By: Beena Yusuf, SHE Magazine USA
The ability to speak up for justice is one of the most powerful tools we possess. For many, fear and silence can feel like insurmountable barriers, particularly when faced with injustice and inequality. However, when one person chooses to break that silence, it can often inspire a ripple effect that has the potential to transform lives and communities. Elizabeth Roy, founder and designer of BREAK THE CYCLE, exemplifies this potential for transformation. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for those who may feel afraid to raise their voices.
Roots of Resilience: A Childhood of Hard Work
Born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Elizabeth’s early years were defined by hard work and sacrifice. By the age of 7, while still living in Mexico, Elizabeth was learning entrepreneurial skills by helping her parents sell food and gum at public events. By the age of 10, she was babysitting and cleaning houses while attending elementary school to help her family financially. Weekends were often spent in the fields, picking crops. As an undocumented immigrant, Elizabeth faced numerous injustices but often felt voiceless due to her legal status.
A Life Between Borders: The Migrant Experience
Every summer, Elizabeth and her family migrated to work in the fields, returning just in time for the school year. Completing work and tests for the school year ahead of her peers and catching up upon returning from up north was no small feat. Balancing the demands of labor and education was challenging, and her undocumented status further complicated her path. Despite excelling academically, Elizabeth experienced a significant setback when she lost a full-paid scholarship, the opportunity to travel and compete with her team, and the chance to participate in out-of-town extracurricular activities due to her immigration status. This could have been a devastating blow to her dreams, but Elizabeth refused to let it define her.
Perseverance Against All Odds
Determined to overcome these obstacles, Elizabeth worked tirelessly to teach herself English. She carried a bilingual dictionary everywhere she went, completing her work in her native language and then translating it into English. This dedication allowed her to excel in her studies. She also worked hard to fund her own college education, eventually graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston. Her determination and resilience became the cornerstones of her success.
From Educator to Advocate
For over 12 years, Elizabeth served as an educator in Title 1 schools and underprivileged communities, inspiring students both inside and outside the classroom. She used her personal story to teach lessons of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. Her students saw in her a living example of what it means to rise above adversity. She often went above and beyond to help ESOL students and new immigrants who were non-English speakers, seeing her own experiences reflected in theirs.
Breaking the Cycle Through Fashion
Elizabeth’s passion for fashion became an unexpected avenue for advocacy. Through BREAK THE CYCLE, she created clothing featuring powerful slogans that address issues such as immigration, justice, equality, human dignity, and unapologetically owning who we are. Her designs are more than just fashion statements; they are declarations of resilience and empowerment.
The Mission: Uniting for Justice, Equality, and Inclusion
Elizabeth’s mission extends far beyond clothing. She challenges harmful norms, confronts hypocrisy, and advocates for immigration, diversity, and inclusion. Her work aims to empower others to embrace their true potential, regardless of race, gender, or background.
The Voice for the Voiceless
Elizabeth speaks for those who cannot. Her authenticity and unapologetic style are her strengths, enabling her to stand firm against injustice. Her movement is rooted in love, respect, and humanity—values that transcend borders and unite people from all walks of life.
A Call to Action: Stand, Speak, and Break the Cycle
Elizabeth’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that fear can be overcome and that justice is worth fighting for. Her story calls on all of us to stand up, speak out, and unite beyond race, gender, and borders. The torch has been lit—now it’s your turn to carry it forward. What steps will you take? How will you contribute to breaking the cycle?
Published by Mark V.
