A true illustration of the DSST motto in living the human condition while ensuring every person is seen and known, Makita Cotto makes certain team members have their benefits established, provides infallible information about wellness, and seeks to be an overall outstanding mother all the while. This week’s Caregiver Spotlight features Makita, the Talent and Operations Manager who places her family at the forefront, while being critically aware of social justice actions and purposefully advises team members on their opportunities for holistic living.
Makita and her children at the top of the mini incline in Castle Rock on Mother’s Day
Caregiver Conversations
Please describe your role as a Caregiver and what it means to you to ‘show-up’ for your family each and every day.
Makita: That’s an interesting question and to me, being a Caregiver is ALL THE THINGS. Food, water, shelter, but also giving them emotional support and providing a place where they feel safe. I want to be their mom and their friend. I want them to know I’m always there for them regardless of the good, bad, or ugly. When I think about all we have been going through this year, particularly raising three children of color as a single mom during a pandemic and the BLM movement I just value the open honest relationship I have with my kids. There is so much going on around us and I know I am succeeding at being a Caregiver as long as they know that they are ok.
How have you embraced the Human Condition while being a Team Member at DSST and a Caregiver?
Makita: My role at DSST means that I sometimes have to be strong for those I work to support and the three people that call me Mom. So I strive to make sure that both my kids and the team members I talk to on a daily basis know that I see them, I hear them and I am working for them. It is important to me that all the people around me feel valued and a part of our community. But as a Mom as long as we can get up, eat and make it through the day with a smile on our faces we are meeting the human condition in the Cotto household.
As a network, we are….most of the people on our team are very traditional and have a traditional lifestyle. My family is not traditional and I’m all that they have.
Please describe your role within the DSST Network:
Makita: My role within the network is like being a Caregiver. As a TOPS Partner, I have four campuses, plus Home Office that I support. Based on the current climate, I recognize how important it is for me to be here and provide support to my DSST team members. I am working to help you, so you can take care of yourself, your family and our students. I know how important it is for all of us to maintain our wellness. I value my ability to help our staff find a sense of peace in this chaotic world so they can meet our mission and provide kids with educational opportunities they deserve.
What are a few winning strategies you have identified to help balance Caregiving and being a DSST team member?
Makita: That is a great question...and each day is different. I read one of the other Caregiver Spotlight articles and I remember thinking how organized and put together that person was! That’s not me at all! Some days winning looks like getting everyone up, fed, and ready for school with just 60 seconds to spare, while I work to find 30 minutes in my day to brush my hair. Other days we are able to maintain a set schedule and everyone feels accomplished. I think the most important thing for me is being able to give myself grace and know that I am not perfect but that I am doing the best I can with the tools I have. It’s not easy though. My caregiving efforts are not perfect. It’s about finding your wins where you can get them.
Are there any hobbies or activities you have found to create balance during COVID?
Makita: Walking has really created balance during COVID. I have also spent quite a bit of time cooking with my kids, and cooking is not my favorite thing to do, so it has been nice finding something that we can do together that brings us joy. Oh and Tik Tok...one of my new favorite obsessions!
How have you adapted your Caregiving as a mother of children of color with recent events that have occurred in the community?
Makita: It has been hard honestly. I have two teenagers who want to explore the world and hang out with their friends but I struggle letting them walk around the corner to Hoops Park. We live just a few miles away from where Elijah McClain was arrested. Makail looks like Elijah. Tall, skinny, handsome young black man...who is to say he is not next? I have had to have some pretty hard conversations with all three of them about what it is really like to be black in America and even in Colorado. I have myself been a part of a no-knock raid at seven years old and have watched men of color that I love be beaten up by the police so I have had to tell them how to play the role so they can survive. I struggle with finding ways to balance their need for freedom and individuality while protecting them from the world. I have really pushed them to use their platforms to help fight for their future.
Makita and family at the Black Lives Matter memorial for George Floyd
What are ways you pursue wellness for yourself?
Makita: (Child interrupts, opening and closing door). I have to be honest, I’m not the greatest at pursuing my own wellness. I get up before my kids every morning and I do attempt to get a shower and 50% of the time I am successful with that. I do make sure to give myself time to pray and collect my thoughts before I conquer the day. I do use EAP and talk to a counselor. Truly though, basketball is really important to me and thankfully I have been able to continue to coach my 4th/5th grade boys and watch all three of my kids play over the summer.
Anything else you think would be useful and unique for DSST team members to learn more about you.
Makita: I really enjoy Golden Girls. I mean I have seen every episode of every season and still can't get enough :) But really, we are all humans going through a lot as a society but we’re in this together. It takes a lot of patience, understanding and love on all sides for us to meet our mission.