Natalia Castillo-Diaz 

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas   
School: Valley Center High School

Natalia Castillo-Diaz is the oldest of three siblings with an immigrant father and Chicana mother. Being the oldest sibling in the family comes with huge responsibilities and high standards. She goes to a small high school where she participates in Empowered and Educated Student Voices, helps the mixed abilities students, and environmental club. Outside of school she participates in a cultural and religious dance group called Danza. Later on in life she sees herself as an engineer and gaining an education race and ethnic studies. Where she would use her resources and education to take back to her community, and to empower the younger generation. The NextGen program has helped her realize that there are many other Latinos trying to make a difference. Natalia recommends this program because it helps Latino students to become strong future leaders and learn the history of great leaders.