Cynthia Vargas - Dancing to Cultural Rhythms

Cynthia Vargas, a Merchandise Processor at our General Green Warehouse, has been a member of our Goodwill family for just over a year, Cynthia brings the spirit of Bolivia to our workplace, and she proudly shares her experiences and traditions in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Cherished Tradition: Cynthia has a unique connection to her Hispanic heritage through the folklore dance group she was a part of. The group performed the "Diablada," wearing masks and dancing in local parades in northern Virginia. Introduced to this group during a tour of the Bolivian Embassy, Cynthia joined and danced with passion for six years. She reflected, "Being part of the Diablada was an incredible experience. It allowed me to connect with my heritage and share it with others."

Favorite Dishes: Cynthia enjoys sharing the rich flavors of Bolivia with others. For breakfast, she savors Tea and Bread or "Bunuelos." At lunchtime, her go-to is "Chan’ka," a hearty soup. For dinner, it's "Falso Conejo," a chicken dish served with rice and vegetables. She shared, "Food is a wonderful way to bridge cultures and bring people together."

Inspiring Figures: Cynthia draws inspiration from two sources. First, she admires Jamie Escalante, a math professor known for helping people succeed in mathematics. Second, she looks up to her mother, a resilient woman who worked tirelessly to provide for the family when her father was in the United States, sending money back home. Her mother's strength and determination serve as a constant source of motivation. Cynthia shared, "Both Jamie Escalante and my mother have shown me the power of determination and education."