We had the good fortune of connecting with Xochitezca Alejandra Tapia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xochitezca Alejandra, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Mexico. Although my birthplace is Mexico City, I was raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco. My home background is loving parents with a solid discipline and love for the people. My mother was the greatest role model in terms of caring for the community, so I learned early in life to care for the others

. I went to college to earn a college degree in teaching and later completed a couple of postgraduate programs. My roots and culture are a living force that drives me to assist my blood community and the community at large in all possible ways. I strongly believe that a strong Hispanic community is built on the love for and understanding of its own ancestry and culture, thus the importance of educating my community in these values, among others. I have a clear understanding of the vision to empower the ones around me, and I enjoy working and being around people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I am an educator. I love to teach since I was little girl. I used to seat my dolls in a row and play teacher when I was as young as 8 years-old! I have been in the education field all of my life. To me, it has not been that difficult to be where I am now because I have a passion for what I do, so I have been able to overcome the challenges I have faced. I have been on the road of education for so many years, however, the most valuable lesson is that “every day brings a new lesson”. Also, I have learned that we all need to make an effort to embrace the good in every person. I would like the world to know that whatever you choose to do for your life in an honest way, do it with passion and love. I also want everybody to know that I am proud of my roots and my ancestry which have shaped me in my present life in the hope to pass this legacy to others.  On the other side of my heart, I am a danzante de corazón (Aztec dancer for life). My indigenous name is Xochitezca, the Flowered Mirror. I love my culture that reveals itself through the ollin (movement) of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely drive my friend around to have my grasp a good sight of the area. In Conroe, we would visit the East and West sides of the city. We would talk history, we would go the Conroe Museum. I would drive my friend into the rural areas around to show my friend the longhorn cattle, the farms and the beauty of the land. We would stop at Lake Conroe, maybe have a burger by the lake shore or just wait for the sunset to watch. I would drive my friend to the Woodlands area to see the beautiful homes. We would visit at least one of the many natural spots in the Houston area. Visiting Downtown Houston would be a must, stop for a nice coffee and find a nice place to have dinner to see the city lights in the night. Maybe a visit to Galveston, why not! Show my friend the spirit of Texas as much possible, too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would mention Dr. Tamberly Conway. Tamberly has been instrumental in my community-based project. Tamberly is not only the sweetest person, she is passionate of what she does and is always willing to give a hand to people and the land!

Facebook: Xochitezca Yaocihuatl
Youtube: Chikawaconroe
Other: Danza Chikawa Dance (Facebook page)

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