Marco López is the co-founder of Elemento L2, the Multicultural below the line agency that drives word of mouth and consumer engagement.  Marco leads the company’s new client acquisition, the overall strategic direction of the company and elemento’s planning & creative departments.

Elemento’s current client roster includes Coca-Cola, PowerAde, Barcel, Target, NBA, Hornitos, 100 Años and Pucker Vodka.

Marco López led the Hispanic Department at Relay for over four years.  During his tenure, Relay grew into a sole department, creating new expertise in Planning & Creative for the first time in the agency.  The Hispanic Department at Relay during Marco’s leadership served clients such as Mazola, P&G, and AT&T amongst others.

Marco was also Marketing Director for Tribune’s Hoy Newspaper’s three daily editions (LA, NY and Chicago).

Previous leadership roles included, the launch of his own agency (Matraca Marketing) and as Director of Diversity Marketing for AT&T in San Antonio, overseeing wireless diversity initiatives nationwide.

Marco grew up in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and now lives in Chicago with his family.

Phrases to live by:

“if you want to get to your destination, wear a seatbelt”

“Be true to yourself and treat others as you want to be treated”

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
A pinguïno… with a long neck and long legs…. Maybe actually a “giriffuingo” – a combination of all three!

What music dominates your playlists?
Cerati, soda stereo… and don’t judge me but sometimes Bruno Mars and JT!

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Una carnita from Tango Sur con un buen vino and double desert: “bang, bang” pie and flan with a cortadito… EVERY DAY!

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Barú, an island in Colombia.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
To work with amazing people – (check!)

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
These days, it’s all about diapers with the twins, high school meetings with my two older boys and of course, date nights with Ana.

What is your biggest passion?
Kindness. If there is a choice between doing the right thing and being kind… I choose to be kind. People appreciate this, I think, as long as you aren’t a pushover.

Viviana Rincon began her marketing career in Atlanta, GA in 2006 on the financial sector. There she managed market researches which the findings led to the development of products and services dedicated 100% to Hispanic for Suntrust bank. After a couple of years working on improving the services to underseved Latinos in the financial sector she decides to venture into the world of experiential marketing.

Relay worldwide gave Viviana the opportunity to learn about experiential marketing in 2008, and since then it has been the love of her life. Being a numbers person, she enjoys working on project estimates as well as paying close attention to the details that go into the planning and operations side of the program. However her favorite part is the gratification that comes from seeing the reactions of the fans to a program she has been involved with from beginning to end.

Following her mentors and for the love for marketing, she embarked in the biggest adventure of her life in 2011 when she decides to work at Elemento L2, an agency that she has been part of from the beginning. She is currently the Account Supervisor for major clients like Coca-Cola. Viviana has successfully lead and collaborated in sports, music, and sampling programs.

 Viviana was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. She is the fourth of five daughters and absolutely adores her family. Her favorite things are reading books, watching TV, traveling and doing karaoke with her family.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin? I’d be a giraffe, so I can see everything that’s going on around me.

What music dominates your playlists?
Lullabies.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Empanadas – but Colombian ones!

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Back home to Colombia.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
To go to Greece.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Resting!

What is your biggest passion?
I love planning.

Maria Fernanda first discovered her passion for marketing as a college intern for Bank of America’s Marketing & Communications division.  This lead her to an internship and ultimately a 6 year career at Octagon, a worldwide sports and entertainment marketing agency. Here, Maria Fernanda formed part of Octagon’s newly developed Multicultural division where she spearheaded various lifestyle, music and sports programs for major brands including: BMW, Sprint, Allstate and Castrol.

Maria Fernanda is currently Elemento L2′s Senior Account Supervisor, leading programs for Target and Barcel USA among others.

Maria Fernanda was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, raised in Connecticut and is now a 5 year resident of the Windy City.  She enjoys time with her family, friends and dog, as well as traveling the country and the world whenever she has the chance.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I’d rather be a giraffe, because I’d love to experience what it would be like to be tall. I also think they’re elegant, beautiful creatures.

What music dominates your playlists?
Such a range – anything from Shakira, Mana and Jesse y Joy to Phoenix, Imagine Dragons and Mumford and Sons. Depends on my mood that day.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Empanadas. And cheese. Not necessarily together, but that works too.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Somewhere warm – but not hot – and very relaxing.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Traveling to as many countries as I can. But maybe before that, learning another language… Italian?

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My happiest moments are when I’m with my family and friends. Couple that with traveling to different places, and I’m one very happy girl!

What is your biggest passion?
Family.

