August 6, 2023 – By Adriana Ferrufino Gomez
Full video interview coming soon on YouTube!
Natali Fani-Gonzalez, a council member serving members of District 6, spoke about the way her life experiences impacted her in choosing the field of politics.
Fani-Gonzalez came to America with her mom during her adolescent years. She experienced a new country while in high school. On the weekends she would work and aid her mom at their job.
Being from a different country didn’t stop her from being an advocate or becoming involved in her community. Although she might not have realized it, Fani-Gonzalez began her political career during high school.
“I was one of those high school students who would go to Annapolis to testify, capital hill,” said Fani-Gonzalez. “On national issues, county council, very active and enjoyed being part of the process,”
Through the experiences Fani-Gonzalez went through, she saw how important it was to be an advocate and how impactful politics can be.
Fani-Gonzalez’s biggest inspiration was her mother. Her mother taught her perseverance and courage. Although she didn’t speak English or have papers, her mother was willing to bring Fani-Gonzalez to America if it meant they would be safer and have a better life.
“She found a job taking care of a senior citizen and they allowed my mom to live in that house with me,” said Fani-Gonzalez. “I was only allowed to enter the house and go to my room, I couldn’t eat in the dining room. I couldn’t do any of that stuff.”
This moment in her life made her realize just how difficult and different it is to live in a new country.
“It helps you understand how difficult things are when you get to this country, so my mom is always my inspiration,” said Fani-Gonzalez.
Through the person she is today, Fani-Gonzalez feels as though it is a duty to give back to her community. She tries and finds a way to give the younger generation an opportunity to intern and work with her office.
“I feel the responsibility of empowering them,” said Fani-Gonzalez. “I feel like it’s my duty to ensure that Latinos, especially Latinas (I’m a feminist), have access and opportunities to do things much greater than the ones I’m going to be doing,”
Fani-Gonzalez has made an impact on countless people’s lives and continues to do so. Through her advocacy, voice, integrity, and courage, she continues to strive toward the future. She has a thick skin that no one can break. She will continue her path as a council member, in hopes to run for reelection.
“I’m just living in the moment,” said Fani-Gonzalez. “And making a difference in my community, especially my district.”