By Noel Pai-Young | Lynnwood Times Reporter

Lynnwood, Wash., March 3, 2021 – Daniela Altamirano-Crosby, President of WAGRO Foundation, accepted a position as a scheduler for Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10 D) in February. She is currently working remotely until pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Graduate of the University of Washington, Altamirano-Crosby completed her degree in Political Science and International Relations in December of 2020. She plans to move to D.C. in April.

Her dad, Patrick Crosby, originally from Lynnwood, and mom, Lynnwood City Councilmember Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, originally from Mexico, are both proud of their daughter.

“They’re proud that I stuck to my goals and pursued what I wanted to do,” Altamirano-Crosby told the Lynnwood Times.

Her family stressed the importance of an education for success and freedom throughout her life. She recalled that during middle school she told herself, “I want to be that when I’m older” when observing her first legislative session in person in Olympia.

Altamirano-Crosby expressed that her mission and goal for pursuing a career in public service is to be an advocate for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

This opportunity comes on the heels after an internship with U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01 D). Her past experience in Chicago where she spent her first year studying microbiology at Loyola University, as well as Congressman Schneider’s reputation as a champion in women’s rights, Medicare, Social Security and international relations, drew her to accept this particular opportunity. She plans to work for no more than two years then pursue higher education in international relations.

Altamirano-Crosby grew up in Mexico in Ixtapa, Guerrero for the first nine years of her life. She was thankful for the opportunity to go to a school that taught both English and Spanish growing up.

She shared with the Lynnwood Times that one of the hardest parts of moving to the U.S. was the language barrier.

“Everyone was speaking so fast,” she recalled, feeling lost and overwhelmed at first in the U.S. Although she was taught English growing up and spoke it with her father at home, being fully immersed in a new culture and language was a challenge.

“I came here in the 5th grade and my grades suffered,” said Altamirano-Crosby.

Her community came together to tutor and help her catch up. Within a few months she caught up and now sees the upside of the initial struggle, proudly stating, “I’m not only American but I’m also Mexican.”

When asked how she feels about another relocation, this time across the country, she answered, “I’m looking forward to the changes that are going to come through the move.”

She will miss being near WAGRO but will continue to operate remotely as its president. She’ll especially miss her family and her dogs Luke and Olly during her time away.