Ivan is the co-founder and Managing Director at Elemento L2, leading operations for the company.  Ivan has been instrumental in driving the profitability and client retention, while providing leadership amongst the several teams seving the elemento accounts.  Previous to elemento, Ivan functioned as Account Director for Relay Worldwide leading top accounts of the likes of Coca-Cola, AT&T and Beam Global.

Pre-Relay, Ivan was Marketing Director for a start-up music venue with gaming targeting the thriving Hispanic market in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Ivan got his break in the Hispanic music scene while working for VIVA and V5 Entertainment in Chicago. There he learned the ins and outs of successfully producing and marketing concerts and nightlife events around the country.

A Finance and Marketing graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, allowed Ivan the opportunity to stay close to friends and family and find his calling in the event marketing industry.

Michelle is the Financial Manager of Elemento L2 and has been with the company since April of 2012.

Michelle graduated from DePaul University in 2009, with a Bachelor’s in Accounting with a concentration in Finance. After working for two years at UBS Wealth Management, she went on to manage a ticket brokerage firm in the historical Chicago Board of Trade. Eager for something more, Michelle assisted a marketing team, where she worked closely with Viviana, Ivan and Marco. Unbeknownst to all, that short summer foreshadowed her future at Elemento L2.

Growing up in Cleveland (and some time in Minneapolis), Michelle has a passion for all things Chicago – history, culture, art, fashion, food, music and entertainment.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I’d be a penguin, because they can endure anything by working together and helping each other. Also, they’re adorable.

What music dominates your playlists?
I love listening to music and going to shows, but trying to pick one genre is difficult… just no country. :)

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
French fries!

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Venice, Italy.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Live abroad for a year (or two!).

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Going to shows or sporting events, spending time with friends and family, and exploring.

What is your biggest passion?
I love history, culture, art, fashion, food, music, entertainment and exploring Chicago.

Saúl González joins Elemento L2 as the creative toolbox that helps develop each project from a strategic and executional perspective.

Saul is an art director/designer that has had experience in advertising focusing on Print, Direct Mail, TV, and Experiential. Specializes in creative concepting throughout all media in the general and multi-cultural markets.

He graduated from the European University of Madrid with a Bachelors degree in Advertising and PR. After graduating from Madrid, he started his American adventure in the Miami Ad School in San Francisco, California, where he received the opportunity to get an internship in the Multicultural Department at DraftFCB in Chicago soon after training DraftFCB decided to hire Saul as full-time Associated Art director, which gave him the opportunity to work for brands like State Farm, Kmart, CenturyLink, KFC, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Digiorno .
Saul is from a small island in the Canary Islands in Spain, Lanzarote, where he draws his creative ideas from the lifestyle of his home.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I would love to be a penguin, because they always dream to fly and I am a dreamer.

What music dominates your playlists?
Anything from the Spanish rock band Extremoduro, which means “The Hard Extreme,” to Bob Marley, which relaxes me when I am stressed out. I guess the range is pretty extreme!

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Fish (I told you I would love to be a penguin).

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Fiji, no doubt.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Surfing big waves.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love playing soccer and guitar.

What is your biggest passion?
My passion is surfing, even though the waves in Lake Michigan are not that good.

Carmen is currently an Account Coordinator at Elemento L2. Prior to joining the Elemento team, Carmen worked for both Grupo Modelo USA, LLC as an Account Coordinator and Marketing Werks as a Marketing Event Assistant and Brand Ambassador for clients such as La Costeña, ChocoMilk, and Walgreens. Carmen received a B.A. in Marketing Communications and a minor in Latino Studies from Columbia College in Chicago.

Carmen was born in Jalisco, Mexico but raised in Aurora, Illinois. Carmen now considers herself a Chicago native, having called the Windy City home now for four years. Carmen idolizes Frida Kahlo and can’t get enough of her mother’s pozole!

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I would be a flamingo, mainly because they are able to fly! I love taking on new adventures such as skydiving and zip-lining – it’s almost like I’m a bird!

What music dominates your playlists?
Mostly music by Maná, although I have a pretty eclectic selection of music! I have everything from Javier Solis, Justin Timberlake and Billie Holiday to J.Lo, Juanes and Common.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
I would eat chocolate everyday!

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Machu Picchu, Peru – the sight is breathtaking!

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Next thing on my list is hang-gliding!

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering for non-profit organizations, listening to live music and dancing.

What is your biggest passion?
I am passionate about making a difference by expressing my creativity. When I’m involved with a project at work, I want to do my best to be successful. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.

