www.masbakersfield.com

I am originally from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.  I left there about 15 years ago and moved to Bakersfield, accompanied by my four most precious treasures — my children, Carlos, Karina, Tanya and Hector. They are my greatest joy and the reason for my existence. They grew up in Bakersfield and currently attend universities throughout California.
There are times when I feel nostalgic and miss my native country. But I live each day by doing my best while trying to adapt to my new home.
I am a person who loves art and culture.  For many years, I was on the radio here and in Guatemala, working as a DJ. Life took me to work in print media, and now I work for Más and am in charge of the Spanish publications at Mercado Nuevo.
With Más, I oversee the design and content of the bilingual Cultura Section, among other duties. I enjoy planning the Cultura Section because it allows me to inform readers of Latin American history.  It gives me great pleasure to learn about our culture, along with you.  If there is someone who is proud of his or her culture and origin, that is me.
In conclusion, I can say that I am grateful to God for all He has given me: a happy home, a good husband, marvelous children, a job where I am happy and the opportunity to be here and today.

Irma Victoria Castillo
Product Manager, Spanish Language Publications   
Mercado Nuevo LLC, a subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian