Before I am anything, I am a daughter, a sister, a mother to three beautiful and amazing adult daughters, a wife to my awesome husband, and lastly, a grandmother to 5 equally amazing grandkids. I am a dedicated board member of various organizations, notably Adelante Worcester, where my contributions have been pivotal in enhancing the success and significance of Latin professional networking. Our efforts in supporting and uplifting like-minded Latino professionals have promoted a strong sense of community and mutual support. Beyond my organizational roles, I bring a unique blend of empathy and determination to my professional work in housing and development. My commitment extends to providing essential down payment assistance, a service that has profoundly impacts many in the Latin community.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am currently employed by Worcester Community Housing Resources as their Director of the Community Loan Fund. I am a licensed Mortgage Loan originator with them and I am in charge of their lending department that consist of two employees, me and another Loan Officer. Our responsibility is to help borrowers of low to moderate income get loans such as Heat loans, Lead abatement and home improvement loans. These are loans that normally a bank will help with, but may have some restrictions that do not qualify with traditional means. I love to help them get the services they require in order to get the issue resolved. I am currently working with the City of Worcester helping administer their ARPA –DPA program. My commitment extends to providing essential down payment assistance, a service that has profoundly impacts many in the Latin community and the entire city of Worcester.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I love Café Reyes . They have a great ambiance and amazing food. The culture is in line with my taste buds. Plus, they are part of a great non-profit organization helping men.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Elizabeth Cruz. She is someone that is interesting and keeps my attention because she has many ideas. She is always open to new things and makes them happen if they interest her.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I love Latin music. Music is extremely close to my heart. Listening to my favorite songs while doing stressful tasks eases my mood and motivates me. It is a means that positively changes my thinking and mood. Music has also helped in changing my perceptions of the world, making it more pleasant and outgoing.
Q: What is your best advice?
If things don’t go well, lesson learned.
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Travel the World, learn another language (which I am), and buy a farm.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Downtown Worcester has changed so much. My favorite place was the Galleria, it was such a beautiful building. It was the place to be when you were young.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Barack Obama. I am fascinated with history and I would like know what his thought process was when he decided to become our President. What drove him to that point, to decide this big moment in his life? What mentors he had to give him that push to move forward with it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In five years, I wish to see myself as a core part of the Worcester Community. Looking ahead, a key focus for me will be to continue assisting first-time homebuyers in realizing their dream of homeownership and leveraging the support of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants. Additionally, my support is committed to continuing our work in empowering Latino like-minded professionals to network and support one another, further strengthening the community. This dual focus on housing assistance and professional empowerment is poised to make a significant impact.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I like to spend time alone. It gives me space to think about my feelings, ideas, hopes, problems, and experiences. It is also a great opportunity to get to know myself better and spend time resting and relaxing. It is not always easy to spend time alone though.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Commitment and Acceptance
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
America Ferrera. She is beautiful and has a sense of self. She is very passionate like me. In 2020, Ferrera also helped co-found, “Poderistas,” a nonprofit that serves as a digital community created by and for Latinas. Through events and networking, members build a positive community to support each other. Latina who unite each other and support.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
In addition to the nightlife, diverse restaurants, colleges and universities, and events. What I love about Worcester is that it is a growing city filled with diversity.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
I just love the smell of food. When I am home cooking for my family, the smell of the sofrito brings me back to my childhood were my mom was always making our meals.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My inspiration is my mother. I want to make her very proud of me. She has always instilled in us to be compassioned and be part of our community. She always made me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. I loved that and I feel that I can set an example for my own daughters to be as passionate.
