Diana Lucero has been a Medical Assistant at Impact 100 organization, Samuel U. Rodgers, for almost 5 years.
Diana is from Mexico and one of her favorite traditions to celebrate is Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead. “This tradition combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls’ Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500’s.” The holiday is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd and is like a family reunion, except dead ancestors are the guests of honor. In Mexico, families will build altars, called ofrendas, commemorating family and friends who have passed away. They are usually filled with food, drinks, arts, and other items that were a favorite of the deceased.
When asked how women play a role in preserving and passing on cultural traditions within the Latino community, Diana says, “Throughout Latin American history, women have assumed leadership roles in their families, communities, and even countries during periods of economic and political turmoil.” She expands, “this is turn has led to the expansion of opportunities for women to exercise leadership and activist roles.”