What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?
Environmental Services assistant

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
My job in Environmental Services is to disinfect restrooms, clean offices, vacuum and make sure the organization is clean for patients and visitors.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here?
I worked for a big company, making picture frames, before I came to Scottish Rite. As a grandmother of a patient at Scottish Rite, I was familiar with this wonderful place.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I love to have a good relationship with my coworkers, but the thing I love most is to see big smiles from our little angels.
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
It is not easy to maintain a clean and disinfected area at all times.
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
I had the blessing of being a missionary in Africa for two weeks.
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
At the age of 53, I love to practice Shotokan karate.
 
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
It has been very important for me that I come from Mexico and now get to know two different cultures.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
We usually go to church as a family, and that makes us believe in someone all-powerful who blesses us daily.

What is your favorite meal or recipe?
I love homemade enchiladas and mole among other typical Mexican dishes.

What is your favorite travel destination?
Anywhere in Mexico, but I would like to travel the whole world.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
The holidays are important to me, especially December because we celebrate Virgin Mary Day and the Nativity of baby Jesus, and we do a big celebration.

How do you identify within the Hispanic community?
I am Hispanic, and it’s a thing that I feel so proud of.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
I feel joy whenever I hear a mariachi singing, see a folklorico dance or taste a typical dish.

What does community mean to you?
For me, it is when we, as a community, can share what we have.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
I love to laugh with my coworkers and with the patients. I also love to guide them with their needs.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I love to dance, sing, laugh, be happy and share with everybody. But the thing I love most is spending time with my grandkids. As a matter of fact, I am a proud grandma of a grandson with spina bifida.