What I love about being Latina: Big family gatherings — hearing English, Spanish, Spanglish and everything in between! Traveling to new places throughout Mexico and still feeling at home! How mariachi music can bring a tear to my eyes. When the sun kisses my skin with a bronze glow in the summer. Being a reporter for a growing Latino community and being a key player in covering the news that matters most to my people as they assimilate into society. .
What I love about being Americana: Living in a country that values women without the need of a pedestal. My right to vote and emerge myself into politics. The ability to work hard for what I want for myself and my family and to favor the immigration of people of all colors. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. The pursuit of happiness. Being married to a Marine who served our country for 5 years!
My biggest challenge in growing up Latina in America: Breaking the misconception that I needed to have an accent to be a true Latina. Explaining to a few disbelievers that I do not in fact talk white, it’s just me speaking with my God-given voice.
My biggest support in growing up Latina in America: My family. As a young child in preschool at a private Catholic school in the suburbs of Chicago, I was assigned to complete a family tree. My preschool teacher asked me where I belonged and I thought it was under China, what I referred to as “the Oriental section”. Soon after, my mom broke it to me I wasn’t Chinese nor was I from China. It was my family that laughed it off and loved me for being me then and now. The point is, my parents never told me you are this or you are that — they always raised my sister and me to understand without labels we are all people. Period.
Why I am beautiful: I’m comfortable in my own skin!
Betsy is awesome! She is a beautiful, talented and intelligent woman. She has her stuff together. Her smile is contagious. She doesn’t fool herself with delusions. She seeks knowledge and truth. She is down-to-earth and real. She’s a cool chick! She is definitely a Mi’ja to Meet!
This girl is one to watch! She will go after her dreams with all her guns loaded and I couldn’t be prouder…
Wow! Growing up with Betsy was amazing, but watching her work is inspiring. She is proud of her culture, her success, and her family. She is strong, beautiful, intelligent and down to earth. I only hope that the world is ready to embrace of all of the gifts she gives. Ready or not, here she comes!
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms Betsy when she attended Columbia College, and worked with me in the C-2 dept, even then I knew this ‘latina’ would go places, I am so proud of her and everything she has accomplished, may God bless her always, this is one M’ija to keep your eye on.
I love her dearly and only wish the best for her and her family
BETSY!!!!! You go girl!
I had the opportunity to work with Betsy when she was in Chicago. To know her is to love her! Although we are now far in distance and don’t get to be around each other as much she is dear to my heart. She is a definitely a Mi’ja to meet and have on your team.
LOVE YOU GIRL!!!
That’s our Betsy!! We all love her to pieces, and her family!! What a beautiful person she is!! It’s too bad there aren’t more human beings like her.
I’ve known Betsy since she was a tiny kid and I LOVE the woman she’s become. And now she’s a blossoming community leader! I’m so proud of my cousin Betsy! Betsy for President!
Congrats Betsy! I am so proud of you! Keep being you- a great role model to all Latinas!
Allright Betsy! This is so awesome. Good job Chica!
The Betsy we’ve always known is a positive person full of compassion yet determined and courageous enough to speak the truth inorder to help someone be a better person. We will always remember the family trip in 1998 to the Cañon de Cobre and Viviana will always remember you saying, “Be nice” It made a difference!