Lucero (Lucy) Diaz is a testament to the strength of determination and the importance of family support. Born and raised in McMinnville, Oregon, Lucy’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity, education as a path to empowerment, and an unbreakable bond with her cultural roots. As a 30-year-old first-generation college graduate, mother, wife, and advocate for children with disabilities, Lucy’s journey from humble beginnings to success has inspired countless people in her community. Lucy has proven that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

Her latest venture, Shine Juntos, is a reflection of her personal journey and values—a photography business built on love, care, and understanding. Lucy's story isn’t just one of individual success; it’s a story of lifting up others, particularly her community, and making meaningful connections along the way.

Early Life and Family Foundations

Lucy was born to Mexican parents who, despite working tirelessly to provide for their family, faced the hardships of living in poverty. Growing up in a small home with three younger siblings, Lucy quickly assumed the role of caretaker, looking out for her siblings as though they were her own children. Despite the challenges of her environment, she witnessed firsthand the sacrifices her parents made, which ignited in her a fierce desire to break the cycle of poverty through education.

"Seeing my parents work so hard for us inspired me to keep going, no matter what obstacles came my way," Lucy reflects.

Her high school graduation in 2013 was a defining moment for Lucy—a beacon of hope for herself and her family. It was the first major accomplishment in a life filled with them, signaling to her that anything was possible if she didn’t give up.

The College Journey: Overcoming Financial Struggles

After high school, Lucy’s path seemed clear—education was her key to a better future. But being a first-generation college student, the road ahead wasn’t easy. She received a two-year scholarship to Chemeketa Community College, but the financial struggles continued. Her father, who had been dealing with health issues from prior job injuries, could no longer support the family in the same way, leaving them with their mom's income only. But Lucy’s ingenuity and determination led to a solution.

Lucy came up with an idea to help her father, motivating him to start picking up scrap metal. She utilized online platforms to connect with people needing items to be picked up, and after school, Lucy would join her father in the endeavor. What started as a way to make ends meet turned into a thriving business, with Lucy’s father becoming well-known in the community for his work.

"I’ve never been embarrassed by it. I was proud to help my family and contribute to my education," Lucy says.

This entrepreneurial spirit became a defining trait of Lucy’s character—one that would carry her through many more challenges.

Discovering Her Passion and Completing Her Degree

During her time at Chemeketa, Lucy discovered a passion for psychology. Taking a class that piqued her interest, she found a field that would combine her desire to help others with her academic strengths. By the time she completed her associate degree, Lucy transferred to Western Oregon University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Philosophy.

But even as she was achieving academic success, her life was far from easy. In 2017, after graduating, she was hired as an Outreach Coordinator and Educator at a child abuse intervention center, focusing on the Hispanic community. This job allowed her to educate families and students about the often-taboo subject of child abuse prevention—a cause that Lucy was deeply passionate about. Her ability to connect with her community, especially through her leadership in the Spanish Church choir, made her an invaluable asset to the center.

A Growing Family and New Career Challenges

In 2018, Lucero married her now-husband, Christian Olmedo, and together they began building their family. By 2020, Lucy became a mother, welcoming her first son during the COVID pandemic. But the year 2021 brought new challenges and triumphs. As a first-time mother, Lucy also transitioned to a new job at an elementary school, working with children with disabilities and behaviors. To add to the whirlwind, she was also expecting her second child, a daughter, who was born in March 2022.

“I was juggling so many things—being a first-time mom, adjusting to my new job, and then expecting again. It was a lot, but I kept going because I knew it would all be worth it.”

In the years that followed, Lucy fell in love with her work and became even more passionate about helping children with disabilities. But it was the diagnosis of her son with Autism that propelled her to take the next step in her career.

Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education

Lucy’s son, her number one motivator, became the driving force behind her decision to pursue a Master’s in Special Education. The struggles she experienced navigating the system for her son made her realize the importance of bridging the gap for Spanish-speaking families—helping them understand special education and providing them with the support they need to advocate for their children.

In 2025, Lucero proudly earned her Master of Science in Special Education, while also balancing the roles of a mother, wife, full-time worker, sister, and daughter. The journey was far from easy, but Lucy’s grit and determination saw her through.

“I still don’t know how I did it, but I know I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and my community.”

Shine Juntos: A New Venture in Photography

In 2025, Lucy launched Shine Juntos, a photography business rooted in her personal experiences as a mother of two children, including a son with Autism. Lucy understands the challenges families face when stepping outside of their comfort zone, especially families with children who have disabilities. Through Shine Juntos, Lucy aims to offer a unique and inclusive photography experience that meets the diverse needs of her clients.

"I understand the challenges that can arise when being away from home," Lucy explains. "That’s why my goal is to offer inclusive photography services for all needs, from families with transportation difficulties to seniors or individuals with disabilities."

Her services include:

In-home photography sessions, offering families the comfort of capturing special moments in their own space.

Outdoor sessions in familiar, accessible locations like parks, where clients can relax and feel at ease.

Special needs-friendly photography, ensuring that every client feels heard, seen, and respected during their session.

For Lucy, Shine Juntos isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about creating an experience where families can feel comfortable, supported, and celebrated.

Legacy and Impact

Lucy’s work extends beyond photography, as she continues to serve her community through her advocacy for children with disabilities and her tireless support for Spanish-speaking families navigating the special education system. Her work as a mother, advocate, and entrepreneur is a reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but about lifting up others along the way.

Her journey, from growing up in poverty to becoming a successful business owner and a pillar in her community, is an inspiration to anyone facing challenges. Lucy’s story shows that, no matter where you start, with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Lucero Diaz’s story is one of resilience, love, and unwavering determination. Whether through her work in special education, her community involvement, or her new venture in photography, Lucero’s impact is felt deeply by those around her.

As she reflects on her journey, Lucy is filled with gratitude for her family, community, and the opportunities she has had to make a difference.

"I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey and how you help others along the way," she says.

Her story is just beginning, and Lucy is excited to continue building a future for her family and her community, one that is inclusive, empowering, and full of love.