Political Leaders 2006 Profile: Sindy Benvavides

Name: Sindy M. Benavides
Age:  Adult, under 25 years
Born: I was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I was raised in Los Angeles, California and Alexandria, Virginia.  
Current Digs: Richmond, Virginia
Occupation: Director of Gubernatorial Appointments & Latino Liaison for Governor Tim Kaine
Favorite part about the job: Talking with Constituents and possible Board candidates; being able to help. The people of Virginia inspire me in various ways to work hard every day and challenge myself.  
First job ever?  Dairy Queen.  Before that, I was a babysitter in my neighborhood and helped my mom clean houses.
Whom do you admire and why? My mother, Norma D. Benavides Villeda.  Although she was raised in extreme poverty in the small town of Florida in Honduras, she was the first and one of the few to overcome the cycle of extreme poverty, educate herself by her own academic merits, and immigrate to the United States with her 1-year old baby [me] and 2-year old toddler [my older brother David].  She helped her 9 brothers and sisters get on their feet, built her parents a home, established her own house cleaning business, put her two older children through college, and raised my older brother, two teenage boys and me to believe that our dreams can be a reality if we work hard and do it an honest way. I can’t is not part of her vocabulary, it’s just not an option.    
Favorite book?  I really can’t say. I love reading about different topics, different authors, and in different languages.  Books have always been a part of my life.   
Comfort food?  I love ice cream!
What's in your car CD player right now?  La oreja de Van Gogh (contemporary).  
Next journey?  Honduras & Costa Rica.  My Ya-ya (grandma) asked me to come visit her before the end of the year. Costa Rica is for exploring, rest, and relaxing.
Last gift you received?  A subscription to Foreign Affairs.
Best advice you ever got?  Be humble in your journey through life, and remember that absolutely nothing is impossible.  
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?  Senator Barack Obama.  His background is impressive and his style of leadership is exemplary. Most importantly, he has dedicated his life to public service through community organizing. He recognizes where he comes from, who he is, and where he’s going.  
Describe a perfect day. Wake up in the morning and have breakfast with my family. Play chess.  Go swimming.  Hear from my friends and family and know that they are happy.  Stop and smell the roses.  End the day by reading a chapter in my book on the porch.  Go to bed with a smile and thank God, aka “Papi Dios”, for blessing me in every single way.  
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  There’s a few that fit in this category. I am learning Arabic. I enjoy reading in French even though I have to keep the French/English dictionary by my side.  I had to minor in Spanish to get it to the level that I have it now. Lastly, I may be joining the other side in the future—the lawyer side that is.  
Ambition, political or otherwise?  Know that I have lived a fulfilling life and have given it my 200% all the time. Politically, Virginia has many "firsts"—we  shall see.