DFW Young & Social is filled with unique and wonderful individuals, and it wouldn't be the same without you! Our Member Spotlight gives us the chance to say thank you for being a part of the community, and to highlight our wonderful members.

Meet Maria our second outstanding member of the month for May 2024.

Long day, long week…what’s your go-to comfort food? 

For sweet comfort: ice cream or chocolate pudding. 

For savory: lentil soup or tostones/patacones. Most Colombian/Venezuelan foods, really. 

When words fail, music speaks…or so they say. Any songs been tickling your eardrums lately? 

YES, my eardrums are ALWAYS being tickled by a rotation of different songs. Right now these are my main ones:
Solo para Ti - La Otra, Maria Ruiz & Eva Sierra

• Try - Colbie Caillat

• Too Sweet - Hozier

• Waking up Slow (Piano Version) - Gabrielle Aplin

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that might surprise people? 

I carry many surprises inside, but I think the most shocking is when I reveal that I love boxing. Don’t worry, though; I only hit the sandbag and the training mitts. 

Next place on your travel bucket list? Why? 

Houston, Orlando, or Sarasota. I want to visit my cousins and friends there.

What’s your perfect day off of work? 

Going to a park with my dog Brownie if the weather allows, meeting up with loved ones for coffee/food/activities, then going home early to get into comfy clothes and practice a cozy hobby like music or crafting.  

What’s the first concert you ever attended? 

My dad was a pianist, so I probably started attending concerts when I was in my mom’s belly. But does it count if I can’t remember it? 

The first concert I DO remember was Teresita Gomez, an afro-colombian pianist and professor with a remarkable life trajectory: when she was a child, she would eavesdrop on music classes, teaching herself to play, while her janitor father cleaned the Palace of Fine Arts of Medellin. She conquered racism and classism to play on international stages as a renowned concert pianist reaching people from all walks of life.

Favorite DFW Young & Social event so far? 

As a host, I thoroughly loved the opportunity to teach Spanish as an event, so that’s in my top favorites. But as an attendee, probably the Disco Move & Mingle (November ‘23), because it was my first experience here with things I love about having a community: it had the right mix of great music, dancing, fun games, snacks, and we even got to celebrate our friend’s birthday! That was the night I knew I was committing to DFW YAS.

Do you have any passion projects or side gigs? 

All the arts and crafts things that I make for sale under the brand Belart. I also offer Spanish translations and lessons.