Translating Care: Dominga’s Journey of Connection 

In the green highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, surrounded by pine-covered hills, sits the town of Chamula — a strong and proud community where tradition, language and culture are part of everyday life. Many people in Chamula speak Tzotzil, an Indigenous Mayan language passed down for generations. But sometimes, language can become a barrier — especially when it comes to getting health care. 

For Dominga Diaz Hernandez, a proud Tzotzil woman from Chamula, that challenge sparked a life-changing journey with Operation Smile. 

Dominga first heard about Operation Smile when she was 21 years old. She was studying to become a public health technician when Operation Smile visited her school, looking for people who could volunteer as translators for Tzotzil and Tzeltal — two important Indigenous languages spoken in the region. Dominga saw this as a chance to support her community. She didn’t hesitate to raise her hand. 

The Role of Translators 

“I started volunteering as a translator,” she says. 

In countries like Mexico, where Spanish is the main language, but many indigenous languages are also spoken, translators play a key role in closing the gap in access to care. For families who don’t speak Spanish, language barriers can create fear or confusion for families, especially in medical settings. Translators help make sure every patient — no matter what language they speak — feels heard, safe and respected. 

Volunteers like Dominga don’t just translate words. They build trust, explain care and help families say yes to surgery — knowing they’ll be understood every step of the way. Their work helps make care truly accessible, not just available. 

From Translator to Nurse 

Dominga began her education later than most — starting school at 9 years old — but she was determined to succeed. With the support of her parents and siblings, she worked hard, earned her nursing degree and graduated with high honors, something she is very proud of. 

“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Dominga says with a smile. “Operation Smile became one of my schools. It opened doors for me to learn and grow. I met amazing volunteers who taught me and encouraged me.” 

Today, at 35 years old, Dominga is a volunteer Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse with Operation Smile Mexico. For more than 14 years, she has cared for patients as they recover from surgery. 

“Volunteering is the spark that gives energy to my life,” she says. “It motivates me to know that what I do can change lives — not just mine, but many others too.” 

Dreaming Forward 

Dominga dreams of one day joining Operation Smile surgical programs outside of Mexico, sharing what she’s learned and teaching others — just like the volunteers who once guided her. 

Her story shows how training, education and opportunity can transform a life — and how one person’s journey can uplift an entire community. 

“I am grateful and proud to be part of this global family,” she says. “I invite others to consider volunteering. I promise it will change your life.”