Zitlalic & Alexander

Zitlalic has been taking professional salsa and bachata classes and even competed in Colombia in the World Cup Dancing Championship as an amateur partner. She continues practicing both in the studio and outside while dancing socially.

One day, Zitlalic and a few of her studio dancer classmates decided to attend a bachata-salsa mansion pool party over the weekend. One of Zitlalic’s classmates happened to be a college friend of Alexander’s fraternity group. That day, Zitlalic, as usual, danced non-stop and was at her happiest—eating delicious asada quesadillas and having a great time with her dancer friends while dancing, resting, and enjoying good company at the party.

Meanwhile, Alexander, who wasn’t much of a dancer (yet!) was there with his group of friends. Zitlalic and Alexander were nearby throughout the day, often speaking at different times with their mutual friend. However, it wasn’t until the end of the party that they actually met.

As the party ended in daylight, everyone was taken by a party bus to the parking lot, since guests had been transported to the mansion party by bus. During the ride back, Alexander approached Zitlalic and began being the same kind and respectful man he is today—someone who is nice, honest, and loyal.

From that moment, he stayed by her side at every friends' gathering they attended. That same afternoon, Zitlalic already had plans to continue dancing with her female friends at a different location, and since they were friends of Alexander as well, he and his group decided to join them. At the next party Alexander remained respectful with a great attitude, always smiling, and continued to have fun.

Everyone in the group just wanted to enjoy the night and dance, and the vibe was safe, fun, and respectful. The group continued going out together—to parties, movies, gatherings, and even theme parks. Zitlalic also got to practice her baking skills, which everyone appreciated.

Since most of the group was health-conscious and into fitness, one time Zitlalic made a custom cake for one of them that looked like a black-colored weight. The cake turned out great, and everyone loved it—although they ended up with black tongues because of all the food coloring she used. It became a great memory. Zitlalic enjoyed creating unique custom cakes for her closest friends when time allowed. It was a way to decompress despite her busy schedule.

During this time, while running Latina Nerds® and managing her team, Zitlalic was accepted into the MBA program at USC. The demanding nature of the program forced her to pause dancing and social outings. Making cakes or trying new recipes became a form of relaxation from work and school without leaving home.

Although many things happened during that time, Alexander was there for her. After a year of amazing friendship, he asked Zitlalic to be his girlfriend. Alexander became the most supportive partner during her MBA—visiting her frequently, giving her space when needed, and helping her find time for her assignments.

For instance, when Alexander knew she didn’t have time to hang out, he would still visit just to help clean and organize her place, even washing and folding her clothes. For Zitlalic, who had been working hard as an entrepreneur for nearly 10 years, always busy with challenging projects, it was unusual—but touching—to see someone so kind, sweet, helpful, loyal, and respectful, just as he had been since the day they met at the bachata mansion party.

During those years, the challenges of the MBA and her health struggles helped Zitlalic deeply appreciate Alexander’s gentle nature and unwavering presence—especially in her toughest moments. Despite their differences, she grew to value the balance he brought to her life.

Alexander, though new to dancing, always showed up—with a big smile, helping Zitlalic with her salsa shoes and cheering her on as she lit up every dance floor. He even became the taste-tester for her creative cakes—like the one shaped like a weight that turned everyone’s tongues black!

Alexander, who was a quiet person, once told her that he became attracted to her as “You look so beautiful and love your energetic, free-spirited personality and down-to-earth attitude.” He admired how caring, selfless, hardworking, and passionate she was, especially how much she sacrificed for her family.

Zitlalic, in turn, was impressed by Alexander’s pure heart and his ability to adapt when needed—always maintains a happy, positive attitude, remains calm no matter the situation, and offers unwavering support. When he introduced her to his uncles in Hawaii, they immediately described him as caring, organized, and thoughtful—someone who always strived to do things the right way, communicating and acting in ways that uplifted others. He rarely got angry and had an impressive level of patience.

Alexander taught Zitlalic to slow down, embrace patience, ease stress by keeping things simple, and gracefully let go of what’s unnecessary. Meanwhile, Zitlalic motivated Alexander to strive for bigger goals—in his career, financial knowledge, dancing, and even cooking tastier meals.

As their friendship deepened, so did their connection. While Zitlalic balanced entrepreneurship with pursuing her MBA at USC, Alexander stood by her side—visiting often, helping with household chores so she could focus on her MBA homework and business goals, even while staying fully committed to his demanding job and rigorous gym routine.

They spent a year as friends, over three years as a couple, and nearly seven months engaged—sharing almost four years of joyful memories and meaningful lessons.

They are total opposites—Zitlalic, the fiery go-getter, and Alexander, the calm, thoughtful soul—but together, they’ve found the perfect rhythm: dancing, playing sports, sharing laughter, savoring simple moments, and growing side by side.

Together, they look forward to a lifetime of love, adventure, and continued growth.