Q: How did your family and culture influence who you are today?
My family and my culture have heavily influenced the person I am today. At a very young age, thanks to my family and my cultural background as a daughter to first generation Mexican immigrants, I learned what it means to work hard and have a strong work ethic. Being the daughter of immigrants taught me to help those in my community, like my family, that struggle with a language barrier and are faced with the challenge of lacking in financial literacy because they are not native to this country. This attributed to me forming my personality as a very outgoing leader that is not afraid to ask questions for herself, or others. It formed in me a strong sense of compassion and empathy towards other especially in the community I work in. I understand exactly the challenges many in our communities’ face when it comes to financial literacy.
Q: Why is ACEE important to you?
ACEE’s cause is so important to me because of its dedication to financial literacy, especially among our youth. ACEE is such a valuable organization with its mission because much of our youth does not always count on being given that financial education at home. ACEE provides real life budgeting scenarios that are so valuable. It is so rewarding to me, in my setting as bank branch manager, to help youth leave my branch with their first bank account and be able to guide them through their financial questions and show them all the tools we offer for their financial success.
Q: Why do you care about financial and economic education?
I wish I could have counted on an organization like ACEE when I was growing up. I now share with my clients and members of my community what I learned from my own financial mistakes through my journey into adulthood. I opened my first bank account at the age of 16 and started working shortly after, this is when I realized the importance of a strong financial and economic education. Thanks to having been that bridge for my own parents as they navigated different financial situations, I had some financial understanding at a young age. However, I know I would have benefitted tremendously from an organization like ACEE that provides real financial situations to our youth to teach them before they are out in the world on their own. I am happy to be a part of ACEE.
