LINA RODRIGUEZ – THE LAWYER
Lina studied Law at University College London and completed her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law with Distinction. After practicing Family and Criminal Law in a legal aid firm, she is now a senior associate solicitor at Johns & Saggar LLP, specialising in real estate transactions financed in accordance with Islamic principles. She is a also member of the Colombian Caravana UK Lawyers Group, which works with Colombian human rights lawyers to help ensure access to justice, rule of law and respect for human rights in Colombia.
“I was born and raised in West Norwood, South East London with my parents, my sister, my aunt, uncle, two cousins and assorted pets. We lived on a street with at least three other Colombian families. I was surrounded by love, music and laughter. I went to Spanish school every Saturday and had to re-learn maths the ‘the proper way’ (i.e. the Colombian way), were introduced to the works of Gabriel García Marquéz and learnt to dance Cumbia, Salsa and Merengue.
You would know it was housework time at home whenever Marc Anthony was blasted at full volume. Having Latin parents meant my upbringing was stricter than my peers: my mum dictated what I wore until at least age 13; on a Sunday, I had to wear nice dresses and proper shoes.
The 6 weeks of summer were spent in Colombia where I rode horses on my grandparent’s beautiful farm and ran wild with my cousins. My brother didn’t come along until I was 11, so I have wonderful memories of mothering him, recording his gurgles on a dictaphone and choosing adorable outfits for him.“
One characteristic you’ve inherited from you mother and one you’ve inherited from your father.
I’ve inherited my love of dancing from my mum, she’s from near Cali, the world’s Salsa capital, and is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor! From my dad, the ability to be comfortable in my own skin, he is very much his own man and does not give an iota what others may think of him. Who has been the most influential figure in shaping you? I grew up surrounded by strong and powerful Colombian women who taught me to believe in my own capabilities. From when we were very little my mum recognised the importance of obtaining a good education as a guarantee to succeeding in this world. She instilled a very strong work ethic in me and would remind me that being female, working class and a minority meant that I would have to work three times as hard. After sacrificing everything for us, she is now pursuing a career in floristry with a vigour that only she can muster up; she continues to be a source of inspiration to me and I can only hope to tackle life’s challenges with the same persistence and energy that she has. A defining moment… I was quite a mouthy teenager, always answering back to my parents and never being satisfied with the response ‘porque si’ (just because). It was during one of these ‘negotiations’ that my dad in exasperation: ‘that girl is just like her Tía Amparo’. My Tia Amparo is an incredible human rights lawyer in Colombia and it dawned on me that my capabilities for arguing could be turned into a virtue! Your most memorable encounter with a stranger in London… In Islington a few years back a teenager on a bike snatched my mobile phone out of my hand. He cycled away but it was snowing so he was quite slow. I calculated that I could probably catch up with him, and I did. I grabbed hold of his jacket and demanded that he give me back my phone. I think he was so shocked to be confronted by this tiny but infuriated lady that he meekly handed it back.
LAURA QUEBRADA – THE ACTIVIST
While still only 18, and studying for her A Levels, Laura, has been singled out by the Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) as one of its most committed activists, working on campaigns for the London Living Wage, against violence against migrant women and the governments’ hostile environment. She drove the group’s participation in the Permanents People Tribunal of 2018 which described all the human right violations in the UK and also contributed to a recent book written for and by Latin American migrant women in the UK.
“I’m half-Colombian, half-Venezuelan and grew up in Spain. I arrived in the UK when I was 16. It was hard not speaking the language or being able to communicate with other people, I was the only Latin American, I was shy and it was hard to make friends”
What piece of advice have been most useful for you?
‘If you can not change a situation, change your attitude'. My mom told me this more or less two years ago, It helped me and continues to help me when I get stuck in some situation.
Who have been the biggest influences on you?
I do not know much about my biological father, but I consider my stepfather as my father. He taught me from a very young age that I have to have both mental and physical discipline and that nothing comes if you do not go looking for it, so I think that from him I inherited the hard work and to always fight for what I want and for my rights.
FEDERICA MAESTRI – THE DANCER
Part Guyanese, Dominican, Venezuelan, Federica graduated in ballet and contemporary dance, before returning to her Latin roots for inspiration. She is now considered one of London’s best Reggaetón dancers, performing in videos, clubs and shows, and also teaches Reggaetón and Latin ‘on heels’ at London’s Studio BASE.
“I grew up on a farm in Italy. I was athletic and loved sports. But when I was taken to a ballet lesson at the age of 3 I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I'm trained in ballet and contemporary but my real passion for expressing has always been through Latin music and rythmns. I love the connection I feel to it.
Describe your path to your career
I moved to London in my late teens, to pursue a career in dance. My Italian family weren’t always approving. My mother always taught me to value education, but perhaps didn’t have this in mind. My father did come round, and he always said to be driven in life and never settle for less then you deserve. And that is precisely what I’m doing.
What inspires you in your work?
“To feel the music in my soul and to be able to make other people fall in love with themselves with and through the energy of music and movement.
ELLIE WEBB – THE ENTREPRENEUR
Ellie Webb is the Founder of Caleño, - a non-alcoholic free spirit, which distills a unique combination of juniper and exotic Inca berry. She launched the product in January 2019 with the vision of bringing 'non-alcoholic spirits' to the masses.
“I was born in Seven Oaks to a Colombian mother and English father, and grew up in the South East. When I was younger I was always creating different kinds of drinks concotions, mixing different fruits and flavours together and then letting my little sisters be the guinea pigs! My sister was a big S Club 7 fan, AND I would make loads of merchandise. I was always interested in making and selling things, and is probably why I’ve ended up launching a drinks business!” What world event shaped your way of seeing the world? I guess I’m the UK generation affected by the terrorist bombings in New York in 2001 and London in 2005. I feel that life is prescious, it can be gone in an instant and you should make the most of every moment. How has being Latina formed what you do?
Latinos have a positive approach to life, and know naturally how to party. So that feeds into my idea that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time, just great music, great company and great drinks. Colombian culture has always been so close to my heart and I have poured that into the brand.
SHEILA ORTIZ – MODEL AND MOTHER
Sheila has been modeling from the age of 13, and at 24 is both in charge of a successful modeling career, two small children, and a career in cosmetology.
“I was born in Ecuador, grew up in Spain and came to London when I was 20. I am a mom of Emily, and Mathew. London has a magic for me; you never end up knowing each corner, you never get bored. I was modelling a lot in Spain and now I try and juggle shoots with the school schedule. It’s difficult but not impossible!”
What has been the most challenging moment in your life?
Becoming a teenage mother. It was a very difficult and extreme change in my life, full of doubts, and highs and lows, but also hugely gratifying. It’s getting easier every day, and I feel truly blessed to have this gift in my life and I feel proud to call myself a mother.
My brother died of Leukemia, he was ill between the ages of 11 and 16 before dying. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever had to endure. Before he died he told me to value every second of my life, and that’s what I try to do.
What are your dreams and aspirations?
I am a graduate cosmetologist. I’d love to have my own clothing and cosmetics brand. But my ultimate ambition is to be the best example I can for my children.
See Part 1 of Latinas Rinsing here
See our 'Latinas Rising' print edition here
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