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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

A Love Letter to Immigrant Daughters

Getsy Hernandez uses her voice to empower others
Kabedi Mutamba, Photojournalist • May 3, 2026
Getsy Hernandez poses for a photo in her family’s home in Des Moines on Feb. 15, 2026. (Kabedi Mutamba)

Getsy Hernandez, the daughter of U.S. immigrants from Mexico, learned how to navigate systems in America on her own. She’s been translating for her parents since she was around 6 years old. At the age of 12, Hernandez became a big sister. Hernandez’s parents’ busy work schedule made her into a “second mom” for her three younger siblings. Now a graduate student in Iowa City, Hernandez uses what she learned taking care of her family and navigating systems in America to empower other immigrant families as an organizer with immigrant advocacy group Escucha Mi Voz.

Getsy Hernandez smiles at graffiti on the EMC overlook in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandez lived away from her family for the first time after graduating from Drake University in 2025. (Kabedi Mutamba)
A photo of Getsy and her parents is seen on the back of her phone case on Feb. 28, 2026. Hernandez says that she sees her parents in the Escucha Mi Voz members she helps. She says she is their voice. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Getsy Hernandez sits for a haircut in her aunt’s salon in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandezs aunt has been doing her hair since about 2022 and Hernandez was her aunt's guinea pig while she went to cosmetology school. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Getsy Hernandez helps an Escucha Mi Voz member with a medical bill on Feb. 9, 2026. Hernandez has been a Spanish-English translator since she became fluent in English at the age of six and was obligated to translate for her parents. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Getsy Hernandez is interviewed by KGAN in Cedar Rapids on March 28, 2026.
Getsy Hernandez translates DOT documents for a Escucha Mi Voz member at Coralville DOT office on Feb. 9, 2026. The member is about to take her driver’s test and Hernandez is not allowed to accompany her in the car. The member ends up failing her driver's test.
Getsy Hernandez (left) translates for Wendy Castañón (center) and a reporter (right) in front of the Homeland Security Building in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 3, 2026. Escucha Mi Voz and community members are accompanying families for their ICE check-in appointments. Hernandez regularly provides her services to Castañón. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Getsy Hernandez (left) translates for Wendy Castañón (center) and a reporter (right) in front of the Homeland Security Building in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 3, 2026. Escucha Mi Voz and community members are accompanying families for their ICE check-in appointments. Hernandez regularly provides her services to Castañón. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Getsy Hernandez watches as families go home after their check-ins at the Homeland Security Building in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 3, 2026. Escucha Mi Voz and community members are accompanying families for their ICE check-in appointments.
Getsy Hernandez watches as families go home after their check-ins at the Homeland Security Building in Cedar Rapids, IA on March 3, 2026. Escucha Mi Voz and community members are accompanying families for their ICE check-in appointments.
Gesty Hernandez watches her siblings in her family’s home in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandez says her parents were always working when she was growing up. At the age of 12, she basically became like a third parent. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Gesty Hernandez watches her siblings in her family’s home in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandez says her parents were always working when she was growing up. At the age of 12, she basically became like a third parent. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Gesty Hernandez watches her siblings in her family’s home in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandez says her parents were always working when she was growing up. At the age of 12, she basically became like a third parent. (Kabedi Mutamba)
Gesty Hernandez watches her siblings in her family’s home in Des Moines on March 7, 2026. Hernandez says her parents were always working when she was growing up. At the age of 12, she basically became like a third parent. (Kabedi Mutamba)
About the Contributor
Kabedi Mutamba
Kabedi Mutamba, DITV News Reporter
(she/her)
Kabedi Mutamba is a fourth-year student double-majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications and African-American Studies. This is her first year at DITV as a news reporter. She has previously interacted with The Daily Iowan through the documentary workshop where she was a photo editor for USA 3.0.