I am a mother, stepmom, wife, grandmother and sister to 7 siblings. Born and raised in Chicago, lived in Clarendon Hills for 30 years, now reside in Hinsdale. I run two businesses, an Executive Coaching Business and I run a non-profit called Latinas On The Plaza, a 501-C-3 organization that educates , equips, and empowers girls & woman of color to reach their full potential.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are in a blended Family with 5 adult children. We’ve been married 18 years. We both grew up in the City of Chicago. We have 6 grandchildren.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have a passion for learning, so that I can then share my learnings with others. I worked for a bank for 28 years. I then joined a non-profit for 2 years. I also was an adjunct professor for 4 Universities. I started my coaching practice in 2007. I started my non-profit in 2014.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Wild Ginger and for breakfast Yia Yia’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
30 years in Clarendon Hills, 2,5 years in Hinsdale.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The Golfview Hills Women’s Group has helped me to get to know others in our great neighborhood.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I still have Egypt on my bucket list.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Right now loved Thirteen Lives directed by Ron Howard. Love PBS – The series All creature Great & Small
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It is so important to mentor young women. You have the stories and experiences that can inspire, encourage others to persevere.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Take 1 year sabbatical me day.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I listen to Christian music, like Mercy Me, and others.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I like the Hinsdale Community Center is the heart of our community. They serve all ages and offer so much to our Community.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Nelson Mandela in one of my heroes. His grit and determination to end apartheid cost him so much personal pain and suffering, yet he remained true to his core values. I would meet him at Fuller ‘s House for a great burger.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think Hinsdale Central High School is the jewel of the Community. Three of my children attended HC.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I live by a 5 year plans. I wrote a book called Design Your Life Plan that teaches people how to write 5 year plans.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to write curriculum, mostly for girls and young women of color.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is May – lots of birthdays. Favorite Holiday is Halloween.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Faith Walk
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband has not only pushed me to do bigger things, but he also supports me in my non-profit work.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Eucalyptus, Lavender
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, Organized, Rest
