I consider myself a Mexican-American. I was born in Mexico but eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen since my father was born in the states. I was raised in the border towns of Matamoros and Brownsville, where I lived in Mexico but went to school in the U.S. to learn English, so I've always felt an even presence in both nationalities...although I am most proud of my heritage and culture as a Mexican.

I was born in Austin, TX, and raised in Round Rock. I have three older sisters and an older brother. My mom was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and her side of the family (two sisters and three brothers) all live in Austin. My dad was born in Mission, TX, and of his side of the family (two sisters and three brothers), one lives in Georgetown, TX, and the others back in Mission and parts of Mexico.

I’m Mexican-American. My family led the Austin’s Economy Furniture Company strike, also known as the Austin Chicano Huelga, which lasted from 1968–1972. My great-grandfather, Victor Ruiz, with the support of my grandfather and his brothers, began the unionization of the Chicano workers and pursuit for equality. This march ultimately led to Cesar Chavez arriving in Austin to join them in the march. Call me Nicole!

My great-grandparents and some of my grandparents were born in Spain but for various reasons immigrated to Cuba during the Spanish Civil War. In their adulthood, my parents were able to immigrate from Cuba to Venezuela, where I was born and raised. The cycle continued as the situation in Venezuela prompted us to immigrate to the United States (Florida) where the rest of our family was living.

I'm from Albuquerque, NM, and my family is mostly from Spain. We share cultural similarities with Mexicans. I'm the youngest generation of five generations of women, so my family is matriarchal. My name is pronounced like Dawn-neen, and I identify as Hispanic.