working for attorney Jose B. Alvarez in DeLand. She later worked for attorney John A. Stanton, also in DeLand, where she was able to help low-income agricultural families. 

She is currently employed with the state judicial system, and is a recent graduate of Keiser University, where she majored in paralegal studies.

A single mom of three, Cardenas is dedicated to enhancing her children’s lives and the lives of others in the Pierson community, as the first Mexican American woman elected to the Pierson Town Council.

“One thing I learned from my father is to lend a hand without judgment and without expecting anything in return,” Cardenas said.

— Cameron, a longtime educator, lives in Orange City. Email her at cameronchronicleslive@gmail.com.