THE WORDS “force of nature” have been used to describe more than one mover and shaker, but nowhere are they better applied than in conjunction with the name of Deborah Szekely. Her ties to México hark back to the early 40s, a love affair that began in Tecate with a unique health camp which she ran with her late husband, Edmond Szekely. That one-of-a-kind holistic retreat evolved into Rancho La Puerta, known worldwide for its one-week program that promotes health and vitality – both spiritual and corporal- surrounded by the stark beauty of the mountains and the flowering bounty of its gardens. Its more exclusive sister resort, the Golden Door in San Diego, follows the mind/body/spirit path with a smaller number of guests (only 40), but the same high level of service and inspiration.

For some, that would be enough of an accomplishment for a lifetime. For Deborah Szekely, it was just the beginning.

Not being one to rest on her well-deserved laurels, Szekely soon turned her boundless energy to founding the first school for deaf and deaf-mute children (1952) in Tecate (and all of Baia, for that matter), as well as the first public library (1955) in the area. Her philanthropic vigor and her firm belief in the power of the community have since led her to create or participate in a number of foundations that have changed the lives of thousands for the better. Her latest undertaking, the Immigration Museum of New Americans for which she is founder and chairperson, is a sort of culmination of the work of a lifetime.

“Museum,” however, may be a bit of a misnomer. “It’s not a collection of things,” says Szeleky, “It is a collection of services for the new immigrants. The newer immigrants have no idea of what has happened to make our country what it is today. It’s not a matter of knowing about George Washington and Abe Lincoln: it’s a matter of knowing about civil rights and the women’s movement and diversity. There’s no education for them. They’re

not going to learn from TV.” At press time, the Museum had yet to be physically established per s e – p l a n s were underway to select a site in the city of San Diego. Proposed exhibits include high-tech and interactive collections of immigrant photos, artifacts, and memorabilia, a comprehensive collection of books, video, and films on immigrant stories; a commemoration of their many achievements and contributions to their ‘new home’ eco-nomics and cultures; as well as living archives with digital oral histories that use interactive sound, image and text technology- just to name a few.

Far from being a sheaf of static plans in a folder or on a drawing board, however, the Museum is already a living, breathing entity, with community programs well under way. One of these agendas includes the Discovering Voices of America essay com petition for teachers, essentially a curriculum project that will develop instructional tools for educators working with new Americans. A second program, Family Histories: Migrants to the United States Since 1945 Fourth Annual Essay Competition, is taking place concurrently. The latter actively encourages youngsters to develop a sense of dignity and belonging by collecting and preserving family histories. “The classrooms discuss these  stories, and during the process we point out that the immigrants are the best of the best of their community. They’re the ones that had the courage and the energy to leave, to eke out a better life,” says Szeleky. Winners are awarded cash scholarships totaling some $20,000.

Building strong communities through education is a defining thread that has woven itself into the very fabric of Szeleky’s life since she drove up to that small adobe building in the middle of a rancho in Tecate. Throughout the years, she has garnered more than a few accolades, recognitions and awards. But when you speak to her, it is quite obvious that to Deborah Szeleky, the biggest reward is the gleam of pride that steals into a child’s eye when he recognizes that yes, I am somebody.