by Rev. Richard Cox

Luz Morales, up until recently a resident of Mt. Airy, came to America from Guatemala in 1984 at age 3 with her refugee family. She has recently moved to Lyon, France, in a key position with IKEA distribution services in Southern Europe. Hers is a story of career success, but her back story makes this an even more compelling tale.

The young Morales family fled injury, torture and death threats in their native Guatemala during the political upheaval throughout Central America in the 1980s. Making their way north through Mexico, they stumbled upon workers connected to the public sanctuary movement in the U.S.

After a long and secretive journey to safety at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG) they began their lives as refugees, speaking to U.S. audiences about their experiences, learning English and adapting to American culture. Like many young refugees, even three-year-old Luz began her training for a career in communications by interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents and their church friends!

After completing her education at C.W. Henry School, Central High School, Bloomsburg University and earning a Masters degree in communications from LaSalle University, she worked at Mt. Airy USA. In 2107 she joined the administrative staff at IKEA as an internal communications intern. Subsequent promotions included positions as store manager’s assistant, followed by local marketing specialist, both at IKEA-Conshohocken; internet and digital specialist in marketing and IKEA service office and strategic communication specialist for corporate communications. She recently earned a major promotion and in June relocated to Lyon, France. Her new position is Internal Communications Manager for IKEA Distribution Services for Southern Europe, which covers France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UA.

While attending middle and secondary school, Luz studied cello at Settlement Music School and Esther Boyer School of Music at Temple University. She played in the Bloomsburg University Orchestra and the Lower Merion Symphony.

During her nine years at IKEA, she has traveled extensively for the company internationally and has been fast-tracked for corporate leadership.

FUMCOG is extremely proud of this young woman who spent her early months in this country living with her family sheltered in the church building. She and her parents attained U.S. citizenship, and she has a brother born in Philadelphia. Her family, her church family and community look forward to hearing of her continued success.

The Rev. Richard Cox is a minister at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown.