Dario Benavides

I was born and raised in Chile.  I did my undergrad there and then I came to the States (to the Bay Area more specifically) to pursue a PhD.  I always thought that I was going to go back to Chile after graduating but I never quite made it back, there was always something else to pursue or experience.  That is why I never thought of myself as an immigrant until I met my wife and we formed a family. We have two wonderful daughters and we have been in San Carlos since 2015. 

I have worked in the tech industry all my life (boring) and I have a strong passion for exercising and the outdoors.

How has your culture shaped you or impacted your daily life?

I experienced my culture through my parents, family and friends. I am incredibly proud of my parents and the efforts that they made to provide me with the opportunity to study (my parents didn’t finish high school). They were always there for me, they never asked for anything in return, and they didn’t ask for any favors (if you wanted something you needed to work for it). Those values have guided me through my career and they have allowed me to pursue my interests to the full extent of my capabilities.

What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you?

A celebration of diversity and inclusion.  A celebration of seeing each other as one big family without biases and stereotypes.  Every heritage should have its month but there aren't enough months in the years.  I guess I am lucky that there are enough Latinx people in the bay area to have our own month :)

What does being Latinx mean to you?

I never thought much about it until my daughters were born.  They are so proud of their grandparents and that they can speak Spanish that now I feel much more in touch with my own heritage.  

I guess being a Latinx means that we can all reach our goals given the right opportunities and a bit of luck.  Most people immigrate because they are pursuing something or leaving something behind.  I came because I felt that the US was a place where it didn’t matter what your last name was, where it didn’t matter if your parents had money or in what part of town they live. I was lucky to land in the bay area where diversity is celebrated and people from different backgrounds are welcome.