Natalie Gonzales is a Kansas City Transformation Journey Group participant and a marketing professional. She shares her personal story and her experience with the Latina Journey Group.
How did you hear about the Kansas City Transformation Journey Groups?
I was referred to the group by Anna Munguia! She’s someone I look to a lot as an inspiration and as someone who associates with good and worthy humans, so I knew I had to look into United WE when she brought it to me.
Why did you decide to apply?
I decided to apply for a couple of reasons. First, I have always been drawn to civic leadership, so when the opportunity came to dedicate time to exploring the needs and opportunities in our community, I eagerly embraced it.
Second, seeing that there was a Latina-focused group intrigued me. Being white-presenting and half mexican has led to difficulty deciphering my identity in the Latina culture; not knowing if I’m “Hispanic enough” to have a point-of-view, all while feeling very attached to my culture and traditions has encouraged me to dive head first into embracing every part of me.
What sparked your interest in civic leadership?
My parents! My mom has always worked in the public sector and my dad in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. Seeing the two people I look up to most, and the way they worked FOR others, has always been one of the biggest inspirations of my life and something I strive to emulate every single day.
What has your experience with the program been like so far?
It has been incredible to hear these strong women leaders talk and be a part of open and vulnerable discussions; I’ve learned so much already.
What do you hope to take away from the program?
I hope to take away a new level of expertise and a network of strong, empowered women.
What would you tell others who are considering joining a Transformation Journey Group in the future?
Absolutely join! You will learn so much!
Can you share a little bit about your personal life?
Yes! I am very close to my family, I have a brother, sister and parents in town, a wonderful partner and two kitties, Luna and Atticus, and a doggo, Breckenridge. My people, and my pets, truly are my whole world.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Other than my humans (and my pets) there is not much I love more than Chiefs football, live music, traveling, working out and being out in the Kansas City community.
My cup is absolutely filled to the brim when I’m spending time at an event for the organizations I’m involved in. I’m on the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion board at Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, a board member at Mattie Rhodes, and a volunteer at Growing Futures in Overland Park, KS. These organizations do SO much good! Truthfully, I love any event where I’m getting to chat with people, especially kiddos.
And I’m not super big on “down time,” but if I have any at all, I love to spend it reading and writing.