Shafter Cinco de Mayo Festival 2025

 The Shafter Cinco de Mayo Committee has announced its choice for the 2025 parade Grand Marshal: Richland School District Superintendent Rosa A. Romero. An educator, administrator and Latina leader, Romero's selection celebrates her decades of dedication to education and deep connection to her cultural heritage.

"While I'm not a Shafter native, the community has embraced me like one of its own, and I will always be grateful to feel like part of the Shafter family," Romero said. Her story began in a humble, hardworking family of five by her parents, José and Dominga Aguirre, who were farmworkers. "We began our journey in a labor camp and eventually moved to Richgrove when I was five, where we became one of the first families to build and own a self-help home."

Romero's childhood deeply impacted her. "Life wasn't always easy, but it was full of love, values and purpose. By the time I was eight, I was working in the fields, waking up at 4 a.m. to help my family." Those early mornings taught her resilience and lit a fire in her to pursue an education, knowing she wanted something more for her future. She credits her parents for "instilling in us the importance of honoring who we are, taking pride in everything we do, and always lending a hand to those in need. Their sacrifices and strength shaped the person I am today."

With 37 years in education within the Richland School District, Romero progressed from bilingual classroom teacher, Title VII coordinator and principal to director positions and now superintendent. As leader of the district, she has focused on social-emotional learning, equity, family engagement and cultural responsiveness, creating "safe, inclusive spaces where students feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed."

"I was incredibly honored and deeply moved," Romero said of being named Grand Marshal. "To be recognized by a community that has meant so much to me throughout my career is both humbling and heartwarming. It's especially meaningful as I prepare to retire." Her retirement begins June 30 this year.

As Grand Marshal, Romero looks forward to "connecting with the community, seeing the smiling faces of families and celebrating our shared heritage." She hopes young attendees will see a reflection of what they, too, can become. Having attended the Cinco de Mayo festivities since she started as an educator, she reflects, "Shafter has always held a special place in my heart."

"Being Latina is the one thing no one can take away from me," Romero affirmed. "I own it, accept it and embrace it in every move I make. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Shafter fills me with pride because it honors our roots, struggles and contributions. It's about visibility, strength and legacy."

To the committee: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This recognition is deeply meaningful. I am honored and sincerely grateful for the opportunity to represent our community."

Her message for those attending the parade? "I want attendees to walk away with a sense of pride in who they are and where they come from. I want young people, especially young Latinas, to know they are powerful, worthy and capable of greatness. ¡Juntas somos poderosas!"

Article used by permission:

 Veronica Jacuinde, The Press and Tribune | Apr 10, 2025