Debbie Cabrales Oral History Interview, May 26, 2021

Partial Transcript: Can you tell me about your upbringing?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie Cabrales is a councilwoman in Woodburn. She was born in Woodburn to immigrant parents who came to Woddburn from Jalisco, Mexico in 1992. Her mother worked at a cannery when first moving to Oregon.

Keywords: Cannery; Councilwoman; Immigrations; Jalisco; Oregon; Woodburn

Partial Transcript: What community did you grow up in?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie grew up in Woodburn, which had a significant Latinx population. She recalls growing up in a very familiar culture with Taco trucks and Spanish used throughout town.

Keywords: Latinx; Padrinos; Taco trucks

Partial Transcript: What was your experience working with the Latino Network?

Segment Synopsis: The Latino Network is a Latinx focused nonprofit that contributed to policy and worked with children affected by gangs. Debbie was a stability program coordinator, helping to connect unhoused families with housing and to provide rent assistance to those in danger of losing their shelter.

Keywords: Homelessness; Housing; Latino Network; Latinx; Nonprofit; Policy; Woodburn

Partial Transcript: What was Unidos for Oregon like?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie participated in a leadership program known as Unidos for Oregon. The program began with a life-changing 3-day retreat where she bonded with individuals who shared her background and experience. She credits this program with providing her with useful tools in her career, such as how to be effective when dealing with people committing microaggressions or not understanding your experience.

Keywords: Leadership Program; Microagressions; Retreat; Unidos; Unidos for Oregon

Partial Transcript: What was your experience working with Centro de Servicios para Campesinos?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie serves as the Executive Director of Centro de Servicios para Campesinos. The nonprofit used to provide wolely immigration services, it has now grown to provide COVID financial relief, stimulus checks to ineligible undocumented residents, taxi vouchers to medical appointments, and PPE. Debbie would like to continue to expand it to include energy and rental assistance.

Keywords: Centro de Servicios para Campesinos; City Council; DNC; Direct Services; Immigration Services; Woodburn

Partial Transcript: What is your experience serving on the City Council?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie graduated from Western Oregon University in 2015 and became a single mom in 2016. Her new experience as a single mom, and a citizen under president Trump, inspired her to run for City Council. She was initially overwhelmed and nervous about the all-White City Council, and had to code switch but now embraces her Latina culture at work.

Keywords: City Council; Code Switching; Councilwoman; Latinx; Single mom; Western Oregon University

Partial Transcript: How can we involve more Latinx community members in politics?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie would like to see translation services provided regularly at Council meetings, this is a huge barrier to community engagement from Woodburn Latinx members. She hopes to build a pathway for other young Latinx community members to take the baton from her and serve in the future.

Keywords: Latinx; Translation Services

Partial Transcript: How has your Latinx upbringing influenced your political career?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie grew up working class and remembers her upbringing when making decisions that will effect community members. She is working towards engaging non-Latinx POC in politics as well in order to quell racial division and meeting the community's needs.

Keywords: City Council; Latinx; Privilege; Woodburn

Partial Transcript: How has your family impacted your career?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie credits her dad with instilling her with values around getting an education, working hard, and always considering her family and community when making important decisions. She states that this mentality helps her make city council decisions.

Keywords: First Generation; Immigrants; Latinx

Partial Transcript: Any final thoughts?

Segment Synopsis: Debbie wishes to see more representation and diversity in politics, and more young adults serving.

Keywords: City Council; Latinx; Politics; Youth