When Elmer Moran arrived in Colorado, he was 10 years old and reuniting with his parents for the first time since they had left Guatemala years earlier to find a better life for their family. Along with his sister, Dinora, he set about overcoming the challenges of assimilating to life in America. “The transition wasn’t easy. Learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar traditions, and accepting the distance from Guatemala, our friends, and family were some of the biggest challenges we faced,” Elmer said. Unfortunately, Elmer and Dinora would face even greater challenges on their journey, but their determination to succeed would lead to a chance to achieve the American dream.

Just as Elmer and Dinora were settling into their new life, only a year after their reunification, an unimaginable tragedy occured—their mother died of a stroke. Unbelievably, the following year, their father was deported back to Guatemala. In shock and on their own now, the siblings turned to each other. Dinora, who was still a teenager, became more than just a sister—taking on a parental role to care for Elmer. Their rock-solid bond suddenly took on new importance, guiding them through the fight of their lives for their survival and dreams.

Eventually, Dinora found a job at a local Guatemalan grocery store, La Guatemalteca, in Aurora, CO. The shop was a safe haven, a place to remember their home country, to taste the dishes of their childhood, and to earn a humble living. Dinora worked there several years, but ultimately left to care for her new baby. Not long after her departure, the owner decided to close shop. Recognizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the two made a quick decision that would eventually change the course of their lives. They would reopen the shop and run it together as a team. Through hard work and commitment, La Guatemalteca flourished. They still own the shop today.

For Elmer and Dinora, the success and ownership of La Guatemalteca is nothing short of a miracle based on their tumultuous youth. “La Guatemalteca is not just a business; it’s a tribute to my roots, to my mother, and to all the migrants who, like us, have had to build a new life in an unfamiliar place without forgetting where they come from,” Elmer said.

In addition to his powerful bond with his sister, Elmer credits his life success to a strong belief in and passion for God. He’s extremely active at his local church, where he helps others discover faith and purpose through prayer and love.

One of Elmer’s long standing goals had been to purchase a home. After putting in years of hard work at their now-family-owned business, he’s achieved that milestone— he’s now a proud homeowner at Painted Prairie, where he lives with his two closest friends who have become family. 

“My sister and I have been through so much,” Elmer said. “Today, we stand together and continue to fight for our dreams. Our robust bond has given us the strength to accomplish things we never imagined possible.”