At first glance, Esmeralda Huerta seems like a typical 30-something Californian. When I first met her, I was struck by her quiet confidence. She is beautiful, but unassuming. Reserved, but flashes a wide smile that lights up the room. Esmeralda lives in the greater Sacramento area with her husband and pre-teen son. She enjoys reading, drinking coffee and playing board games. She spends time volunteering at church and never gets tired of watching old Friends reruns. But there is so much more to Esmeralda. Peek with me into Esmeralda’s life for a glimpse of her fascinating story.