Project Description
How long have you lived in Kansas City?
I have lived here in Kansas City, Missouri my whole life.
What is your fondest childhood memory?
Every winter when we would get a big snowstorm, all the neighborhood kids would get together and sled in my parent’s back yard. They have a huge field and lots of hills. It was the best!
What subject(s) did you study at college?
I started college with the intention of becoming an art teacher. Having kids early, shifted my focus and I headed into banking and administration.
What was your first job?
My first job was working at Best Buy in their Home Theatre department. I was the only girl selling all the electronics and huge TV’s.
Who has been the most influential person to you in your career?
The most influential person in my career has been my father. He showed me that to be successful you must set your goal and stay focused and never lose faith in yourself.
How has your career created value in your life?
My career has helped me create the best life I can for my children and family. Enjoying what I do for work and showing my kids a career can be fun and fulfilling is very important to me.
What do you consider to be the most significant world event that has occurred during your lifetime?
The biggest event that has happened in my lifetime is 9/11. I remember dancing in the gym at my high school when the principal instructed all students to return to home room for the day to watch the news. Seeing the memorial every time I visit NYC still breaks my heart.
What is your most memorable travel experience?
Taking my kids to see the ocean for the first time was my favorite trip. Seeing their faces and watching them play in the waves was the best!
What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
My husband and I dance folkloric dances representing his family heritage of Colombia. One year while dancing at a huge festival in downtown Kansas City, he accidently untied my skirt during a big twirl and my skirt fell on the stage in front of the crowd. Luckily, I was wearing shorts underneath.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My children are my greatest accomplishment. Seeing them set new dreams and goals and reaching them brings me joy each time. I am so proud to be their mother and watching them grow.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend all my free time with my family seeking new adventures. My husband and I like to find new places to visit and new things to do whenever we can. We love traveling and love having adventures. Bringing our kids with us makes each adventure special and unique!
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?
If I could have one superpower, I would love to be able to speak to any person in any language. Communication is huge and often overlooked. Being able to get to know people and their cultures in their native language and hear stories and histories from all over the world would be amazing!
