Where were you born and raised?
Kansas City Kansas aka The "Dotte" cuz it's hotte!
What is your family heritage?
Mexico.
What is your occupation?
1st Year Science Teacher at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.
How have you supported or contributed to the local Hispanic/Latinx community?
I have been a strong advocate of trying to get more Hispanics in the field of Education. I have worked with various organizations in trying to help their recruitment efforts of Hispanic professionals in education. (Shout out to Kansas City Teacher's Residency and LatinzX Education Collaboration for their work in the field and trying to bridge the representation gap in Kansas City.)
How do you connect with your Hispanic/Latinx culture?
I connect with my Hispanic culture by trying to share what I have learned about the Hispanic community in Kansas City with those who are unfamiliar with it. There are so many powerful stories about how Hispanics have shaped Kansas City and made it the prosperous city that it is today.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Walking to Circle B's on Steele road with my brothers and sisters. That was the place to be before it closed.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is 11 months too short. America was built on the hard work and determination of Hispanic/Latin Americans and that should be recognized every day.
In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the Hispanic/Latinx community?
Representation in education. We need to see more Hispanic teachers and professionals in schools. Having 1 or 2 Hispanic teachers in a school where the population is over 30% Hispanic is unacceptable and does not send a positive message to the students.
