Motivated by her desire to welcome others, Tanya has found purpose and connection through her role volunteering as the lead Dance Instructor for the Sacred Heart Folklorico dance group at the Sacred Heart Center in Richmond, Virginia. She teaches children and youth traditional Mexican and Latin American dances and helps the students perform at area festivals and events. Her service builds community among the children and families participating in the dance group, as well as the larger Richmond region.

In the fall of 2025, her dance group received an invitation to perform at a local nursing home to bring joy to residents. Due to technical difficulties, the group was unable to perform indoors, but that did not stop them. They decided to dance in the entrance parking lot while residents gathered to watch. While there was no fancy stage, no lighting and no sound system, there was plenty of joy.

“The residents loved the children and the dancing,” Tanya reflects. “The children and families enjoyed being there and giving the residents joy. Overall, everyone was impacted in a positive way that day, which was wonderful.”

She believes that this is the power of service – creating a welcoming environment where people feel they belong. “Since growing up on the Texas-Mexican border, I was raised to welcome people” Tanya shares. “I continue to do that now, through both my career AND my volunteer work. What keeps me coming back as the volunteer Dance Instructor is the energy and smiles of the children in my dance class.”

Communities everywhere face challenges that can divide and disconnect, but Tanya believes that serving each other creates opportunities to understand one another and sustain our shared humanity.

Tanya Gonzalez was recognized as part of the Serve Virginia 2026 Winter Honor Roll for her outstanding commitment to service and volunteerism. Tanya and the other honorees on the Honor Roll embody the power of service to change lives, and the ways reaching out and serving alongside others can make a powerful difference.

When asked why she encourages others to serve, she offered some great insight, “Volunteering and service is a two way-street. Yes, you are giving of your time and energy, and that is so very important. But you will also be receiving so much from the people that you help, if you are open to it and remain humble.”