What is your Hispanic Heritage: Cuban
What area of Florida do you live in: Jacksonville, Florida
What is your profession: Activist, Community Leader
Meet Maria and other Lideres at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at 3rd Annual FORD Taste Of Latino Festival!
Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it
Maria Machin: Just Go Where needed. Raised to help when needed. Even, if I have pertain information.
Latin Times Magazine: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition
Maria: I do it with a Servant Heart. It not about money for me. Nor, to build a resume.
Latin Times Magazine: During Covid-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it
Maria Machin: The Challenge was assisting with limitations. Most, of the people that I was helping: Did not have computer or internet. Luckily, the Y Welcome center was kept as essential service. Class were not done. Assisting, with Translation was done off site or at agency parking lot.
Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it (Covid or non-related)
Maria Machin: The Recently, was winning a DOJ Complaint on service not given to LEP at Court House.it was group effort Duval was included. Sadly, one of my Mentor passed away before ruling came in Mr Victor Valdes of Naples.
Latin Times Magazine: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?
Maria Machin: I be starting back Conversational English and US Citizenship empower my community. Also, letting people know the importance of getting engaged in process and connecting people/groups to work together. Basically, what I do now.
Latin Times Magazine: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?
Maria Machin: This Country took my family in. Both, My parents taught My Sister and I that we are indebted to United States and It my responsibility to give back. Never forget where I came from but remember who took us in.
Latin Times Magazine: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation? Maria: I am sadden, how my country has gotten. That you can not have a difference of opinion and not be attacked. We are not a perfect Nation but those that know how our birth Country (Cuba) know this is the Greatest Country in the world. The poorest person in the USA is not remotely close to poorest in other Countries.
Latin Times Magazine: What words of encouragement can you offer?
Maria: Good will always Triumph over Evil
Latin Times Magazine: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?
Maria Machin: Pan Con Bistec y Nataila ops pastel de piaza from Vicky Bakery in Hialeah