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International Women’s Day Performance by Verónica Alvarado & Nury Marquez
A special performance by Verónica & Nury.
Verónica Alvarado performs A Song to Smile and Nury Marquez performs The Journey of a Woman to celebrate International Women’s Day at North York Community House.
The Journey of a Woman
by Nury Marquez
I pack my dreams.
I pack my hopes.
I leave behind what I know,
and I step into the unknown.
A new land, a new life.
I knock on doors—one, two, three.
Some never open,
some close too fast.
Doubt whispers in my ear,
loneliness walks by my side.
I feel the weight of fear,
and I wonder… should I give up?
Then—one door opens.
A hand reaches out.
A voice says, “You are not alone.”
And suddenly, I see them—
women standing together,
hands joined, hearts strong.
We are more than our struggles.
We are more than our fears.
We are women.
And together, we rise.
El Viaje de una Mujer
por Nury Marquez
Empaco mis sueños.
Empaco mis esperanzas.
Dejo atrás lo que conozco
y doy un paso hacia lo desconocido.
Una nueva tierra, una nueva vida.
Toco puertas—una, dos, tres.
Algunas nunca se abren,
otras se cierran demasiado rápido.
La duda susurra en mi oído,
la soledad camina a mi lado.
Siento el peso del miedo,
y me pregunto… ¿debo rendirme?
Entonces—una puerta se abre.
Una mano se extiende.
Una voz dice: “No estás sola.”
Y de pronto, las veo—
mujeres unidas,
manos entrelazadas, corazones fuertes.
Somos más que nuestras luchas.
Somos más que nuestros miedos.
Somos mujeres.
Y juntas, nos levantamos.
About Nury
Nury Viviana Marquez Gutierrez is a professional with over 10 years of experience in social work, community outreach, and settlement services. She has worked in the development and facilitation of programs aimed at women and seniors, focusing on gender-based violence prevention, digital literacy, cognitive function, and community inclusion. Her academic background includes Psychology, Performing Arts, and a postgraduate degree in Drama Therapy.
In Canada, she is part of the staff at North York Community House and has actively collaborated with organizations such as the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples, Central Eglinton Community Centre, and the Hispanic Development Council, among others, supporting newcomer and refugee communities. Additionally, she is developing digital literacy workshops for seniors and individuals looking to enhance their technological skills for the workforce.
Nury is passionate about the arts, education, community well-being, and technology, combining her expertise in communication, social media, and digital training to empower others. She is currently furthering her professional development to strengthen her impact in the social and community sectors.
About Verónica
My name is Verónica Alvarado, I am a Central American migrant woman, mother, and student in the Assaulted Women and Children Counseling/ Advocate (AWCCA) program at George Brown College.
I grew up in Nicaragua and El Salvador during the postwar period, which meant facing scarcity and the emotional consequences of the civil war.
Access to healing for my emotional wounds is an essential part of my drive to contribute to social change.
Music has been my haven. Despite lacking resources to study music formally, my passion drives me to learn independently and never leave it behind. I like to combine my approach to social justice with my music.
My commitment is focused on improving access to mental health and promoting justice for people with disabilities from an intersectional solidarity perspective. I aspire to join the Critical Disability Studies program and amplify historically silenced voices.
