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Latinx in Duluth: Finding Belonging and Building Community in the Northland
What does it mean to build belonging in a place where you’ve never seen yourself reflected?
For me, this episode wasn’t just another conversation—it was a piece of home. A piece of identity. A reminder that our stories, our families, and our roots are deeply intertwined with the soil we stand on, even when that soil is frozen half the year in northern Minnesota.
In this episode, I sat down with two incredible women—Susana Pelayo Woodward and Melisa Gomez Romo—to talk about what it means to be Latinx in Duluth.
This conversation felt personal. For me, as someone adopted from Honduras and raised in the Twin Ports, it’s a lifelong journey of reconciling identity—of learning to see beauty in difference when all you wanted as a child was to blend in. Sitting with Susana and Melissa felt like breathing in recognition.
Both women are mothers, leaders, and fierce advocates shaping what it means to belong here—building bridges in schools, faith spaces, and community gatherings where our voices haven’t always been heard.
We talked about what it means to raise bilingual children in a place that doesn’t always understand your culture. About navigating racism, creating safe spaces, and the joy (and ache) of trying to give your kids roots when your own story began across borders.
Key Themes + Takeaways
Identity & Belonging: How we hold on to our culture while making space for new definitions of home.
Motherhood & Leadership: The emotional labor of showing up for our families and our communities.
Resilience Across Generations: Teaching our kids to stand proud in who they are, even when the world tells them otherwise.
Community Building in Duluth: From salsa nights at Oasis del Norte to cultural centers at UMD—how representation becomes the foundation of hope.
Legacy & Vision: The dream of a Latino Resource Center, more Latino-owned businesses, and political representation that reflects our presence in the Northland.
Our Favorite Quotes
“Don’t ask me if I can do something just because I have kids—ask me, and I’ll tell you if I can.” – Susana Pelayo Woodward
“We’re carving out community from a blank slate. I want my kids to have a home they can come back to.” – Melissa Gomez Romo
“I told my son, we’ve always been here. The border moved—we didn’t.” – Susana
“You are the only one who knows the strengths of your child. Show up for them, every single time.” – Melissa
“We’re here. And we’re not going anywhere.” – Both
Chapter Markers
00:00 – A Personal Beginning
02:00 – Susana’s Story: From Mexico City to Ely, MN
04:00 – Melissa’s Story: From L.A. to Arkansas to the Northland
09:00 – Being Latinx Mothers & Leaders
18:00 – Racism & Resilience
23:00 – Education & Advocacy
40:00 – Sports, Safety, and the Reality of Raising Brown Kids in Minnesota
54:00 – The Power of Community
01:03:00 – Legacy & What Comes Next
Your Turn ✨
This week’s reflection: Where are you being invited to show up—for your family, your culture, or your community—even when it feels uncomfortable or unseen?
Because when we show up, we make the world a little bit more like home.
🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going
Website: https://www.divinekonnections.org/
Follow Deyona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc
💬 Love what you heard?
Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes.
✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.
MB01KXURGY2P6UU
View all episodes
By Divine KonnectionsWhat does it mean to build belonging in a place where you’ve never seen yourself reflected?
For me, this episode wasn’t just another conversation—it was a piece of home. A piece of identity. A reminder that our stories, our families, and our roots are deeply intertwined with the soil we stand on, even when that soil is frozen half the year in northern Minnesota.
In this episode, I sat down with two incredible women—Susana Pelayo Woodward and Melisa Gomez Romo—to talk about what it means to be Latinx in Duluth.
This conversation felt personal. For me, as someone adopted from Honduras and raised in the Twin Ports, it’s a lifelong journey of reconciling identity—of learning to see beauty in difference when all you wanted as a child was to blend in. Sitting with Susana and Melissa felt like breathing in recognition.
Both women are mothers, leaders, and fierce advocates shaping what it means to belong here—building bridges in schools, faith spaces, and community gatherings where our voices haven’t always been heard.
We talked about what it means to raise bilingual children in a place that doesn’t always understand your culture. About navigating racism, creating safe spaces, and the joy (and ache) of trying to give your kids roots when your own story began across borders.
Key Themes + Takeaways
Identity & Belonging: How we hold on to our culture while making space for new definitions of home.
Motherhood & Leadership: The emotional labor of showing up for our families and our communities.
Resilience Across Generations: Teaching our kids to stand proud in who they are, even when the world tells them otherwise.
Community Building in Duluth: From salsa nights at Oasis del Norte to cultural centers at UMD—how representation becomes the foundation of hope.
Legacy & Vision: The dream of a Latino Resource Center, more Latino-owned businesses, and political representation that reflects our presence in the Northland.
Our Favorite Quotes
“Don’t ask me if I can do something just because I have kids—ask me, and I’ll tell you if I can.” – Susana Pelayo Woodward
“We’re carving out community from a blank slate. I want my kids to have a home they can come back to.” – Melissa Gomez Romo
“I told my son, we’ve always been here. The border moved—we didn’t.” – Susana
“You are the only one who knows the strengths of your child. Show up for them, every single time.” – Melissa
“We’re here. And we’re not going anywhere.” – Both
Chapter Markers
00:00 – A Personal Beginning
02:00 – Susana’s Story: From Mexico City to Ely, MN
04:00 – Melissa’s Story: From L.A. to Arkansas to the Northland
09:00 – Being Latinx Mothers & Leaders
18:00 – Racism & Resilience
23:00 – Education & Advocacy
40:00 – Sports, Safety, and the Reality of Raising Brown Kids in Minnesota
54:00 – The Power of Community
01:03:00 – Legacy & What Comes Next
Your Turn ✨
This week’s reflection: Where are you being invited to show up—for your family, your culture, or your community—even when it feels uncomfortable or unseen?
Because when we show up, we make the world a little bit more like home.
🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going
Website: https://www.divinekonnections.org/
Follow Deyona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_konnections_inc
💬 Love what you heard?
Share this episode with a friend, and leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify to help this show reach more hearts and homes.
✨ This is more than a podcast—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of it.
MB01KXURGY2P6UU