I realized that I can go into a male-dominated field and know my finances and know my numbers and I don't need someone to tell me what to how to do my finances. And that was kind of my motivation going into because I saw Miss Magnuson as a really strong woman who is in charge of the finances for a public school and I thought that was amazing. [music] >> [music] >> All right. Hello everyone. I'm Dr. Cooper, assistant superintendent of St. Louis Park Schools, and I am here with former human rights committee appointed youth member, a person that currently attends San Diego State University, majoring in accounting, former St. Louis Park alumni, currently St. Park alumni and a lover of Starbucks, Alicia Margali. [laughter] Welcome. [gasps] >> Thank you for joining us on the uh Park Pride podcast here and uh we're going to take some time to get to know you and once again people can see all the great things and your experiences that you've had in St. Louis Park schools. So the first thing is let's start from the very beginning. So tell us about where you grew up and about your family. >> Yeah, so I've lived in St. Louis Park my whole entire life. I've lived in the same home. I've had the same neighbors. Um, and St. Louis Park has really just made me who I am. Um, and my family is all my mom is from northern Minnesota. She's from Duth. Um, but she started her life with us in St. Louis Park. And my dad's from Mexico City. Um, and he came to Minnesota in his early 20s. Um, and yeah, they started a family in St. Louis Park and I have my little brother, Andrew, who's currently a senior um, at St. Louis Park High School. Um, so yeah, we we've gone through St. Louis Park. We have a a little Mexican restaurant as well in the community that's just maybe like a two-minute walk away from the high school. It's right there. Um, so yeah, we're very much my family is very much involved in St. Louis Park and I love St. Louis Park and I I really feel like it's shaped me to to who I am today. But yeah, it's a little bit about me. >> Well, well, so you've been at St. Louis Park schools your whole life, right? >> Yes. >> So, what was the elementary school you went to? >> Yeah, I attended Park Spanish immersion. Um, and yes, I attended there from kindergarten to fifth grade. Um, and most of the teachers that I've had are still there and they often come into my dad's restaurant or a family restaurant and I get to catch up with them through there. So, that's really nice to see. And then I also went to St. was Park Middle School. Um where my um Miss Lashley actually now works at the high school. I heard over Yes. Um she came >> assistant principal. >> She's the assistant principal. Yes. She was my I believe eighth grade English teacher. So yeah. And she had came into the restaurant over the summer and I got to learn a little bit about that as well. So um I had a great experience there. And then I went over to the high school which was a block away from my house. So it was a great walk in the mornings. Oftent times I did get picked up though. My dad wasn't happy about that. He was like, "You could just walk to school." [laughter] Um, but yeah, so I went to the high school and I really got, I think, the most involved during my years there. Um, yeah, it's so I've been in St. Louis Park with my education my whole life. Yeah. >> Okay. So, let's go back here a little bit. So, tell me what was some things that you remember about your experience going to school in St. Louis Park? like who what was some moments and some uh educators that really made an impact on you? >> Yeah, I would say that um if we look back at my elementary school education, I would say that something that really stood out to me was um the B lifeorico, I know that might not be a program anymore at parks immersion. >> What tell what is that program? Yeah. So the B life for Kico was an opportunity for students um to not only connect with Amdes but they were able to kind of connect culturally with Amdes because they would bring their home dances to us and the co or not the costumes but um the attire that they would wear in these dances and we would learn them and we learned these at a young age which not only led us to you know like learn how to dance but also know really how to connect with another culture. Um and I loved it. I did the dancing second to fifth grade and I look at my old I just showed my roommates my old videos of me dancing because it's on YouTube so you can watch it whenever. [laughter] >> Okay, YouTube watch it. >> Yes, YouTube. Maybe you don't watch it. I don't [laughter] not sure if everyone wants to see that but um yeah so that was something that really stood out to me. I think that just I I feel like that experience was just amazing. I also loved that we were able to have those amdes come in from different countries. So, we really got to like get a whole world's perspective. Um, and I think that I benefited greatly from that. Also, my dad is from Mexico, so having people that were similar to him growing up too at a young age made me feel a little bit more like at home. And I think >> while being at school, and I think that that was something that I really appreciated, too. Um, I think that every single one of my kindergarten or not kindergarten, elementary school teachers really like showed me um how to not