Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight | Adela Townley

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

I absolutely love my story and have always embraced my roots and my culture.?I appreciate this month for giving me and other Latinos the opportunity to highlight our diverse backgrounds and share our narrative & accomplishments with a broader audience.?

As the daughter of Mexican Immigrants, I was born in the US and am First Generation American.?I appreciate how this gave me an undiluted link to my heritage while incorporating an entirely new lifestyle & language into my world.?My parents emigrated to the United States as a young married couple and started their life here as Farm Workers in the fields of Central California. They spent their days picking grapes, garlic and cantaloupes and their evenings spending family time over homemade meals and Telenovelas.?After a few years, my parents moved on to Construction and Retail jobs and relocated us to Southern California.

Why is it important and what do you want to share with others?

As the oldest child, I naturally became the Family translator, administrator & bookkeeper. Given that I was the first one home after school and my parents worked long hours, I also took on learning to cook and clean for my siblings and me.?Looking back and unbeknownst to me then, this would help form my work ethic & discipline.?I am incredibly grateful.

What are your favorite traditions or unique things about your culture?

I have such a deep love for Mexico and our unique Traditions. How can I not be proud of the place that brought Tacos, Tequila and Mariachi to the World???My life has always been surrounded by rodeos, religious celebrations and of course Music!?Ever since I can remember, there was music and dancing in my life …?Banda, Cumbias, Corridos.??My father always says that I could dance before I could walk.

What do you want to leave behind – your legacy?

When posed the question of what I’d like my Legacy to be … Be a Dreamer, but also be a Doer.?No matter how humble your beginnings, regardless of the disadvantages you start with in life, the combination of ambition, enthusiasm, HARD work and optimism will get you everywhere!