Lourdez Schwab knows what it’s like to be the daughter of protective Mexican immigrants, the only girl out of five children growing up in rural Minnesota. She often felt she couldn’t do what she wanted with her life. Seeking independence at 18, Schwab fled to Texas, got married, and had her first child.
Schwab’s early years motivate her to reach out to young Latinas and their families, who might be going through similar experiences. Housing has been her focus, including managing public housing and rental assistance programs for nonprofits and the city of Willmar. Schwab is a real estate agent who works closely with Latino families and facilitates first-time homebuyer workshops in English and Spanish. Previously Schwab led health and wellness programs for Latinas at the West Central Integration Collaborative.
Now Schwab serves as development coordinator for the Willmar area multicultural market, a public venue for the region’s diverse entrepreneurs. She consults with the entrepreneurs on their businesses—which include art, ethnic jewelry, food, and services—and she is working on opening an actual market building in downtown Willmar.
“When this opportunity came about I thought it would be fun to work with the parents of the young girls I had been working with and the families I sold houses to,” says Schwab. “It was all intertwined and connected with everything I had been doing. My work is to earn their trust and build relationships in the community.”
Schwab leads a busy life, raising three children with her husband, working toward a bachelor’s degree in economic development from Metropolitan State University, and serving in the United States Navy Reserves. Another of Schwab’s projects is to help the Terrazas family create a foundation in honor of their son, Miguel, who was killed in Iraq. It will assist young Latinos with funding for their higher education or starting a business.
