Hispanic Heritage Month

What's something you're very proud to have achieved as a Hispanic American?
I was a first-generation college graduate. My parents worked hard to make sure they supported me in school. I was the first grandchild on my mother's side to graduate from college, and it meant everything to have my grandparents watch me walk the stage. It was also important for me to break that generational chain and show others in my family, especially my younger cousins, that with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything, no matter who you are, where you come from, and what ethnicity you identify as.

What is your favorite Hispanic food?
My grandmother's homemade flour tortillas. You can taste the hard work and love in those tortillas! No flour tortilla will ever come close to hers.

What Hispanic person (people) do you have a personal appreciation for and why?
My mom. She was the oldest of five, so she had to grow up pretty fast and become a role model to her younger siblings. She is a very independent person, and I've learned to appreciate that about her as I've gotten older. She's shown me to never give up, no matter what obstacles get thrown my way. She has always and will be my number one cheerleader. I admire her, not just as my mom, but for the person she is and the heart she has.

What is a fun fact about you that many people don't know?
I am a big sports fan! My dad never had sons, so I was kind of like the son he never had. Ever since I was little, I never understood why my dad yelled at the TV so much, so I was intrigued. As I got older and learned to understand football and baseball more, I was hooked and finally understood why my dad yelled at the TV so much. It created a great bond between us, so now when anything major happens in sports, he's the first person I go to.

What's something you're very proud to have achieved as a Hispanic American?
Being a first-generation college student and being part of the growing group of Latinas with a master's degree.

What is your favorite Hispanic food?
Pan dulce, pupusas, & tostadas

What Hispanic person (people) do you have a personal appreciation for and why?
Dolores Huerta. I've had the opportunity to hear her speak and meet her. She is admirable for the courage she had to stand up for civil rights of agricultural workers alongside of Cesar Chavez and her continuous efforts throughout her life. She is a force and never let the odds against her keep her down.

What is a fun fact about you that many people don't know?
I'm a Latina Russian. My great grandfather was Russian and came to Texas in the mid 1920's and served in the military. My father was second-generation Texan, and my mother is from Central America (El Salvador).

What's something you're very proud to have achieved as a Hispanic American?
The relationships I've achieved along the way to achieve my goals as a Mexican-American, including being a college football coach, touring other universities, and being a director of advising at UHCL. There is not a lot of opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley, so I'm happy that I have been able to travel and now find a home in Houston and be in the position I’m in now.

What is your favorite Hispanic food?
Tex Mex, BBQ, fajitas, tacos, and rice and charro beans

What Hispanic person (people) do you have a personal appreciation for and why?
My mom and dad being able to instill values in me and always reminding me, "Don't forget where you came from." Also, Vicente "Chente" Fernandez, the Mexican ranchera singer. I learned about him through my parents and he does a good job of reminding me of home.

What is a fun fact about you that many people don't know?
On my mom's side, I'm a fifth-generation Texan. 

What's something you're very proud to have achieved as a Hispanic American?
In my professional life, I am proud of the career I have made for myself in higher education. Eleven years ago, I started as a part-time specialist I, and I have had the opportunity to grow into an assistant director of SBS here at UHCL. In my personal life, I'm proud of completing my bachelor's and master's degrees.

What is your favorite Hispanic food?
All of it.

What Hispanic person (people) do you have a personal appreciation for and why?
My father because through action, he taught me the value of an education. He was a high school dropout and was drafted into the Army. Upon completion of his service, he got his GED and used the Army funds to complete his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. He was a first-generation college student.

What is a fun fact about you that many people don't know?
I like to play Texas Hold'em.

What’s something you’re very proud to have achieved as a Hispanic American?
I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish through hard work and effort. I am proud of my children whom I raised on my own. I have been able to pass down to them my culture and values so they can continue to do the same with their children.

What is your favorite Hispanic food?
I consider a typical Costa Rican dish – which is basically white rice, black beans, fried plantains, and a fried egg – one of my favorite dishes. We call this dish Gallo Pinto.

What Hispanic person do you have a personal appreciation for and why?
My mother. She came to this country and worked very hard to forge a path for me and my brother and the generations that have come after that. Today, our children and grandchildren are reaping the fruit of her hard work and sacrifice. Being the daughter of an immigrant who worked very hard and suffered hardship at times, but never gave up her dreams and goals, fills me with pride and a strong sense of commitment to continue to carry the legacy that she left for her family.