CULTURAL ROOTS
Growing up half Bolivian and half American has given me a perspective shaped by contrast and connection. Living within two cultures taught me that identity isn’t just a background detail, but it influences how we understand people, how we interpret situations, and how we choose to show up in the world. This blend of experiences has become a compass in my personal and professional life, guiding the way I communicate and the way I build relationships.
Salteñas, a classic bolivian cuisine. Salteñas are savory pastries filled with beef, pork or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce containing olives, raisins, ají, potatoes and sometimes egg.
From my Bolivian side, I learned the power of community. Family wasn’t just something you belonged to, it was a shared space where everyone supported each other without hesitation. This approach naturally carried into the way I collaborate with others. I’ve come to value environments where people feel comfortable contributing ideas, listening is as important as speaking, and success is celebrated collectively rather than individually. That early influence taught me how essential it is to create spaces where people genuinely feel seen.
My American side, on the other hand, shaped my sense of initiative. I grew up surrounded by a mindset that encouraged exploration, curiosity, and taking responsibility for your own growth. It pushed me to ask questions, pursue opportunities, and think intentionally about the choices I make. Balancing both cultures made me comfortable examining situations from multiple angles. This is a skill that continues to help me make thoughtful decisions and adapt to new challenges with confidence.
Navigating both identities hasn’t always been straightforward. There were years where I felt split between two worlds, unsure of where I fit. But that in-between space became one of my greatest teachers. It helped me understand the importance of belonging, the impact of representation, and the weight that assumptions can carry. Those experiences fuel the way I connect with others now because I go with curiosity rather than judgment, and with an awareness that everyone carries a story beneath the surface.
In the end, my cultural roots are a foundation I return to constantly. Being half Bolivian and half American has shaped the way I lead, collaborate, and grow. It’s given me a blended lens that reminds me to stay open, stay grounded, and stay willing to learn from the people around me. As I continue building my career and expanding the spaces I’m part of, I carry both sides of my heritage with pride.