only like connect with others, but like made me feel at home and like family almost. I have I'm not sure if um Senor Franco is still there, but he was one of my favorite teachers. Sorry, my ringer's going off. [laughter] But he was one of my favorite teachers at um PSI and I think that he was just a great instructor. I learned so much from him. Yeah. So that was >> what made what made Senior Franco so special? Like what what what skills that you could say and make sure you put his name out in his face? >> Yes. >> Um what what made him so special? >> Yeah. I think that his just ability to like connect with students so well was what really stood out to me. And I think that he um kind of was like that a father figure in a sense. It's not father figure, but like he presented himself like kind of like wanting to take care of every student. And I think that that's what really stood out to him. Like he genuinely cared. Not saying I think every teacher cared, but I felt like he was very um just very caring. And I think that he was just really involved in the students and making sure that um you know I was understanding what I was doing in certain subjects especially like math um which for some reason I struggled back then but now I'm going to be accountant so we've made improvement but yeah so I think just how um attentive he was to detail in that sense. Yeah. >> Okay. So so that was your elementary time. Enjoyed it. A part of the It was a dance group. >> It was a dance group. Yes. Borico. Yeah. >> Okay. >> My Senora Maria, I I'm not sure if she's I don't believe she's at PSI anymore, but she was the one that kind of led that. Um, so yeah, just I've great community at PSI. I talked to most of the teachers that are still there. They come into the restaurant and I get to keep up with them. Miss Hoffman, Miss Neura Hoffman. Um, just like every single teacher there, I'm able to, you know, still have that relationship with them. And she was my third grade teacher. Amazing teacher, too. I could name every single one. [laughter] They're all so sweet. >> Well, that's the power of an educator. I know for me, this is uh I'm new to St. Louis Park uh public schools and I do I do feel the community, not only just in schools, but around the city. Um >> and and feeling all that, it feels great like to be a part of a small city. You see different people uh from here to there and it feels like family. >> Yeah, it does. It really does. I feel like I could go up to any of them and just start talking to them about how their kids are doing. They ask how college is doing. It really just feels like a community and family. And I have to say, Senora Ruff, too. I have to put in all my teachers. I They're so sweet. I want them to hear it. They are the best. [laughter] But yeah, it truly is a community, which I love. And then, you know, their their um or sons and daughters are on like the high school soccer team. And I'm like, "Oh my gosh, that was my kinder or my fifth grade teacher's son, you know, like everyone's connected in that sense, too, which is really nice." >> So, now let's go to high school, middle school, high school. >> Yeah. >> Tell me some memorable experiences during that time. >> Yeah, I would say, sorry, I'm just fixing my audio here. Um, I would say that one of the most memorable I think I enjoyed middle school, great teachers as well, but I think I started getting a lot more involved in high school, which I think I have a little bit more to talk about in that sense. Um, my freshman year of high school, I saw a little thing on schooly that said to sign up for um, you know, like a finance advisory committee and I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do in my life, but I knew that business was something that I was really um, thinking of. not only because my family had just opened a restaurant, so I was kind of in that area surrounded by business all the time, but also I could see myself doing that in the future. So I joined this um committee and through there I met Miss or Patricia Magneson um and she kind of was my mentor through the through my whole college years I would say. Um, and I kind of started learning a little bit more about, you know, especially public schools. I think I learned a lot about how a lot of people don't understand the moving works around a public school and especially the finance of it. So, I learned a whole different perspective from that that I think was really beneficial. Um, >> well, let's also with that too, a couple of things. Yeah. Is you said you was about to say Mrs. Magnuson. You was about to say Miss Magnus. >> I was about to say Miss Magnus. [laughter] To this day, if I see one of my teachers, I call them Mr. or Mrs. >> I do, too. I'm like I I know that I'm not in high school anymore, but it feels weird. [laughter] >> But you're living You're leaving a little part out from the story about you just going on Schooly, finding this committee. >> Yes. >> This was during the time of the pandemic, right? >> This was during the time of the pandemic. Yes. So, everything was online. Um. >> Right. >> Yes. And so you took the time to find this group and you had a full schedule from what I know of. >> Yes. I always there's always so much going on. Yes. [laughter] >> Yeah. One thing your dad told me is that you're very very busy. >> You >> Yes. [laughter] >> You do a lot. So you took a time out, join the finance committee, >> advisory committee uh during the pandemic and you would be meeting online and like >> Right. Yes. which was that was a really interesting experience. I definitely, you know, I think that learning it online was interesting as well. I think that the fact that I was able to kind of, you know, put myself out there and be like, you know what, even though I have a million things going on, this is something that I'm really interested in. And not only is it something I'm interested in, but it also makes me a little bit more connected to the community because not only am I working with people that truly like are in um not in St. Louis Park, but care so much for St. Louis Park where we're trying to build it up at the best that we can make it, but um also just being that student voice too is what I wanted to be in that committee. But yeah. >> So, so when you got into the committee, >> your first thought was marketing. >> Yes, it was. Uhhuh. But then you had a conversation. >> I did. >> Talk about that. >> Okay. So, yes, I went in going in as a marketing. I always cuz I did the Instagram for my dad's restaurant. So, I was like, you know what? I have that creative sense. Let me do that. But, um, I actually my junior year was offered an intern position, which was amazing for finance. So, it was a different than marketing. Um, and I went in there kind of blind. I wasn't 100% sure if that was something I wanted to do, but like I had discussed previously. Um, you they kind of really delved into the finances of a public school. And I learned that it wasn't as much as just numbers and putting in Google spreadsheets as accounting is and finance can be, but it's also problem solving, which I really enjoyed. I think that being able to like see the finances that we get as a public school and how we get it and how we can fix, you know, find solutions to fix a problem with the money that we do have. And it's just a lot of problem solving which I learned that I really enjoyed. Um, and I had a conversation right before I was leaving here um, San Diego State University. I went in as a marketing major here actually. But um right before I had came to San Diego State University, I had a conversation with Miss Magnus and I just flat out asked her. I was like, should I do marketing or should I do accounting for my end goal? And she had said that accounting is something that everyone needs. And as I go through college and even just life, I realized that too that like you know what that you're right, everyone needs an accountant. Everyone needs someone to like check their finances. And in the end goal, like >> I realized that I can go into a male-dominated field >> and know my finances and know my numbers and I don't need someone to tell me what to how to do my finances. And that was kind of my motivation going into because I saw Miss Magnus as a really strong woman who is in charge of the finances for a public school. And I thought that was amazing because I could see myself as a leader in that sense too. and she was my role model in that sense. So yeah, >> you you just said something once again how representation matters, >> you know, to see another woman like you said just that empowerment said, "Hey, I can do this too." >> Uhhuh. >> And how that is >> that's that's absolutely amazing. Uh she's gonna love that when she hears this. >> She's amazing. I hope she does. >> Now, so let's go back a little bit uh back to your dad's restaurant. Okay. Mexico City Cafe. >> Mexico City Cafe. Amazing Mexican food. >> It is. Plug it in. [laughter] >> I I I had the cheese quesadillas. Phenomenal. I've been there a couple of times. >> Good. [laughter] >> So, how it seems like that was a huge impact on where you're at and on your life. Just tell a little bit more about that and and like do you remember your dad starting the business? >> Yes. Oh my goodness. My dad, just like to begin with, my dad is truly like every who I look up to because the fact that he was able to do what he did is amazing. He um at the start of it, we my family didn't really have much experience in the business world. So, we kind of went in like a little blind. My dad was a server, so he's been working like and he has his culinary experience, but like the business and finance of it was kind of, you know, like going in blind. So, it's really stressful at the start of it. I think that especially being like 13 and working my first shift, I was like, "What am I doing?" Yes, I cuz we had opened the restaurant. Um >> I believe I was still in middle school, but I was 13. It was the summer before I turned 14. And you know, I just started working at 13. And honestly, I'm so grateful. I think at the moment I was really upset because I was like, I none of my friends are working and I have to go work while they're at the football game or whatever, you know? Um, so I think I was kind of upset about that, but I think now I can I'm in the place to be like, I'm so grateful because I don't think I would be able to not only interact as well as others or, you know, hold a conversation or feel confident to just talk to someone. I think I'm really grateful for that, but also I think I'm now able to work in really like high stress situations, which also accounting kind of