Home: Hyattsville, MD. Age: 49. Birthplace: New York City. Profession: Politician. Organization: Prince George’s County Government. Title: County Council Member. Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers/Ella. Significant other: Single and ready to mingle. Alma mater: Columbia University-Barnard College; University of Utah; Princeton University. Languages spoken: English and Spanish.
Current project: Running for State Delegate in Legislative District 47B. Recent recognition: Selected Powermeter 100 by El Tiempo Latino newspaper. Recent professional development: Hiring executive coach Milca Esdaille. Latest accomplishment: First Latina elected to Council and to Vice-Chairmanship. Also, first Latinx to negotiate $4.1 billion county budget. Latest contribution to others: Delivered $10 billion in development, nine schools and two libraries in construction in my district. Proudest professional moment: Named most consequential politician in 20+ years. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Running for public office, winning by 6 votes. Hobbies: Netflix and chill, reading. Recent travel or adventure: Dominican Republic post-2018 election. Last book read: Undaunted, by Kara Goldin; Worlds Apart by Mai Le Kim. Recently viewed and recommended: The Trojan Horse Affair, Life of Dick Gregory, Summer of Soul. Recent unique acquisition: Hint Water, founded by Kara Goldin. What’s your side hustle? Building and revitalizing sustainable communities of color.
Personality profile: Transformational change agent. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Gamechanger. Moral compass: My values list. How do you define a perfect friendship? After a long absence, picking up right where we left off. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Both parties committed to creating a win-win outcome. What is your greatest joy? Improving the outcome of the most vulnerable. What is your greatest fear? Being homeless because I did not earn and save enough. What is your guilty pleasure? Watching Married at First Sight. What natural talent have you neglected? Dancing bachata and salsa. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Finance and social work.
What three emojis best describe you? ✊🏽🔥💃🏽.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Month long DR tour, six-month world tour. How do you relieve stress? Deep tissue massages. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Beaches, pools and alcohol. What is your go-to workout? Great sex. Better than Zumba.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Overboard. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? My graduate diplomas. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Aunt Eva. What is the best advice you received growing up? Go to college. What is the best advice you received in your career? Keep a log and don’t burn bridges. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Touch-screen capability. What is your favorite app? All TV and music streaming apps. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Daily Show, Washington Post, NPR. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Pinterest, Canva, Google. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Hurricane Katrina. What company or organization do you most admire? Costco. What makes a company effective and high performing? Intentional, diverse, inclusive, equitable and non-toxic. What's your next ideal job? CEO to a BID or CDC.
What is your big idea? Creating BIDs in poor areas. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Equity for immigrants. What change would you like to see in the world? A world run by women. What message do you want to send out into the world? Yes, we can. What widely held belief do you reject? Immigrants are criminals, stealing jobs. What mega-trend most excites you? Working remotely. What mega-trend most concerns you? Working remotely. What cause do you care deeply about? Suicide prevention.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Anomaly. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Dascha Polanco or Zoe Saldana. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My parents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A diplomat or an engineer. What object would you first save from your burning home? Ode to my parents scrapbook. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Having sex on the beach. What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy your sexuality. What day in your life would you like to re-live? The last day I saw my parents alive. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College and graduate school years. What would you choose to do if money were no object? CEO for CDC/BID where I live.
Personal mission: Empowering poor minorities. Personal motto: Si, se puede! Favorite quote: "Stand for something or fall for anything" (Alexander Hamilton). Legacy: The lives and communities I’ve transformed. Desired epitaph: Dedicated public servant.
