This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

Age: 20

AMY J. VAN HORN | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM
Maria Marquez

Place of employment/position: Kmart/receiving lead

Involvements and accomplishments: I was the anchor for the news at my high school, for which I received a Senior Leadership Award. As a graduating requirement, I volunteered at an elementary school helping newcomers (English as a Second Language students). I enjoyed the experience so much and received a recognition for volunteer excellence from Devonshire School. I received one out of two Barb Salerno Scholarships for Art Achievement. At my high school graduation, I was elected speaker of the Class of 2006. I was in a scholarship beauty pageant for the title of Senorita ALERTA. I placed first runner-up, but because the winner had military services to attend, the crown was given to me, and I passed it on this year. I am an active member of ALERTA, a nonprofit organization for Hispanic awareness in Boone County. I am the first in my family to go to college and hope to set an example for my younger siblings.

Currently: I attend Rock Valley College. I wish to pursue a career in broadcast communication.

What I do for fun: I love to shop, watch movies and go out to eat. I love McDonald’s; I eat it almost every day!

City of residence: I have lived in Belvidere for two years.

Family members: My parents are Gerardo and Olivia Marquez. I am the oldest of five children. I have three brothers: Gerardo, 16; Jesus, 12; and Santiago, 9. I also have a sister, Nonis, 11.

My biggest achievement/proudest moment so far: It’s hard for me to choose one moment that I am the proudest of because I am very proud of everything I have accomplished so far. I believe that being elected speaker of my class was my favorite because my classmates elected me to represent them in all we had done in our four years of high school. It was an honor to be able to represent all the people who believed that I was the worthiest of that job.

I define success as: Accomplishing any goal you set for yourself and being proud of everything you do. Success is living your life without any regrets and not being afraid to take a challenge to accomplish what you want.

Best advice I have received: “Stay in school and get an education,” because no matter what happens you will always have that to fall back on, and it’s one of the few things no one can take from you. (My parents told me that.)

Being a woman means: Being a mother, sister, friend, fighter. A woman is the strongest and most beautiful being.

My mama always told me: That I can do anything I want no matter what anyone says and she will always be there for me.

A woman that I admire who is not my mom: Tyra Banks. She created TZONE, a leadership and life skills development program for primarily disadvantaged teen girls. She is an advocate against racism. She has two TV shows, which she hosts and produces. I think she is a good example to young women.

No. 1 issue facing women today is: Abuse from their partners. Many women suffer from abuse, and because they are scared and think there is no one to help them, they stay silent. Thousands of women are killed by their partners every year, and it makes me ashamed to say that we are all enabling these men by not doing anything to help. One goal that I have for the future is to start a shelter for abused women.

Ten years from now, I’ll: Hopefully be a successful journalist and an accomplished woman whom my friends and family can be proud of. I would like to travel to Spain, Italy and Egypt.

Something I have always wanted to do/learn: Go skydiving! I love to be adventurous.

The best thing in my wardrobe: My hot pink Guess coat. I’d sleep in it if I could.

The piece of technology I can’t live without: My Blackberry Curve. It’s a phone, camera, video camera, computer and GPS.