Where were you born and raised?
Los Angeles, CA.
What is your family heritage?
Salvadoran.
What is your occupation?
Entrepreneur, Radio Host, producer, medical assistant and surgery coordinator.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Hispanic/Latinx community?
I believe that it is important to share faith and to motivate our kids of today for they are our future. I love being able to help small local business and entrepreneurs become involved in our community. One of the biggest thing in any Latino community is family regardless how big or small it is. It’s very difficult to move to a country and not understand the language and feel so out of place. Heck, you can move from Los Angeles to Kansas and feel like an outsider. I’ve enjoyed being that bridge, helping those in need of something as simple as translation to becoming their new friend. We all need a little help sometimes And if we work together, You’d be amaze how much one can accomplish.
How do you connect with your Hispanic/Latinx culture?
In every possible way from networking, talking to them in person or even through social media. Communication is key and being connected is what helps us move forward. I always say no matter how much or hard I work, I am always willing to help however I can.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Visiting my family in El Salvador. I remember visiting my mom’s town in Ahuachapan and seeing people travel in horses and live in small towns where everyone knew each other and would greet each other happily. My dad’s family lives in the capital- San Salvador. They had beautiful skyline views where you can see the whole city from afar. At times it’s hard to envision or understand how connected we can be to those who don’t live with you. But near or far they’re my family and through them and our history I’ve been able to humbly appreciate all the blessings I’ve been fortunate to have no matter how small or simple it may be to those in this country. I always think back on the times I’ve visited and it brings me joy each time I remember how beautiful El Salvador is regardless of it being a third world country. The beaches are gorgeous, the volcanoes are breathtaking but the love that they give you is unconditional. Thanks to my family and our culture I hope to be able to share that love with others as well.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a month where we get to highlight the beauty of culture. I think as Latinos we enjoy talking about how delicious our foods are, how exciting it is to go the “la fiestas patronales”, how fun it is to dress up and represent our culture regardless of which side of the border you are in. I love sharing these stories and educating those who don’t know about our cultures and I enjoy seeing those who are eager to learn about the Latino culture. It’s a time where many people are able to embrace others and call them familia and they realize that they are always a part of our family with open arms.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the Hispanic/Latinx community?
I think it’s the feeling of being rejected by many who hate diversity. Being a California native, I had never encountered racism until I moved to the Midwest. I had studied about it and used to feel lucky and blessed thinking those days were over. But over the years things have changed drastically. I believe that regardless of your ethnicity, you should be proud of who you are. We didn’t choose the color, race, sex, country or religion that we were born into. BUT these were the cards given to us to build us to be who we are truly meant to be. We should be never ashamed of our language nor of ourselves for being who we are. Thanks to my parents personal sacrifices- I am an American citizen who is proud to be of Salvadoran descent. I am a proud Salvadoran! And I hope you embrace who you are unapologetically.
