INTERVIEW BY NATALIE TRAN.
Photograph provided by Michelle Bonilla.
MICHELLE BONILLA, NOMINEE OF MAYOR TRACY GANT OF EDMONSTON, MARYLAND
Her Place of Special Meaning: The park that’s down the street. It’s definitely a nice place to just think to yourself. It’s actually why I started out volunteering, so it does have a special place in my heart. I was helping out with a summer camp and I was nervous because I was only 16. I was like “what if the kids don’t like me?” But, everything was fine and I just love that park because of it.
“I love getting involved with the children in the community. That’s what made me want to be a teacher.”
Advice to Other Latina Women: Being a Latina woman, you’re not taken very seriously. You’re definitely going to have to fight for your voice to be heard. It’s troubling being a Latina woman, but it’s worth it in the end when you get the end result.