Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisy Bracamontes.
Daisy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in San Diego but raised in Calexico, California, a border town neighboring Mexicali, Mexico. I was adopted by my maternal grandmother and aunt, who raised me alongside my cousin—diagnosed with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, OCD, schizophrenia, and ADD. Growing up, many people assumed we were twins because of how seamlessly and lovingly my grandmother and aunt blended us into one family unit. They were hardworking, deeply generous women who never hesitated to extend themselves for others, often caring for family members in need on both sides of the border.
Our family spent a lot of time commuting between Calexico and Mexicali, where we maintained plots of land—planting trees, putting up fencing, and doing what needed to be done despite financial and structural hardships. I learned very early what resilience looked like. My grandmother was widowed with seven children in Mexico and still managed to cross into the U.S. to create a better future for her family. Their strength became the foundation of everything I am.
Calexico, unfortunately, has long carried the title of having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country—a reality that shaped my perspective. I knew I had to spread my wings if I wanted to honor my family’s sacrifices. Right after high school, I moved to San Diego. That same weekend, I landed three jobs. One of them was as a Direct Support Professional in the developmental disabilities field, under the mentorship of my uncle—a former teacher, social worker, and business owner in social services. He was always considered the most successful in our extended family, so whenever he offered advice, I soaked it in, went down research rabbit holes, and followed through with action.
Over the years, I immersed myself in social services—from frontline work to administration, auditing, accounting, and program development. I did it all while pursuing my degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Law. It took me 10 years, balancing school with multiple jobs and personal responsibilities, but I eventually graduated from National University. Those years weren’t just about checking boxes—they were about building depth and earning my stripes in the field.
By November 2021, after over a decade of experience and mentoring numerous social workers, I founded Social Impact Services in San Diego. It began during a time of global uncertainty, but also during a personal moment of clarity and readiness. Since then, we’ve grown into a respected agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities across the county, grounded in cultural humility and person-centered care.
Now, in May 2025, I’m launching Social Impact Services of Los Angeles, expanding our reach and deepening our mission to empower individuals and uplift communities. It’s been a long journey rooted in family, service, and persistence—but every step has been worth it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. Entrepreneurship—especially as a first-generation woman navigating systems not built with people like me in mind—comes with its own layered set of challenges. I was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, and suddenly, so much about my journey made sense. Culturally, seeking mental health services or pursuing a diagnosis isn’t common unless behaviors are extreme, so I navigated most of my life without that awareness.
Receiving the diagnosis allowed me to be kinder to myself. It gave me a new lens to understand how I process the world. But even before that, I had always trained myself mentally to hyperfocus when it mattered. When I didn’t want to do something—or felt that internal resistance—I’d turn to books, inspirational podcasts, or stories from people I admired. I learned to push through by feeding my mind the right things.
There were times I wanted to cry out of sheer frustration—long days of work followed by late nights grinding through coursework. The weight of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations would feel crushing. But then I’d look at my little one and remind myself that I could do this—that the pain was temporary, and the results would be lasting. That vision kept me moving.
Balancing motherhood, partnership, education, and financial responsibility didn’t come naturally—it took discipline, grit, and constant adjustment. Society often expects women to handle it all gracefully, and I held myself to that standard, sometimes too harshly. But over time, I learned to set realistic expectations—not just for myself but for those around me. I learned to protect my peace, trust the process, and allow myself to grow through the messiness. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every part of it has shaped me with intention and purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Social Impact Services is a person-centered agency rooted in the belief that every individual—regardless of ability, diagnosis, or background—deserves the opportunity to thrive. We specialize in providing individualized support services to people with developmental disabilities throughout San Diego County and, as of 2025, we’re expanding into Los Angeles with our new entity: Social Impact Services of Los Angeles.
Our work includes Independent Living Skills (ILS), Tailored Day Services (TDS), employment supports, case management, and social integration—services that are built around the unique needs and goals of the individuals we serve. What sets us apart—we build trust, foster autonomy, and partner with families, clients, and funding sources to create long-lasting outcomes.
What makes me proudest about our brand is how authentic and community-rooted it is. Many of our team members, including myself, come from lived experiences that mirror those of the people we serve. Our leadership isn’t disconnected from the realities our clients face—we’ve lived them, we understand them, and we’re doing something about it. That connection shows in the way we operate—our programs are flexible, strengths-based, and led by staff who genuinely care.
We also pride ourselves on developing talent from within. Several of our team members joined with the intention of making a difference, and through mentorship and growth opportunities, they’ve become leaders in the field. We don’t just support clients—we develop people, build systems, and invest in creating a ripple effect of impact across our communities.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know about Social Impact Services, it’s that we’re not here to fit into the mold—we’re here to reshape it. We’re creating pathways for inclusion, dignity, and independence. Whether it’s helping someone prepare for a job interview, navigate public transportation, connect socially, or move toward independent living—we show up with integrity, consistency, and heart.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that progress doesn’t always look or feel like success in the moment—it’s often quiet, uncomfortable, and requires an incredible amount of self-trust. I’ve learned that growth usually happens behind the scenes—when you’re tired, unsure, and still choosing to show up.
I’ve had to unlearn perfectionism and redefine what “having it together” really means. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to pause and reassess, and to build something sustainable—not just impressive.
I used to think I had to do it all on my own. But over time, I realized the power in building systems, empowering others, and allowing myself space to be human in the process. Leading with vulnerability, purpose, and patience has been my greatest teacher. And the more I extend that grace to myself and others, the stronger and more impactful my work becomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialimpactservices.org/
- Instagram: socialimpactservices
