As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, I find myself reflecting on the unique, beautiful, and complex journey that has shaped who I am today. My story, like many, is one of resilience, pride, and the power of identity. I am biracial—my mother, a certified public accountant from Panama, and my father, born in Wisconsin with deep German and Norwegian roots. They met when my father was stationed in Panama with the U.S. Air Force, and my mother made the courageous decision to leave behind her life, family, and career to start anew in the U.S. Her strength is woven into the very fabric of who I am.
Growing up in Wisconsin as half Latino was not without its challenges. In a rural, predominantly white community, I faced obstacles that shaped me—experiences that taught me how to navigate the world with both pride and determination. But no matter how hard those moments were, I have always been fiercely proud of my Latino heritage. Speaking another language, connecting to my Panamanian roots, and spending time attending school in Panama deepened my understanding of who I am and the rich legacy I come from. Those months in Panama, surrounded by my culture, were transformative, filling me with a profound sense of pride in my identity.
Today, I look back and see that each challenge has forged a strength in me that can never be broken. Even now, there are moments when I face obstacles from those who may not fully understand or accept my identity. But let me be clear: I am strong, I am resilient, and no one can stop me from becoming the person I am destined to be.
While attending DePaul University, I seized every opportunity to grow, gaining invaluable experience through internships. I had the privilege of working with organizations like the National Kidney Foundation and clients like Black Lives Matter. These roles allowed me to use my voice and skills to elevate important causes and make real change. Those experiences not only refined my expertise but ignited a passion in me for using media to tell powerful stories—stories that matter.
Today, I stand proud as the head of social media and communications at National Able Network, a nonprofit committed to workforce development. I don’t just manage social media—I lead it. Every request, every strategy, every email sent to our audience is part of my responsibility. And I love it. My work allows me to connect people to life-changing opportunities, to resources that can help them carve out new careers, and to amplify stories that need to be heard. Knowing that the work I do has the power to uplift communities and transform lives is something I take immense pride in.
In my role, I’ve also had the privilege of supporting Latino job seekers by creating materials in Spanish. From flyers to resources, I’ve ensured that our services are accessible to Spanish-speaking communities. One of my proudest contributions was assisting in the creation of our “Remarkable Resume” in Spanish, a tool designed to empower job seekers to present themselves confidently in the workforce. It’s an honor to be able to support my community in such a meaningful way, knowing that these efforts are helping people on their career journeys.
As a queer person of color, I know what it means to face challenges, and I know what it takes to overcome them. Every aspect of my identity—Latino, biracial, queer—is a source of pride. These identities aren’t just pieces of who I am; they are the driving forces that propel me forward. I’ve overcome countless obstacles to get to where I am today, and I am stronger for each one. Graduating from DePaul University, taking charge of communications at National Able Network, and being in a position to make an impact is more than an accomplishment—it is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and self-belief.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, I celebrate not just my heritage but the incredible strength it has given me. I honor my mother, who left behind a successful career as a CPA in Panama to build a new life in the U.S. I honor my father, whose German and Norwegian heritage has also shaped who I am. And I honor myself—the person I’ve become through the struggles, the triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of my goals.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for celebration—a celebration of culture, history, and community. For me, it’s also a time to recognize the perseverance, pride, and accomplishments of those who, like myself, are shaped by their rich heritage. I am proud of the work I do at National Able Network, helping communities rise and thrive. I am proud of my journey, and I am proud to stand tall as someone who is Latino, bilingual, biracial, queer, resilient, and unstoppable.
This is my story, and I celebrate it this month, just as I celebrate the stories of all those who share in the beautiful, diverse, and powerful Hispanic heritage.
