Hispanic Heritage Month: Catalina Delgado '19

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae!

Catalina Delgado, a proud Mighty Mac alumna from the Class of 2019 and an Illini graduate of 2023, currently works in advertising at the renowned agency, Leo Burnett. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she draws upon her rich cultural heritage to help create impactful communication pieces in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for major global brands.

Beyond advertising, Catalina is passionate about music and dance. She serves as the production manager for Urbanite, an international dance showcase, blending her love for the arts with her professional expertise.

Catalina credits Mother McAuley for playing a pivotal role in honing her communication, writing, and critical thinking skills, which empower her to make a positive impact in the world.

What is the biggest lesson you learned from Mother McAuley?
The most valuable lesson I gained from my time at McAuley is that women possess the strength and determination to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Over my four years, I was surrounded by remarkable peers - young women who took on lead roles in school musicals, student-athletes who brought us to multiple national championships, and Illinois State Scholars. McAuley fostered this mindset in me, instilling the drive to constantly set new goals and bring them to reality. 

How did being a Latina shape you into the person you are today?
As a proud Mexican-American, I carry my culture and languages with me every day. I'm constantly reminded of the sacrifices made by previous generations, especially my grandparents, who immigrated to the United States seeking a better life for themselves and their children. They didn't have the same opportunities to purse higher education that I have today. That aspect of my Latinidad reminds me that learning doesn't end at graduation; it drives me to seek new knowledge every day, explore the world, and deepened my understanding of other cultures and languages. 

In what ways can we embrace our culture in professional workplace?
If you're bilingual or multilingual, one great way to embrace your culture is by using your language to facilitate communication with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Offering to translate or explain cultural nuances can create a stronger understanding and appreciation of your culture with others. Another way to embrace your culture is through food! My colleagues and I often exchange parts of our lunches, sharing traditional dishes from our home countries. Personal style can also be a powerful form of cultural expression. I proudly wear my 'Mexicana' friendship bracely in the colors of the Mexican flag and my gold Virgen de Guadalupe necklace, both of which are symbols deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

Who is your Latina role model, and why?
My Latina role model is Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. As one of the youngest women ever elected to congress and a proud Puerto Rican, she has shattered expectations and defied the status quo, inspiring young women and people of color to step into leadership roles. AOC's fearless stand against corruption, inequality, and fight for racial justice shows the power of speaking up, reminding young women of color that their voices not only matter but can drive real change.