Raised in New York and shaped by two cultures, this curious mentor empowers every child to step confidently into the world.

Where have you lived, and how has it shaped your perspective?: I grew up in New York, but my family is originally from Mexico. Living between two cultures taught me the beauty of diversity and the importance of open-mindedness from an early age.
What languages do you speak and how do they influence how you connect with people?: I speak English and Spanish fluently. Being bilingual has helped me bridge cultural gaps and build trust more quickly, especially with children from different backgrounds.
Can you share something about your background or identity that’s important to you?: My grandmother, who spoke little English, always told me, “Kindness is a universal language.” That belief shaped how I connect with others no matter where they are from.
Tell us about a childhood memory that still makes you smile.: When I was seven, I organized a "mini world fair" in our backyard, where each friend represented a different country. It taught me early on that curiosity brings people together.
Describe yourself in three words!: Curious, compassionate, resilient.
What did you study, and what inspired you to choose it?: I studied International Relations because I wanted to understand how people from different backgrounds could work together to solve global challenges.
If you could go back and take any course again, or invent your own, what would it be called?: I'd invent a course called "Empathy Across Cultures" — a hands-on program focused on real-world conversations and collaborative projects across countries.
How do you build trust with children you’ve just met?: I start by listening carefully and validating their feelings. Children can sense authenticity, so I try to show them I'm genuinely interested in who they are.
What do you believe children can teach adults (or others)?: Children remind us to stay curious, to question norms, and to embrace change without fear.
What does a “successful” session look like to you?: When children leave the session asking new questions, smiling, and feeling empowered to try something new, I know we’ve succeeded.
If you could learn anything with a child, what would it be and why?: I would love to explore environmental activism together — planting trees, reducing waste — because learning how to care for the Earth empowers both kids and adults.
What's one topic you would go back and teach yourself when you were a child?: I would teach myself financial literacy earlier. Understanding how money works opens so many doors to independence and confidence.
What aspects of society have felt strange or unsettling to you as you’ve grown older?: Sometimes, I feel society rewards conformity over creativity. I hope to encourage children to keep their unique voices strong, even when the world tells them otherwise.