What are your Latin/Hispanic roots?

While I was born in Chicago, both parents came from Puerto Rico.  Through the cultural awareness taught by my parents, I have always and proudly considered myself a PUERTO RICAN.

What does it mean to be Puerto Rican?

The heartbeat of a Puerto Rican beats to a very special beat that extends outside the borders of the small island in the Caribbean.  Being Puerto Rican means love, family, and culture! I recognize the resilience of those that come before me and hope to be a positive extension of their story.

What do you love about your culture?

I love Puerto Rican music, food, and it’s diverse and beautiful people.  The unwavering pride exemplified in the Puerto Rican identity is infectious.  Despite struggles throughout history, Puerto Ricans will rise above it and shout, “iYo, Soy Boricuz, Pa’que Tu Lo Sepas!” (Translation: I am Puerto Rican, So you Know!)

What are your Latin/Hispanic Roots?

I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and moved to the US in the early 1970s.

What does it mean to be Guatemalan?

This is rather difficult to explain.  I came here when I was 5.  I did not grow up in Guatemala.  I grew up here in Chicago at a time when there were few Guatemalans in my environment to be able to establish a strong cultural background.  Therefore, I describe myself a a person that is sitting on a fence, I do not feel too Guatemalan nor too American. I began to discover my culture later in life when I returned to Guatemala and was embraced by my family.  It is weird to explain but I am very proud of my roots.  I did make it a point through for my children to know about their culture.

What do you love about your culture?

I visited Guatemala and had a chance to visit the pyramids of Tikal and I was so proud of my historic culture.  My country if full of so much history, good and bad, wonderful people, and of course amazing food.  Here in Chicago the community has grown and I love all our yearly celebration, whether they be parades, church events, etc.  It all makes me proud to be Guatemalan.