“Being part of this community has made me realize that, even though we are different from one another, we still come together as one.”

My name is Destenie, but I prefer Des.

I was born in Orange, California, and raised in Tijuana/San Diego. I was a 4th grader when my family moved to Tijuana following my stepdad’s deportation, a move that impacted the core of who I am today.

Our team recently spent time eating and hanging out together in-person for the first time in years! We’re grateful for tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, but nothing can replace being in the same space together.

Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant was founded by Ponce Meza Sr, in 1969. Ownership was later passed down to his children, Ponce Meza Jr. and Rocio Meza who redesigned the restaurant, incorporating a bar and adding modern amenities.

“When I meet mothers, first-time immigrants, I think of my mother… how hard it was for her, and I realized I could be a resource for immigrants and refugee families.”