A Few Minutes with Alma Gutierrez

10.18.2024 — LISC StoriesA Few Minutes with...

In her role at the Vista Chamber of Commerce, Alma Gutierrez handles social media, writes a weekly newsletter, and assists with Spanish translation of Vista magazine, published by the Chamber.

Earlier this year, as designated chair of the Chamber’s Latino Business Outreach, she was also given the task of organizing the City of Vista’s first-ever Fiestas Patrias.

Held September 15, the inaugural event was a big success, attracting more than 1,200 people to a celebration of Mexican music, history and culture in Vista, the North County city where 50 percent of the population identifies as Latino/Hispanic.

Her ongoing role is to continue to engage the 100-year-old Chamber with the city’s growing Latino/Hispanic population.

She recently received an award from State Assemblymember Laurie Davies at the fourth annual North County Hispanic Heritage event.

A bilingual 2021 graduate of Cal State San Marcos, Alma joined the Chamber just a week after earning her degree in Business Administration with an HR emphasis.

In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting bags and accessories. She takes special delight in making stuffed toy “plushies” for friends and younger family members.

What did you enjoy most about being in charge of Fiestas Patrias?

It was exciting to see so many people from our city feel like they have their own space to celebrate their culture and heritage. At first, I was kind of stressed, wondering if enough people were going to show up. But it turned out great for everyone.

When the Mexican National Anthem was playing, I noticed that many people got very emotional as they were listening to it. That made me feel very proud.

What makes working and living in Vista special for you?

I was actually born and raised in Tijuana until I was 13, when I moved to Vista. Because I didn’t know any English, everything was new for me, which meant that I had to learn a lot of things fast.

What childhood experiences shaped who you are today?

My entire life, my mom has been sick with kidney failure, but unless you knew her you wouldn’t be able to tell. She’s always been a positive person, joking, dancing, singing, especially when she feels well. She’s been a positive influence on me that no matter the hardships you can always keep a positive outlook in life.

What got you into crocheting and what exactly are plushies?

I started doing crochet a few years ago for friends and family. When I first graduated from college and started at the Chamber, I felt like I had a lot of free time because I wasn’t going to school anymore. I’ve always liked to work with my hands, so I started doing crochet and I liked it.

And what exactly are plushies?

They’re little stuffed animals, which I like to make for family members, especially my nephew, who’s a toddler. I made him a “Bluey,” a light blue plushy with big eyes and a big nose. He loves to sleep with it, and that makes me very happy.