leads me to that. So, um, yeah, I think that it's taught me a lot, but not only that, it was such a community. like oh my goodness during COVID we had opened right before CO had or we started our business kind of around CO um and the response from the community was amazing. We just were busy all the time even when CO when we had to like run out food to like um people in cars like everyone was just so amazing and so sweet um to want to support us during like a tough time. So I think not only the restaurant opening up really made me connect with St. most park even more because now I have my teachers coming in to get a cup of coffee or try the enchiladas. Um, and then I can connect with them in that sense. And my dad loves to do stuff for the high school, too. We always do like fundraisers the high school or like we had one year um we did breakfast for the teachers in the morning and we just catered them. So, >> yeah. So, we we love to connect with the community and I think that not only that, the dad did that teach me how to be like a little bit more independent and work hard. My dad's always like work work. So, I think I really got firsthand experience of working hard. Um, I just have I have a shift after this interview, too. I've I'm always working. Um, but I think it's taught me how important it is truly to work for what you your goals and I my dad was able to achieve that and I hope I can achieve that as well in accounting. Um, and you know, ultimately give back to my father and give back to my community obviously because St. Louis Park has done so much for me. But, um, yeah. So, that's a little bit about my or my family restaurant. >> I mean, once again, fantastic food. What is something you recommend I try when I go back? >> Oh my goodness. Okay, I'll have to Oh my gosh, there's so much. I over the summer I introduced my dad to California burrito because down here they have this California burrito and it's amazing. It has French fries and reffried beans. So, my dad just put that on the menu. >> I I saw that on the menu. >> Really? Okay. Yes. It is so good. We just He does. I know. I don't know if it's cuz he misses me and he just wants like a reminder of me on the on [laughter] the menu. [gasps] >> That's how I like to think of it. But >> so next time I go, next time I go, I'm going to try the California burrito. >> Yes. Try the California burrito. It is amazing. I think that I always go for the enchiladas. I think that's what we're known for. The enchiladas are amazing. I get with like the salsa mole, which is what I grow. That was what my dad would make me all the time when I was younger. and now it's on the menu and I have it every single time I come home. I am so sad because I'm not home until Thanksgiving, so I can't have my dad's home-cooked meals. But, [laughter] um, >> growing up, your dad was the cook and you would eat >> uh pretty much what's on the menu, that was what you just had. So, when you go back to Mexico City Cafe, it's like home. >> It's like home. It's truly like home. I Every single thing that's on that menu is what my dad had made growing up. So every single time I eat it, I just like have this almost nostalgia. And one of the things that's funny, too, is my dad used to make chile reenos when I was younger. It's like the pepper with the stuffed um pablano pepper with cheese. And I used to hate it. I did not like it at all. Like I would not even touch it. But now it's on the menu and I eat it all the time. It's one of my favorite things. So it's >> You're making me so hungry. You're making me hungry right now. [laughter] >> It's so good. But everything's great there. It's really like it's it's truly like family tradition. and home-cooked meals like myella would make the coffee like everything. It's it's amazing. >> You're talking about the pride that you have with St. Louis Park >> and you created something along with some help called Hometown in the City. >> Yes. >> Talk about Hometown in the City, that whole interview series about St. Louis Park. >> Yes. Oh my goodness, that was such a fun project. Um, so like I had said, I went in junior year as a finance intern. So, um, we didn't really go in knowing we were going to start a marketing campaign, but, um, we went over those numbers, realized that we weren't holding as much retention as we would want in the community. So, we decided to set out a campaign um, to really make St. Louis Park or not make St. Louis Park, but truly retain those students to stay within St. Louis Park and not think about going to different school districts. Um, and that's how we came up with Hometown in the City. Um, I did it with Mshak as well, one of my co- interns. Um, and we, that was such an amazing project. We started out like, um, you know, just interviewing people in the community, which was, I think, amazing from like all different um, elementary schools, middle school, high school, and we kind of got to hear their stories on why they are choosing St. Louis Park as their public school. And it was the same things brought up every single time is the community. everyone knows each other. Um, you can say hi at the grocery store and there your kid might be in the same grade or the same class. Um, so it was really nice being able to commun in that way as well. And it was a project I was passionate about. You