Des Moines woman continues to advocate for change a year after her daughter's death
The death of a Des Moines teenager inspired her mother to stand up for change.
On April 28, 2022, 14-year-old Ema Cardenas was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street. Her family was set to celebrate her quinceañera in May.
"We always said that she was a big sunflower because she was so tall," Ema's mother, Anna Campos, said. "She was just so lovely like a sunflower."
Campos has been on a year-long journey advocating for change. Campos has called for safer streets near schools.
"When the accident happened, I decided, you know, I got to do something," Campos said.
Most recently, Campos has created Simply Loved, a non-profit created in honor of Ema. Simply Loved is about empowering young girls.
"I want to have mentors to these girls that look like them," Campos said.
Simply Loved's inaugural event was held at Hiatt Middle School earlier this month, bringing in eighth-grade girls for messages of hope and individual presents. There were more than 70 pairs of Vans, Ema's favorite shoe, given out.
"Those were Ema's shoes. Those were her signature shoes. Every birthday, every first day of school, every holiday — she always asked for Vans," Campos said."When they put on those shoes, I wanted them to know that, 'I am strong, I am worthy.'"
Campos wants every girl who stays in contact with the Simply Loved teams to know that they are important.
"I want to help other girls, young girls, to learn how to defend themselves, to defend others and never be a victim. You know, to speak up for themselves," Campos said.
Campos continues to advocate for safer streets in Des Moines, continuously speaking up at meetings. She says her passion is to prevent a death like Ema's from happening again.
Campos's dedication to her cause has left a lasting impression on others.
"She has just been a really strong advocate for the students in this city," Des Moines City Council member Linda Westergaard said.
Now, Campos hopes to stand up for her causes as a school board member.
"Des Moines Public Schools is a big melting pot of different cultures and we need to embrace that," Campos said.
Campos has done a lot since Ema's death, including finding a place of forgiveness.
"I have forgiven the person, but not the accident," Campos said.
Campos said Ema continues to motivate her.
"My strength is coming from Ema. I am a new voice of Ema," Campos said. "That is where my strength comes from."
Campos said she is happy to see progress being made. On May 8, the Des Moines City Council approved an agreement to improve traffic safety measures on East University Avenue near several schools. The city plans to reduce the number of travel lanes and add stoplights for pedestrians. City Council members had previously voted to extend the school zone in the area and reduce the speed limit.