FLM: Explain what representation means to you in the Latino community and other Latinas that inspire you.
LD: It means a feeling of belonging in every industry and every corner of America, not just for Latinos but every culture and ethnicity. It’s tough to name one individual, it’s a lot easier to feel pride in every Chicago neighborhood from Little Village to Uptown.
Latinas are incredibly hard working and women in general add so much to our lives. Obviously, I look up to my mom and mother-in-law. They make the impossible possible and they’ve done that every day for decades, never complaining and always showing up.
FLM: Describe your approach when it comes to raising your beautiful little girl in a multicultural family and multicultural city like Chicago.
LD: My daughter is my greatest source of pride. I’ve made sure that she speaks Spanish and understands the culture well. It’s impressive how she weaves in and out of English and Spanish. Speaking a second language only adds to her depth. I wish that for every child in Chicago.
By the way, she’s also part Irish which means that Monday nights she attends an Irish dancing class with her nana. I love it!