I am a first generation Peruvian and Cuban Latina, born and raised in Miami, Fl. I moved to Worcester in 2011 and have been here ever since! I married my high school sweetheart, and we will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this year! We are parents to our amazingly inquisitive and funny 5 year old, and fur parents to our dog and 2 cats! I am an early elementary teacher and community organizer. In 2021, my husband and I initiated Worcester Community Fridges. WCF is a grassroots, community led initiative that organizes free food fridges through out the city. We prioritize equitable food access and believe creating people led systems of care is the key to community building.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I love celebrating victories and finding joy with my kids. I work at a small private school, so this leaves me with a lot of freedom to follow the individual learners cues. Some days are harder then others, and it’s important to model joy and laughter, especially in learning spaces.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
My new favorite restaurant is Mint on Maywoods St! We’re slowly eating through the menu, but so far the garlic soy wings and pork bao are faves!
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
My grandparents all have very unique and inspiring stories about immigrating to the US.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A bucket list destination would be Tromso, Norway to see the Northern Lights
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Bad Bunny forever
What is your best advice?
Say yes before you’re ready, everything else will fall into place
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
I have no qualifications at all, but I’ve always wanted to be part of someone’s delivery team when bringing a baby in the world!
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
I didn’t grow up in Worcester, so I don’t have too many memories that bring nostalgia. But, our first apartment was off of Vernon St, so whenever I’m in that area it brings some happy memories of where we were when we first moved here!
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Getting an opportunity to speak with Angela Davis would be a dream. Her work in prison abolition is something that I always refer back to in my community organizing.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Your guess is as good as mine!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I had a pet hermit crab that I kept secret for almost 6 months when I was in middle school. He lived in a Tupperware container under my bed and had a SpongeBob painted shell. RIP Shelly
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, relaxed and familiar
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Ha! I have no idea.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
My favorite thing about Worcester is all the parks and access to nature while still having a city like feel.
What is your favorite smell?
Palo Santo
Who inspires you to be better?
I’m inspired by being in a community with people who want to disrupt the status quo. Taking back power collectively is super inspiring to keep going.
