Diva is pictured (center) after she had lunch with the L.I.T. (Leaders in Training) kids.
Written by Megan Fountain
When you first meet Diva, there is an infectious positivity about her that makes you want to smile. She is the kind of person that brings energy and joy wherever she goes. I first met her over six years ago when I attended a dance class called Zumba where she was the instructor. Her story, her heart, and her love for the KCK community inspires so many of us. She is a strong, Latina leader in our community and she encourages me with her love for those she serves!
Diva came to Kansas City from México in the hopes that she could find a better life for her children and better opportunities for her family. She shared with me that after her second child was born, she hit a low in her life and was diagnosed with postpartum depression. She didn't want to take the prescribed drugs but instead found Zumba. Zumba helped Diva with her depression and she was able to lose all the extra weight she gained during pregnancy. However, her transformation didn’t stop there. Diva realized she could help others struggling in difficult situations as well and her heart for teaching began.
The Zumba classes that Diva leads aren’t just a place to exercise. Diva creates a community and a family that encourages each other. She helps sponsor fundraisers for people battling cancer. She motivates the community to be healthier and more confident. The community helps each other not only in their fitness goals but with the different challenges life puts in front of them.
Diva says her favorite part of the class is, “...being able to witness the joy on people’s faces when they nail something they were struggling with! Zumba also allows me to explore my creativity as I play with the right combination of music and dance steps.”
When I think of empowering leaders making a difference in our community, I think of Diva because she is able to create unity in a variety of environments. Recently, she had lunch with our leaders in training (L.I.T.) kids. As she shared her story, I could see that the kids resonated with her words. She understood many of the struggles that the kids have endured and she turned challenges into a way to bless others. When I asked her what she says to herself when life gets tough, she told me, “Push through the struggle, the light at the end of the tunnel is closer than you think!”
Diva is pictured in the front row in the shorts after a Zumbathon to help a student battling cancer.
CURRENT NEEDS:
Adelante Thrift is looking for a summer social media intern! This intern will work directly with the Volunteer Coordinator and will create content showcasing their volunteers and volunteer activities. Applicants must live in Kansas City, KS and be a high school student in good standing. The application deadline is April 30th. Apply here: https://forms.gle/EMGEMNeCS49SHfna9
Arts Community is always looking for art supplies for students to use on Monday evenings. They are in need of supplies like paper, glue, paint, yarn, etc. Please contact Phul Maya to drop off donations: phulr@missionadelante.org