Biography

Denisse is one of Elemento L2’s public relations and social media experts. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, this girl is a force to be reckoned with. She’s quick to find social trends, scan the news to find brand mentions, and know how to implement a wicked PR strategy.

After her 2011 graduation from Loyola University Chicago with degrees in advertising, public relations and marketing, Denisse began her extensive series of internships across a multitude of agencies throughout Chicago. Her love for writing and fascination for all things digital led her to become a social community manager for brands like Tampico Beverages, Madrina’s Brands, Latino Fashion Week and Azteca Foods, just to name a few. Over the past two years, Denisse has done everything from developing integrated social media campaigns to finding media opportunities and supporting communication efforts internally and externally on behalf of clients.

Prior to Elemento, Denisse worked at Edelman Digital, where she joined a cross-departmental team to implement social media activations aligned with clients’ greater communications and marketing efforts. Here, she maintained an active online presence for Fuel Up to Play 60 – a program funded by the National Dairy Council and the NFL in collaboration with the USDA that empowers students to make small, every day changes to transform their schools into healthy and active places.

When Denisse is not immersed in all the current social buzz, you’ll find her hitting the running track to prep for her next race or busy finding the next city to explore. Then again, this foodie might just be busy perfecting the ultimate healthy version of a delicious pastry or potato chip – it can be done!

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
Most likely a flamingo – they have beautiful bright plumage that range from light pink to bright red, stick with their colony and are overall social birds, which I can see myself most identified with. Plus, they seem to be happy birds that enjoy warm weather and like to wade in the water a lot. Who wouldn’t want to do that all day?

What music dominates your playlists?
Right now, I’m big into alternative music but I listen to just about everything both in English and Spanish. One moment, I’m singing along to Lana del Rey’s retro-60s pop or dancing along to some of Prince Royce’s sweet ballads. Next, I’m bobbin’ my head to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ verses before winding down with Natalia Lafourcade’s sweet renditions of Agustin Lara’s classics and Coldplay’s anthems.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
I’ve always joked around with my family that I could live off tamales if it ever came down to it. They’re so delicious that I can never turn them down.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Japan! I’ve always been fascinated by vibrant Asian culture, and Japan is one of the nations that has an awesome mix of the modern tech world with old world traditions. I’d love to spend a day soaking in all of the advanced technology, unique fashion, fresh cuisine, awe-striking architecture, rich history and the valued customs that makes Japan so amazingly different!

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Traveling somewhere new each year! Whether it’s a different city within the U.S. or somewhere abroad, I want to see and explore all corners of the world while learning more about different cultures other than my own. Not necessarily going to all the touristy areas, but discovering the hidden gems small towns have to offer as well. I love traveling, and I think that having the chance to step outside my comfort zone and immerse myself in another culture or different place is not only an amazing experience but also one that helps you understand others and become more appreciative for what you have.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Running, and a lot! This year, I began hitting the track and running 5Ks around Chicago and its suburbs, and it’s been going pretty well. My next goal is to run a 10 mile race this upcoming Memorial Day. Ambitious? Yes, but you got to have big goals to shoot for and challenge yourself with!
When I’m not running, I like to experiment in the kitchen baking delish pastries and substituting ingredients, so I can not only feel free to indulge on them, I know that it’s a lot healthier. Other than that, I’m a big bookworm and love to dive into dystopian futuristic novels or learn more about interesting historical events.

What is your biggest passion?
Finding ways to challenge myself, whether it’s running an extra mile, learning to make indulging but healthy pastries, or simply learning or exploring news things. I like to further myself and see how much more I can grow. I feel like doing so not only expands my knowledge but it also allows me to try new, exciting things!

Diego joins Elemento L2 as a Jr. Art Director and Designer, with his work focusing on marketing, advertising and branding. Diego began his studies at Universidad Anáhuac of Querétaro, México. A year later he transferred to College of DuPage in Illinois to earn a degree in graphic design. While attending the College Of DuPage, he was offered a scholarship to continue his education at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, where he was awarded a BFA in Communication Design.

While in Milwaukee, Diego also held a variety of internships, including a job as a Graphic and Web Designer at HarQen in Milwaukee and two separate gigs as a graphic designer at Bachman Brand Development. Prior to joining Elemento L2, Diego also worked as a Jr. Art Director at Leo Burnett Chicago.

Diego was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I would be a giraffe; I’d like to be a magic giraffe if possible.