know, I it upset me that people didn't want to stay in St. Louis Park public schools because I grew up in St. Park public schools and I feel like I'm doing you know a amazing and not only that I have people at home that I can go see and connect with and I have a great network as well to you know if I ever need something I know I can count on people that I've met in St. Louis Park so or through St. Louis Park public school. So that was truly just something that I was passionate as well about of making sure that we can keep as many residents wanting their children to go to St. Louis Park public schools. Um so through there yeah we we interviewed students we interviewed um parents and then we ended up creating that campaign and it was just amazing. I it was such a just like such a fun experience and it was something I was passionate about too. So yeah >> community it's the theme that that is going throughout this whole uh podcast you're talking about right now. And I had a chance to watch the hometown uh in the city interview. >> Yes. It it is phenomenal. So, you can go on YouTube once again. Another another shout out YouTube hometown [laughter] in the city interview series. >> Let's go back once again here. Here goes a little fun fact. >> I know something that you enjoy water [clears throat] parks. >> I do. Didn't my dad tell you that [laughter] I do enjoy >> you? You would go and find out all these different water parks and compare them. >> I did. Yes. I loved water parks. I love I love anything thrill. Amusement parks, like anything that will make my stomach drop. [laughter] [gasps] >> Your dad also talked about you being fearless and brave. >> A He's so sweet. >> So [laughter] being fearless and brave that there was a time on a soccer you played soccer. >> I did play soccer. Oh my gosh. I love soccer >> that you will stick up for your teammates. >> You'll be the first one >> that he said you get spicy >> royals [laughter] that so I I thought that that fits right in who you are. You are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, being fearless, brave. >> Um >> talk about how you was a former member of the human rights committee and you got appointed. >> Yes. But um that yes so initially um before that I was also part of soore at St. Louis Park which is um student >> students organized for anti-racism. Um and at that time I have to shout out Dr. Stevens as well cuz she is just so amazing and I'm she's still I still catch up with her. Um but I went through that experience my junior year and it was just so amazing because I had always been committed to um you know just human rights and diversity inclusion. my dad's Mexican, you know, I'm Mexican. I want to make sure that everyone has the same opportunities in life and it really um upsets me when that's not the case. Um so I went through Soore and that was amazing um organization just to connect with my peers about current situations going on. Um and then after that I learned about this opportunity through Dr. Stevens to be appointed to um the human rights council in St. Louis or commission in St. Park and I went ahead and applied for it. Um, and I ended up getting appointed for the position and that was just a great experience as well. I was able to not only be connected within St. Louis Park public schools, but now I was connected with people in St. Louis Park who really were pushing to make sure that everyone felt included. Um, and I felt like I was a I could not only be a voice for students in St. Louis Park, but I also could be the voice for, you know, Hispanics and Latino women. um just women in general. Uh so through that experience we really connected. We had um book banning event um where we yeah we had one of a lot of I know city members come in and we um >> they read books that were banned to children and that was one of my favorite events. Um and then not only that we had you know our daily meeting or monthly meetings where we discussed what had been going on in the city and how we can um improve and make others feel included. Um, we often talked to, you know, like the police officers too in St. Louis Park. Um, so it was just a lot of conversations that we had with each other to make sure that St. Louis Park was as inclusive. Um, and yeah, it's just something again that I was really passionate about. >> I hope you realize how much you have accomplished and what you've done at St. Louis Park by being a part of the [laughter] finance advisory committee through that by creating the hometown city interviews. um the human rights committee appointed member Soore that is a lot of [laughter] things that you have done a especially helping your dad with the business that is that is has a home here in St. Park. I mean, everybody talks about it. >> Oh my goodness. That makes me so happy. He's We've Yeah, he's worked so hard for that. That makes me really happy. >> As an alum >> right now, uh, talk about where you're at right now and how is it going? >> Um, it's going amazing. I hear I'm not a day I'm not busy. I continue that that streak over here. Um, >> over here, San Diego. >> San Diego State University. And I'm majoring in accounting. I'm currently a sophomore. Um, but you know, yeah, I've it's been a whirlwind of just meeting so many different people. I think that's one of my favorite things about