Red Carpets, Los Angeles and One Really Amazing Latina 30 Under 30 Award

It’s official! Thanks to fabulous readers and voters (like you) I was officially a Latina 30 Under 30 honoree!

To provide a little back story, way back in August, I found out I was nominated by Latina Magazine for the prestigious 30 Under 30 award. I was not only shocked by the nomination, but the other nominees included Bruno Mars, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Bella Thorne and so many other amazing and inspiring Latinos.

Through the whole voting process, no matter what happened, I was so excited to be included and recognized. I blog about Latina health. I am not a movie star or a YouTube personality or a singer. I am passionate about the importance and visibility of this issue, but the fact that The Healthy Latina blog was even on the list was beyond anything I was expecting just a few short years after starting it.

For two rounds of voting, I was neck-and-neck with Bruno Mars and if I ever meet him, I’ll be sure to bring it up, but I beat him! The amount of support I received throughout this entire process was so humbling. I love how health is becoming such a huge topic and I’m so proud to be a voice for the cause.

So with that, I jet off to Los Angeles to walk to red carpet! I had major issues with my dress arriving in time, so a little secret for you all, my sister (who was also my date) brought me a dress from Arizona! As soon as I got to LA, I walked out of the terminal and saw a little man with a sign and my name on it! It’s always been a dream to have a professional driver come pick me up like that! It’s something I’ve only ever seen in the movies.

I checked into my hotel, met up with my sister and her fiancé and grabbed some tacos from the takeout place across the street. When in Los Angeles, am I right?

After that, I went over to the Mondrian Hotel and met the Latina editorial and style staff! As if that wasn’t enough, I was getting full hair and makeup from my very own style team provided by sponsors Maybelline and Garnier. I even got one of those director’s chairs with Latina on the back.

Saying I’m not used to the full star treatment is an understatement! This was so unlike any experience I had ever had in my life. Take a peek at the photos of my “Old Hollywood Glam” look!

When it was time to walk the red carpet, I was almost certain my heart was going to stop. If there’s anything I fear, it’s a ton of cameras flashing at once and everyone asking you to look at them. It was terrifying, and you can tell just how nervous I was at the end of my red carpet interview with ABC Family when I turn to my friend and say an enthusiastic OMG.

"I wanted to put a voice out there that helps digest health information." @HealthyLatina #Latina30Under30 http://t.co/f7fcF8WM5U

— Latina Magazine (@Latina) November 14, 2014

As soon as I walked into the event, it was gorgeous. So many beautiful faces and genuine Latina leaders. I met Chiquis, Adrienne Bailon, Natalia Anciso, Melanie Iglesias, Bella Thorne, Fifth Harmony and the Latina Magazine staff. I also did an interview with Fusion!

Thank you again for such an amazing opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Here’s to many more celebrity sightings and getting Latina health topics discussed in the media!