Unknowingly, Ernesta Gálvez became the leader of the 65 women who make up the United Deliveristas. A group of migrant workers who, as they say, go to work “rain, sun, snow or lightning”.
“Leader, hehe, oh, I don’t like it. I, the girls I know from the delivery boys, are like my sisters, like my family, “said Gálvez.
Gálvez, is originally from the state of Guerrero, Mexico, and arrived in New York 17 years ago.
Here she became a mother of three children and for her children she decided to try their hand at the job of food delivery or “deliverer”, as the delivery boys are called. She studied and practiced nursing in Mexico.
His current work has allowed him to discover the city and its various corners, especially New York’s most touristic county.
“We know all the streets, I know very well where Manhattan begins to almost where it ends. I know up to 180, ”Gálvez said.
Each day, after accompanying his youngest son to school in Corona, Queens, Gálvez crosses the Queensborough Bridge to go to work. Of course, although he is passionate about his work, he also knows that there are dangers on the road.
“My fear is sometimes that my bicycle and batteries will be stolen. I stop working at 10 at night, sometimes crossing the bridge. My fear is that I will be robbed there, some work tool or my phone will be stolen, “added Gálvez.
Union Square is a meeting point for Ernesta and other friends who work delivering food. They agree to have lunch or just chat and relax for a while.
“I consider her a friend of mine, a sister and I hope to continue living and working with her to continue growing,” said Jessica Choque.
“Because of the friendship we have, I have known more women. At the time I started doing ‘deliveries’, since I was in the car I thought it was just me, but when I realized there are a lot of women,” she said. for his part Nidian.
Despite the approaching rain and cold, Ernesta says she wouldn’t change jobs for nothing … well, except to go back to the infirmary.
