By: Ashmar Mandou

The Town of Cicero and the Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee recently held their annual election for the Queen of Cicero. On Thursday, Sept, 8th at the Cicero Community Center families and residents celebrated the newly named Queen of Cicero 2022-23 Natalie Baeza, who will represent the Mexican community in numerous events throughout the year. As a lifelong Cicero resident, Baeza is currently a student at Indiana University majoring in Health Care Administration and is a registered nurse who will soon obtain her bachelors next May. Baeza took time out to share with Lawndale Bilingual News what she is looking forward to the most representing her community as “Queen of Cicero.”

Lawndale Bilingual News: What does holding the title of “Queen of Cicero” mean to you?
Natalie Baeza: Holding the title of “Queen of Cicero” means being an example to young women who someday want to be queen. By demonstrating confidence, perseverance and leadership. Never give up on yourself, challenge yourself to be the best version of you. Set goals, it helps trigger new behaviors and guide your focus. It all starts with self-love and confidence.

Talk to me about your decision to participate in the Cicero pageant.  What motivated you to participate and what did you learn about yourself?
What motivated me to participate in the pageant was to build self-confidence. As well as community involvement I have always wanted to give back and conduct events in my community. Being queen gives me a sense of pride and identity for doing something good within my town. The pageant has taught me a lot about myself from self-confidence to motivation and determination. I developed self-discipline to pursue my objective by setting goals and achieving them. I wanted to be the best version of me and be a leader for young women who wish to be Cicero queen someday.

What are your looking forward to the most in the year ahead as you represent your community?
What I look forward to the most in the year ahead of me as I represent my community is making Athletic clubs available to my town. I have always had a dream of conducting volleyball clubs in facilities within my community where kids of all ages can join and stay close to home.

As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month and we celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Latino community, please share what this month signifies to you?
What Hispanic heritage month signifies to me is the honoring of histories, cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage roots.

Lastly, what advice would you give to the younger generation of girls who would like to become “Cicero Queen”?
The advice I would give younger generation of girls who would like to become Cicero Queen is be confident but humble. Have a positive aura and an inspiring personality. Never compare yourself to anyone else to be confident. Each person possesses a unique beauty that cannot be imitated by anyone else.