What music dominates your playlists?
All sorts of rock, as well as my own music, dominates my playlists.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Everybody thinks I love tacos because I’m Mexican. I do.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Can I take my motorcycle with me? If yes, then somewhere warm with lots of curvy roads.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
I’d love to travel the world on my motorcycle.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have a handful of hobbies but you can find me either riding on my motorcycle or spending my time (and money) maintaining my baby, a 1973 Honda CB350-Four. I also enjoy collecting vintage double-edged razors and wristwatches. Also, when the weather does not cooperate with my Honda, I like to spend time polishing my skills in video-gaming, where I have earned international respect (or fear, depending on your perspective).

What is your biggest passion?
Anything related to motorcycles, like gear, models, touring, adventure riding, MOTO GP… you get the idea!

Germán joins Elemento L2 as the Creative Director and has been building his career over the past 20 years in local and international agencies. His international experience has allowed him to apply his knowledge and experience to overcome new challenges.
Germán’s experience has been focused on above-the-line work, marketing and retail services, below-the-line projects and digital media. His one fundamental philosophy and value is creating real life brand experiences through the use of creative and strategic concepts that are transmitted to the consumer through various media channels and contact points.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
I would be a penguin because of their physical adaptations to surviving in unusual climates like the crazy climate here in Chicago.

What music dominates your playlists?
I like to listen to British, American, and Latin American rock – pop, progressive, alternative, electronic and experimental. I also like bossa nova, classical, mambo and danzón.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Whatever food that pairs well with an IPA!

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Buenos Aires, Argentina.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
I want to wake up and be amazed by something every day.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
First, finding inspiration to make more chemistry – and then music! I love listening to and collecting records on vinyl, and now playing it with my videogame Rocksmith!

What is your biggest passion?
My biggest passion is my wife, my daughter and my dog Yimba. I also enjoy music, beer, and cooking.

As Elemento L2’s Engagement Manager, Irene provides leadership to the business development and marketing functions of the company. Irene works across marketing, business and client development initiatives to assist Elemento in the development and execution of its growth strategy and business plans.

Due to her affinity for business and legal details, Irene also works to keep the agency protected and its clients and partners happy, so that the account and creative teams can continue to focus on what they do best.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Irene moved to Chicago to pursue a master’s degree at Northwestern University and has since made the city her home. When she’s not bringing order to creative chaos, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, dancing and spending time with her family and friends.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
A giraffe! Giraffes move with such confidence and grace. They possess higher perception, gentle demeanors and heightened sensory awareness. They are steady and consistent, resourceful and clever, and sure-footed in the maze of life.

What music dominates your playlists?
A little bit of everything – these days some alternative/indie rock and Spanish pop.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Arepitas de cazón.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
Capri.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
A trip to Asia.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy doing hot yoga and spending time with friends and family.

What is your biggest passion?
My passions are helping others, connecting people, and trying to make a difference wherever I go.

Janet joined Elemento L2 in 2013 as an Account Executive, where she currently works with programs for Target and Barcel USA, among others. Prior to joining the company, she worked two years for Paco Ideation, where she began her career. Eager to feed her passion for marketing, Janet began looking for a new challenge that would further her experience with event marketing, and Elemento proved to be just what she was looking for and more.

Janet graduated from DePaul University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a concentration in multicultural marketing. Being the oldest sibling to her brother and sister and the oldest cousin in her family, Janet knows a thing or two about being a great sister and cousin. There are plenty of funny adventures and stories there that she’s willing to share over a good latte.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
Funny you should ask, but my cousin actually gave me a little stuffed giraffe and told me that we made a perfect match because of the long legs. I guess I will stay with that choice.

What music dominates your playlists?
There is a little bit of everything from pop, R&B and hip-hop to banda. If I hear a song and I like, it will definitely end up on my playlist.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
This is a hard one, but I recently discovered a chicken torta at this little place by the office. One word sums it up: delicious! I have since gotten other co-workers to join the torta bandwagon.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
You would probably find me at Isla Culebra in Puerto Rico. White sand beaches, perfect weather and beautiful turquoise water make for a perfect spot.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
One of the top things on my bucket list is being able to take my mom on a trip to Italy. She has always wanted to go, and I hope to surprise her and be able to take her in the next two years.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love being out in the city trying new places to eat, shopping, or simply relaxing at home with my family experimenting with dessert recipes. When my abuelita is visiting, you can usually find me eating in her kitchen.

What is your biggest passion?
My biggest passion consists of many things. I like doing activities that make me better myself and enjoy spending time with the people I love. Traveling also always brings me joy. There are so many more things I could say are my passion, but when it comes down to it, my passion is living a life that makes me smile.

