Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Ciudad de Chihuahua, Mexico Emigrated to USA at the age of 3 and raised in Garden City, KS.
What is your family heritage?
I am Mexican-American or American of Mexican Decent.
What is your occupation?
Executive Director of Linwood Family YMCA.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Hispanic/Latinx community?
Served as advisor to Mexican Consulate. Youngest recipient of Ohtli Award, highest honor given by Mexican government for service to Hispanic community in areas of immigration rights, economic development, arts & culture.
How do you connect with your Hispanic/Latinx culture?
I serve on Guadalupe Centers board of directors, advisor to the Mexican consulate, Spanish broadcaster for KC Chiefs and Latino marketing as well as co-chair of Greater Kansas City YMCA Hispanic Association Resource Group (ARG). Also former fellow for Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Civil Rights and Immigration Policy followed by national Latino Vote registration campaigns with the US Hispanic Leadership Institute. Also, consulting for Latino entertainment company Ingenuity engaging fans with the Latino experience.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
As a little chavalito (kid) riding horses in Mexico with my family during the day and playing basketball during the summers nights.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Pride, heritage, and empowerment. Now more than ever celebrating our diverse culture and becoming more civically involved.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the Hispanic/Latinx community?
DACA and immigrant rights. Continuing to empower our community to VOTE and be represented in this country that does belong to us. We are the backbone and are all Americans. As Los Tigeres Del Norte day “America yo soy (I am). Let’s continue to define ourselves and not let the mainstream define us. We are a hardworking, humble, respectable people. We are generous, caring and contribute to the betterment of the American society not take from it. ¡Si se puede!
