The Journey Behind the Achievements of Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
PALO: You’ve lived in New York City, the Dominican Republic, and Reading. Looking back, what experiences most shaped the woman and leader you are today?
JCF: Growing up between NYC, the Dominican Republic, and Reading shaped every part of who I am. In the DR, I learned resilience early. We lived with electricity that came and went and limited running water. I learned to wash clothes by hand and cook before I was even a teenager.
Back in NYC, I discovered my passion for serving others. Working with children, youth, and families showed me that community isn’t just where you live; it’s the people whose lives you help shape.
When I moved to Reading, I was looking for something different: a close-knit community where I could be a more present full-time mom. That’s why I opened Mi Casa Su Casa Café. It allowed me to earn a living, keep my children close, and continue to serve my community.
Looking back, I wasn’t just building a business; I was building the life I wanted: one where family, purpose, and service could all exist under the same roof.
PALO: Mi Casa Su Casa Café became much more than a restaurant. What does that chapter mean to you today?
JCF: Mi Casa Su Casa Café was never just about food. It was the intersection of everything I loved and valued at that stage of my life.
What started as a café/restaurant became so much more. It became a place where people from every walk of life gathered to connect, celebrate, grieve, dream, and build. We hosted voter registration drives, community meetings, open mic nights, baby showers, quinceañeras, sweet 16s, weddings, funeral repasts, and countless milestones. One of the greatest blessings was sharing it with my dad, “Papi,” who was our chef. Watching him pour his heart into every meal and every interaction reinforced something I’ve carried with me ever since: people may remember what you served them, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Mi Casa Su Casa Café—which means “My Home is Your Home”—became exactly that.
Long before I was elected to public office, that little café taught me what public service truly looks like: listening, building relationships, creating opportunities, and making sure everyone knows they belong.
PALO: Your Dominican heritage is clearly an important part of who you are. What values from your parents continue to guide you?
JCF: My Dominican heritage begins with my parents, Don Luis y Doña Ana. They taught me that faith comes first, family is everything, and hard work is non-negotiable. They instilled in me a deep pride in where I come from and a responsibility to never forget those roots, no matter where life takes me. Those values continue to shape the way I lead—with humility, compassion, and a servant’s heart. They also taught me that when you succeed, you don’t close the door behind you; you hold it open for the next person. That’s the legacy I try to live every day.
PALO: You’ve been an educator, entrepreneur, community advocate, nonprofit volunteer, and now a public servant. What has each chapter taught you?
JCF: I’ve learned that titles come and go, but purpose stays with you. Every chapter of my life has prepared me for the next. Education taught me to believe in people’s potential. Entrepreneurship taught me to build community. Public service has given me the privilege of turning compassion into action. At my core, I’m still the same person I’ve always been—a servant leader who believes that if God has blessed you with a seat at the table, it’s your responsibility to make room for someone else.
At the end of the day, I don’t wake up thinking about titles or accomplishments. I wake up asking myself one simple question: Whose life can I make a little better today?
PALO: Your father gave you the motto “Querer es Poder.” How has that philosophy influenced your life?
JCF: The phrase “Querer es Poder” came from my father. I can still hear his voice saying it to me. He taught me that every dream begins with a desire, but desire alone isn’t enough. If you truly want something, you set the goal, put in the work, and refuse to let obstacles define your future. He also instilled in me another lesson that has guided my life just as much: “Everything you do, do it with love.” He would tell me that even if you’re cleaning a toilet, do it with pride, excellence, and love because your character is revealed in how you do the smallest tasks, not just the biggest ones.
Looking back, I realize my life is proof of both of those lessons. From educator to entrepreneur, mother to legislator, every chapter requires faith, determination, and hard work. And through it all, I’ve tried to never lose sight of treating people with dignity, leading with compassion, and giving my very best in everything I do.
PALO: Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating where we come from and the people who helped build our communities. What does it mean to you personally?
JCF: As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply personal. It’s an opportunity to honor my parents’ sacrifices and celebrate the resilience, faith, culture, and values they instilled in me. Their story made my story possible, and I carry their dreams with me every single day.
For me, this month is also a reminder that representation matters. Every barrier we break and every door we open creates opportunities for the next generation to dream bigger and believe that they belong wherever decisions are being made. That’s why I celebrate not only where we’ve come from, but also the responsibility we have to keep lifting others as we climb.
PALO: What would you say to young Latinas and Latinos who dream of making a difference but may not yet believe in themselves?
JCF: Don’t let anyone convince you that your zip code, your accent, your last name, or your circumstances determine your future. They don’t. Your story isn’t something to overcome—it’s your superpower. Be curious, stay humble, work hard, and don’t wait for someone to give you permission to lead. The world doesn’t need you to become someone else. It needs the gifts, perspective, and voice that only you can bring.
And when people look back on my life, I hope they remember that I loved deeply, served faithfully, and never forgot where I came from. That I opened doors, believed in people before they believed in themselves, and left every community stronger than I found it. If someone looks at my journey and finds the courage to pursue their own, that’s a legacy worth leaving.
Rosa Julia Parra
Founder & Editor
palomagazine.com
elpalomagazine@gmail.com