Jesse Iñiguez is a Grassroots Manager at Elemento L2, overseeing multicultural field operations for the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace account. His objective is to work with the state of Illinois and granted organizations to ensure that campaign messaging resonates with consumers from various cultures and that enrollments are maximized in multicultural communities throughout the state. Prior to working at Elemento, Jesse helped create the Community Relations department for the City Colleges of Chicago, where he worked for two years.

In addition to working at Elemento, Jesse is also an entrepreneur and founder of No Manches Clothing Co. He is experienced working in bilingual and bicultural settings and is very active in his community, having served on various boards, most notably the United Southwest Chamber of Commerce and the Peace and Education Committee.

Jesse received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a concentration in Latin American and Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also attended Columbia College Chicago, The University of Guadalajara and Daley College. He is a former candidate for Alderman and has taught and lectured Latino Studies both at the high school and community college level. He has been a speaker at various conferences across the country and has received numerous awards for his community involvement. Jesse has a beautiful daughter, Cedahlia, and lives in the community where he was born and raised.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
A penguin. They are very intelligent, loyal and community-oriented, and have you seen them swim?!

What music dominates your playlists?
I like anything in Spanish (Spanish rock, salsa, cumbia and norteño), but also an eclectic mix of hip-hop, world music and some pop.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
Unos taquitos de arrachera con salsa de molcajete and guacamole, alongside a nice cold Mexican beer.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
A secluded white sand, clear water beach.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
I’m not as ambitious as Diego. I just want to ride the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco going north to the state of Washington. That and to see a World Cup game live… preferably in Brazil!

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with my daughter, cooking, playing soccer and 16-inch softball and riding my motorcycle.

What is your biggest passion?
My biggest passion is to leave my mark on this world and hope that my daughter will grow up to be proud of her daddy. I hope that my time here was not wasted away, that I was productive and that I made my contribution to society. Everything I do is guided by those principles.

Having grown up in the neighborhood that I did, I understood that this world is not perfect and that there are many injustices, but I haven’t let that define me.  I also always have seen the raw beauty and potential in my community and its people, and I continue to focus on that.

It has been my life’s mission to help mi gente reach our potential through education and empowerment and to be a good representative of my community. Our culture is very diverse and beautiful, and I want to do everything within my power to highlight and promote these aspects so that people from all walks of life can appreciate the good things we have to offer. More than anything, however, I want my daughter to be proud of who she is and take it from where I leave off.

Julissa joined Elemento L2 as a Sr. Account Executive in 2013 after nearly five years at Hoy, Chicago Tribune’s Spanish publication and the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the U.S. Her role at Hoy involved providing marketing and event-related support for the newspaper, but her interest in marketing and advertising led her to pursue a more challenging role at Elemento L2, where she is now focusing on brand initiatives and client servicing for accounts such as the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.

Julissa is Mexican and Nicaraguan, born in Chicago but raised in Puerto Vallarta. As a college student, she spent most of her time studying and traveling to over 10 countries. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she returned to Chicago to pursue a career in the multicultural market.

During her spare time, Julissa enjoys catching up with family and friends, partaking in community events, doing yoga and going to the movies.

Questions

Which animal would you rather be and why: giraffe, flamingo or penguin?
If I had to choose between a giraffe, a flamingo and a penguin, I would definitely want to be a giraffe. Have you seen a baby giraffe? They’re adorable! One time I witnessed the birth of a baby giraffe at the San Diego Zoo. It was pretty awesome. I also think giraffes are very confident creatures; they’re super tall and embrace it quite gracefully. But most importantly, I think they would make great friends, because they’re sociable, peaceful and very observant.

What music dominates your playlists?
I don’t have a favorite genre. I enjoy a wide variety of music, both in English and Spanish. I will go from Michael Jackson to Shania Twain to Michael Bublé to Alejandro Fernandez to Britney Spears to Enanitos Verdes to Foster the People to The Beatles to Selena to Bon Jovi to J.T and back to Alanis Morisette. However, I think my least favorite is hard rock.

What could you eat every single day and never get tired of it?
In a perfect world where calories didn’t exist, I would definitely eat juicy cheeseburgers every day.

If you could teleport yourself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – where would you go?
If I could teleport myself anywhere in the world – in the blink of an eye – I would either go to Mexico, because my parents live there, or to Denmark, because that’s where the happiest people in the world apparently reside.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
Riding on a hot air balloon.

When you’re not busy making chemistry for our clients, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
During my spare time, I enjoy catching up with family and friends, partaking in community events, doing yoga and going to the movies.

What is your biggest passion?
My passion in life is to contribute good/positive things to everything I’m part of and everything I do. I like helping people and feeling like I’m making a difference in someone’s life. I think that’s why I would like to eventually become a teacher.