As the president of Latinos In Action, this student embraces her culture while empowering others. In choir, her captivating voice shines, and on stage in theatre, she brings every performance to life, inspiring everyone around her. This stand out student is senior Genesis Maldonado Tobar.
Maldonado Tobar is very engaged in her Latino community; she makes sure that all her peers feel included and loved.
“I joined LIA because I enjoy celebrating my culture and I wanted to take advantage of the large number of Latinos at East to demonstrate that we are more than just stereotypes. LIA has been a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone, so I encourage every Latino/ Hispanic to join,” Maldonado Tobar said.
Maldonado Tobar is a very organized and hard-working leader. She volunteers at many events for the organization Latinos In Action.
“Genesis has been a big part of LIA and the growth of LIA. She is always there for everyone and encourages her peers to be the best they can be. She loves her Latino community and works every day to better her community and make it stronger. She worked so hard to make sure events ran smoothly through her amazing organization and passion for her Latino Community. She volunteered at so many different events including tutoring a fifth-grade student every Tuesday. I am truly honored to have known Genesis the past few years and she is a wonderful student and leader,” English teacher and former LIA adviser Rebecca Sanchez said.
Maldonado Tobar is extremely grateful to be apart of Latinos In Action, nevertheless, the president. She loves to celebrate her culture and does many activities with the organization to express that.
“My fav LIA activity was Hispanic Heritage Night because I really enjoyed celebrating the Latino culture and to see the support from the community. It also was really fun,” senior Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
Maldonado Tobar has expressed her passion for music in many ways. Whether it be playing a character or belting with her choir.
“She’s a talented singer who works hard every day to get better at what she does,” choir teacher Cameron White said.
Maldonado Tobar has been inspired by Mr. White ever since she joined choir. She was very happy to find two ways to convey her passion for singing.
“I’ve always been passionate about singing so my counselor talked to me into joining choir and I loved it. Choir is more than just a class; it became a family just like LIA. I joined theatre because of my choir teacher, Mr. White. Like I mentioned earlier, I love singing but I didn’t know I could use it in another way other than choir. Mr. White encouraged me to join and as soon as I did, I immediately fell in love with it. I enjoy being on stage and becoming someone else. It helped me to be more outgoing and enjoy my high school experience even more. My favorite number to perform has been full disclosure from the Addams family. I enjoyed learning choreography, the song, and the lines. I think it has a little bit of everything like comedy, drama, etc,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
After high school she is planning to go to Iowa State University to major in Interior Design.
“I’ve always been passionate about art and creating new spaces for everyone to enjoy. I believe a house is just the structure a home is a place you create,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
She is very excited to continue with this journey of her life and envisions herself with her own interior design company ten years from now.

Maldonado Tobar always tries her best to make an impact on others’ lives. The most important person she made an impact on is her sister.
“Growing up with Genesis had a big impact in my life, not just because she is my sister but because she is someone I know I can trust, not just me but everyone,” freshman Karen Maldonado Tobar said.
Genesis has been a huge inspiration and motivation when it comes to her sister and many others.
“She is a person I look up to when I need someone, it could be to talk to her or just to make decisions of my own. She has always been a great person since she was little, she has always loved to help people and be there for them whenever they need it. She is a great inspiration to me,” Karen Maldonado Tobar said.
Maldonado Tobar is a very selfless young woman. She will always do her best to put others before herself. Whether it be family, friends, or God.
“She always takes care of me and my little sister, and I know she has a bright future ahead of her because of how she has a great heart. But first, she always puts God first before everything else,” freshman Karen Maldonado Tobar said.
Their family had moved to Des Moines with her family from Guatemala City in 2019.
“I was born and raised in Guatemala City. I consider myself lucky because I had a good childhood. I’ve always been really close to my family, mostly my cousins. I grew up with them making amazing memories. My family is caring and close. We care for each other and love to have fun family gatherings,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
It was a very hard move for their family and took a while for them to adapt.
“Moving here was really hard. It’s not easy to leave your family and friends behind. It took me a while to adapt to my new life, but fortunately I found good people along the way to help me,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
As she made new memories, she always remembers her old memories.
“My favorite childhood memory is going to the beach in Guatemala with my entire family,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
She went through many hard times but grew through them all.
“I would tell my younger self to never give up because all the effort is worth it at the end,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.
Genesis Maldonado Tobar has grown so well into a wise young woman, she has become such an inspiration to her peers in and out of school.
“I would tell them to not be afraid to do what they love. At the end of the day, we are the ones building our future so just do what you love. It’s going to be hard at first, but all effort has it’s reward at the end,” Genesis Maldonado Tobar said.