Chicas Latinas de Sacramento has existed in the Sacramento community for nine years, thanks to the hard work and dedication of many amazing individuals. To celebrate Sacramento’s leaders, and our behind-the-scenes (s)heroes, we’re thrilled to highlight and introduce to the community our shining star for the month of Julio/July!

Chicas Latinas’ Estrella del Mes: Julio/Star of the Month: July!

Kenya Corona – Director of Member Relations at the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and prior member of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento. 

How long have you been a part of Chicas? 

I joined Chicas in 2014 [when I was a full-time business marketing major at California State University, Sacramento].

Why did you join Chicas?

When I first moved to Sacramento I was longing to meet a community of likeminded Latinas who shared a passion for serving, which is exactly what I found in the group. I love how open the group is to new ideas that can impact our community. I truly believe I have amigas por vida [friends for life] from the friendships I’ve developed with the chicas. I would love to see Chicas Latinas expand to other cities.

Chicas celebrating Chicas Latinas’ 5-year Anniversary at Zocalo restaurant in Sacramento, CA.

What do you love about Sacramento?

Coming from Los Angeles, I was shocked at how multiethnic Sacramento is — I truly love that! As the years have gone by, I continue to see a diverse community and I hope for this same type of representation in Sacramento’s leadership. And, of course, I love the trees!

Chicas supporting the California Latino Capitol Association mixer, which provides support, a positive community for Capitol staff, and advocates for more than four decades! (Kenya Corona and Angela Rosas).

What is the most fun/memorable experience since volunteering with Chicas?

Hands down the annual shoe-drive! I love all aspects of this event: from fundraising to the shopping, to the day of the event. Last year, two weeks from the distribution day, we had not reached our fundraising goal and came to the devastating conclusion that we would not be able to give every child at the school a new pair of shoes. However, we all came together as a group determined to do whatever we had to do. We reached out to every person we knew and were on the mission to find the best deals on shoes! Well, to everyone’s surprise, not only did we reach our goal, but we surpassed it! It’s amazing to see how these well deserving kids’ face light up from something so basic as a pair of shoes.

Assisting a child trying on a new pair of shoes at a previous annual shoe drive.

Kenya demonstrating her public speaking skills during an interview with a local news station.

What are your interests and hobbies? 

I absolutely love traveling, movies, and working out. I recently purchased a sewing machine, because as a petite woman, I constantly have issues finding clothes that fit perfectly, so I decided to try to make my own — wish me luck!

Chicas Latinas’ first Zumba shoe drive: promoting health and fitness while raising funds for a prior shoe drive.

What motto do you live by?

One of my favorite mottos to live by is “Experiences over Things.” Many of us get so caught up living for temporary things instead of investing our time and resources into experiences that create lasting memories and stories to share.

Right now, my favorite person to follow is Will Smith. He is the familiar face that many of us remember so vividly from our childhood watching the Fresh Prince of BelAir; he has super creative content, is inspirational, and I can’t get enough of his goofy, charismatic charm. If you aren’t following him, go do it now!

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Ah, this is a tough question because every place I’ve traveled to has a special place in my heart. When I travel I love to immerse myself in the culture, dine with the locals, learn the history, and of course, enjoy the scenery. Every place I’ve been is memorable. I’m currently looking forward to my trip to Colombia this week!

What’s your most favorite family tradition?

Would you consider getting a phone call from your mami every day a family tradition? Haha! Yea, let’s call it a family tradition. No matter how old I get, or how far, or close I live, I can always count on her phone call; it used to bug me when I was younger, but now, I look forward to hearing her voice.