Meet Cipactli from Mexico

She was born and raised in Mexico and immigrated to San Diego, California when she was 20 years old. Mexico is bursting at the seams with history, from its Aztec and Mayan heritages to its Spanish settlers, which helped give its cultural shape. It is home to ancient Mayan and Aztec temples and pyramids, has the second largest coral reef in the world, delicious tequila, lively mariachi music, volcano rabbits, colorful piñatas and the Day of the Dead. Mexicans are renowned for their respect for elders, loyalty, hospitality and generosity. Their dedication and tenacity, embody a work ethic that manifests in every aspect of their lives. Before moving to the United States Cipactli studied international business. When she moved to the states, her international education was not recognized so she had to start her education all over again. She now works for the University of California Research Team. She said that when she was young she had a taste for adventure. She and a good friend took a trip not knowing where it would land them. She said moving to a new country, away from her support system of friends and family, was incredibly hard. She had to learn a whole new life. Today in her home, she works hard to incorporate her heritage. When asked what she wanted to tell the world, she said, “Never forget where you have come from. Work hard to honor your heritage and keep it alive. That is the legacy you will pass on to our future generations.” Thank you for visiting!

Fun dinner party fact about the origin of Cipactli’s name: “Cipactli is one of the major characters in Aztec mythology. In Aztec cosmology, the crocodile represents the earth floating in the primeval waters. This animal was named after a survivor of the flood, Tecocipactli or the Divine Crocodile who lived in a canoe and later repopulated the earth. The Cipactli is also quite heavily featured in Mayan mythology and it is also considered to have heavily influenced the much later civilizations of the region.”

If you are interested in learning more about Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday that is so near and dear to Cipactli’s heart, here’s a link Day of the Dead • Día de Muertos | MexCulture (https://www.manoamano.nyc/about-the-day-of-the-dead)