being so far away is not only do I have I know I have people for sure at home, but now I get to create a whole new community here as well, which has been so fun. Um, I'm part of Alpha Ve here, which is a sority on campus, and I'm also part of Delta Sigma Pi, which is a business fraternity on campus. So, I keep busy with those extracurriculars. And then I I haven't told um Miss Magnus about this yet, but I also just um joined the finance advisory committee here for San Diego State University, so I get to see all where we're spending money here um which has been a really cool experience. and I just toured the Viejas arena which is also really cool. I got to see all the basketball players locker rooms and stuff like that. [laughter] So >> guess what you you just told her. Okay. >> Yeah, I know. Well, now now she knows. [laughter] No, I was we had been cuz during the um finance advis or advisory committee at um the high school, we had toured um some of the high school before it gotten like remodeled. And that was the coolest thing ever. I thought that was so fun. And now here I'm touring like the arena and stuff and it was like parallel. It was like it's so cool. Um [laughter] but yeah, so I just joined that. Um I'm part of like the honors Weber's college here as well as the Fowler Business School. Um trying to think of anything. Oh goodness. I even talking about this is stressing me out. I have to do something. >> Don't stress out. [laughter] I don't know how. It's amazing all the things that you do. It is absolutely amazing. [laughter] So looking back at yourself going through St. Louis Park schools, what is one thing you would tell your younger self? What word of advice? >> I would say a word of advice. I think I'm still like deal or not dealing but figuring this out as I get older as well is I think that I want to tell my younger self to be confident. I think that confidence truly is key in life and I think that I'm definitely building up to be the most confident that I can be. Um, and I would tell her to continue with confidence. Um, and I think I would also just tell her that, you know, everything happens for a reason. I think that I'm extremely grateful for the education that I re received at St. Louis Park public schools and the people that I met through St. Louis Park public schools because I'm still connected with all of them in the community that has given so much to me and my family. Um, and yeah, I just tell her that everything happens for a reason and now I'm here pursuing something that I really want to do in my future and in a great climate. I can love the warm weather. [laughter] So >> wonderful. As I said before, I'm jealous. You're in the wonderful San Diego sun and the weather. >> Yes. Oh my goodness. Yeah. [laughter] >> So, one of the things that we do here in St. Louis Park is we have our portrait of a learner and we want all of our uh students when they leave St. Louis Park that they ascend into being into fulfilling their greatness. So when you think about that, what is one way you can see our current students that you look back and say what is one thing that St. Louis Park could do to make sure our current students ascend into their greatness? >> Into their greatness. Ah, I would say I think what St. Louis Park is doing right now is amazing. The public schools, I think that they're continuing on with their community and I would say the only thing that really they can do is just make sure that community never fades. I think that's really what holds St. Park public schools together because in my experience everyone knows each other and that has made me realize how much I miss going home as well. So yeah, I would say yeah just continue with the community, continue making sure that everyone feels included in St. Louis Park. >> Well, you have done such a phenomenal job. I want to thank you for this time to have a chance to interview you and >> I hope you realize really truly realize of all the things that you've done and the impact that you've made in St. Louis Park schools from once again the hometown in the city interviews joining the finance advisory committee to being appointed to the human rights committee store and you are continuing to make St. Louis Park pride but not only making St. was Park Proud, but also your family. And [clears throat] I saw that in your dad. Your dad was so proud to sit down. >> Made me tear up. I haven't seen him in so long. [laughter] >> So, he [clears throat] was so excited to talk to me and uh >> and talk about you. He's so He's so proud of you. Uh he can't wait to see you when you come back home and get a chance. And he's just he I mean he he shared about your love for birthday parties, your love daughter. [laughter] have a birthday party here. [clears throat] >> But but he is definitely proud of you and we are proud of you too of all the things that you are accomplishing. So hopefully hopefully I know you will continue continue continue to soar in all the things that you do all the things you do and ascend into your greatness. >> A thank you so much. Thank you for this opportunity. I I would could talk about St. Louis Park for years. [laughter] >> Well, you will continue. >> I really truly appreciate it. >> Yes. And thank you so much. And remember remember continue to ascend. >> A thank you. [laughter] [music]