Carmina Cortes-`Gonzalez: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Des PlainesWebsite: www.carminacortes.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carminacortesarte/Office sought: Oakton Community College School Board Age: 42Family: Daughter Galilea 7 yrs oldOccupation: Visual Artist/author/Program Assistant at Des Plaines History CenterEducation: 1989-1990 Art Instructional School - Minneapolis, MN1994-1996 American Communication Institute-Hollywood, CA 1995-1998 Santa Monica College - Santa Monica, CA2005-2007 BFA-The School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL2011-2012 graduate school at The School of the Art Institute of ChicagoCivic involvement: 2007 Volunteer at Jewel school in Maryville Des Plaines, IL2011 Conducts parent/toddler workshops on creating art for bilingual parents 2014 Founder of Latina Art League Chicago Curated art shows, press releases, television and radio appearances2016 October Co-Founder Club Transformate MujerA woman's group dedicated to empowering Latinas through workshops meeting once a month.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?In 2006, I enrolled in a humanities class with Kathleen Carot at Oakton Community College. Mrs. Carot enriched my life that semester and represented the essence of Oakton in my view. I stayed at Oakton and fell in love with the vast sculptures and public art displayed throughout the campus. For the past five years I've had the pleasure of being selected for the women's art show at the prestigious Koehnline Museum of Art. Art is an integral component of our society and it should be maintained in our education. One of the reason why I am running for board of trustee of Oakton is to support the arts and humanities programs. Secondly, the majority of the student body of Oakton are minorities with the majority being Latinos. As a Mexican-American and first generation, I know the difficulties Latino students go through. There has never been a Latino board member at Oakton and I hope to be the first to represent minority students in this time of need.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?As a student at Oakton, all of my instructors were knowledgeable in their field. As a board member I can definitely try to hire future facility members with exceptional qualifications.From the college's point of view, what budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?Oakton Community College fees are one of the lowest in the state which makes it accessible for all students. As we all know the state is going through a financial crises and therefore financial aid for students and colleges is unreliable. If possible, low fees for students would be preferable.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?From my experience as a student, Oakton is a well -rounded as well as a cultured campus. There's over 30 student run clubs. The school is a walking art exhibit from inside the main building to outside on the court yard. As for services, Oakton counts with a number of student services. One of my goals as a trustee would be to hold meet and greets in order to understand students needs.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.I am running for board of trustees to make a difference in the Oakton community as well as in the Des Plaines community. I am the founder of the Hispanic women's group Transformate Mujer which emphasizes on self-improvement and development. The meetings are once a month and held at the Des Plaines History Center. I am also founder/co-host of the Spanish talk show Al Ritmo del Arte. The show promotes all manifestations of the arts and Latino culture.. I hope to become the first Hispanic board trustee of Oakton community college because I desire to inspire before I expire.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dolores Huerta and Michelle ObamaWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty. My mother would tell us, "The lie last until the truth arrives." translating from SpanishIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I really don't need a do-over. I'm grateful for all my lessons.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?ART! Being creative has allowed me to think "outside the box". When creating you are also solving problems.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Follow your passion, "Be assured that the universe will eventually guide you to your purpose."