Meet Enrique Aldana | Director of Development for Arizona Public Media and recently Artist/Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Enrique Aldana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Enrique, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Originally from Guadalajara, MX, I moved to the U.S. at the age of five after my mother remarried a linguistics professor from upstate NY. Moving to the U.S. had its challenges, as I did not speak the English language. Enrolled in kindergarten, and not being able to communicate with my teachers and they not able to communicate with me was difficult. I was bullied for many years for being “different.” My haven was public media; watching shows like Mister Rogers and Sesame Street helped me learn the language and about the culture. My mother, a strong role model, made great sacrifices to give me a better life. Those sacrifices were the impetus for me to be strong, resilient, and responsible. I didn’t want my mother’s sacrifices to go unnoticed or unappreciated. I tapped into the opportunities surrounding me: an education, a career, marriage and children, health, and a good life. It also has allowed me to become an entrepreneur/artist and most recently self-published a children’s book titled “Sophie and Marissa’s Tree of Life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My day job as the Senior Director of Development for Arizona Public Media keeps me busy. However, I love to unwind through my artistic endeavors. Taking photographs, making notecards and stickers, and most recently publishing a children’s book. Here’s how that came to happen.

Twenty-one years ago, my wife and I moved into a new house in the heart of the desert. It is now a beautiful home with a backyard that boasts a magnificent mesquite tree. I was and still am captivated by its grandeur and how it stands tall against the backdrop of the arid landscape.
As the years passed, my family grew, having two daughters, Sophie and Marissa, whom I love with all my heart. Our love also grew for the mesquite tree. The girls spent countless hours playing under its shade, exploring the wonders of nature that surrounded them. They marveled at the vibrant colors of the desert flowers, listened to the songs of the birds, and watched as various desert creatures sought refuge in, on, and around the tree’s branches.
Inspired by the beauty and tranquility of our home, I had always dreamt of writing a book that would capture the essence of our life in the desert. However, life’s responsibilities always seemed to get in the way, and my dream remained on hold. But as fate would have it, after twenty-one long years, I finally had enough time to pursue this passion. I sat in our backyard, pen in hand, and began to write. The words flowed effortlessly from my mind onto the paper as if they had been waiting all these years to be set free.
This book is a testament to my love and appreciation for my family and our life in the desert. It paints a vivid picture of the mesquite tree and all the wonders it has witnessed over the years. I have finally finished the book and look forward to sharing it with my family, friends, and community. My hope is that this book is a cherished heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, and a reminder of our deep connection to each other and to the mesquite tree that has watched over us all these years.
And so, the story of “Sophie and Marissa’s Tree of Life” serves as a reminder that sometimes dreams take time to come true. But with patience, perseverance, and a little bit of magic from nature itself, anything is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

As for places to visit, a must would be San Xavier Mission, The Arizona/Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, Mount Lemmon, The Tucson Botanical Gardens, and the Sandhill Cranes

For a Fabulous and fun dining experience, I’d recommend
The Little One, Boca Tacos, La Frida, and Chaiteria, and for amazing Sonoran hotdogs, El Guero Canelo
There are also many fantastic food trucks not to be missed, like El Manantial

A day on the University of Arizona campus would be fabulous. Catch one of the many incredible athletic sporting events, or visit the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, The Mirror Lab, or a walk around the UA Campus Arboretum—perhaps a tour of the Arizona Public Media Studios, too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to dedicate my shout-out, firstly, to my mom; may she rest in peace.

Secondly, to my wife, children, and family.

And if possible, to all my friends and community.

They have all been champions in my successes. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without each of them.

Website: www.yourstrulynotecards.com

Facebook: Aldana Studio