HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HIGHLIGHT: SONIA GONZALEZ

KENNER, La. – In continuation of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Laketown Squadron sat down with local Zumba instructor Sonia Gonzalez to learn more about her career and her personal impact on the Kenner community.

When speaking on the Hispanic Community in Kenner and her experience running a business:      

"I would describe the Hispanic community in Kenner as hardworking, united, full of dreams, and big-hearted. We are people who have come here with great hopes and aspirations, with the desire to build a better future for our families, succeed in life, and make a positive contribution to our community.

One thing I love is that, despite our different cultures and countries of origin, we share very important values, such as family, respect, solidarity, and the desire to grow and improve. I also believe our community is full of talented people, entrepreneurs, and individuals who work hard every day to achieve their goals. 

I am proud to be part of this community and to see how, when we support one another, we can grow together, open doors for others, and create opportunities for future generations. I believe that unity and mutual support are essential to continuing to strengthen our Hispanic community in Kenner."

On her early experience with fitness and how she got interested in her Zumba instructing career:          

"My passion for fitness began in my home country of Costa Rica, where I worked as an aerobics instructor and owned my own gym. When I moved to Louisiana, I knew I wanted to continue doing what I loved while making a positive difference in my new community. As I explored opportunities, I discovered Zumba and decided to become a certified instructor. With my background in aerobics, I began combining traditional exercises with the music, dance, and energy of Zumba, creating a style that my students quickly fell in love with. Fifteen years ago, I opened my own fitness studio in Kenner with a special goal in mind, to create a welcoming space where women, especially those in our Hispanic community, could come together, stay active, and make their health a priority. Over time, I realized my classes were becoming much more than a place to exercise. They became a space where women could build friendships, support one another, relieve stress, and take a break from their everyday responsibilities. Having experienced the challenges of moving to a new country myself, I understood how meaningful that sense of community could be. When the pandemic forced me to close my studio in 2020, I was determined to keep our group together. I began giving classes outdoors at the lake and eventually continued at Kenner Lakefront, where I still teach today. Many of the women who started this journey with me continue to attend my classes, which is something I am incredibly grateful for.

Looking back, I am proud not only of building a business doing what I love but also of the friendships and community we have created along the way. To me, Zumba has always been about more than dancing or exercising. It’s about bringing women together, encouraging them to take care of themselves, and reminding them that their physical and emotional well-being matters. What started as a dream of opening my own fitness studio became something much more meaningful, it became a beautiful community of women who motivate, encourage, and support one another. That is my greatest accomplishment and what continues to inspire me every day."

The best part about running a business in Kenner and how the Hispanic community supports and promotes each other’s businesses:   

"What I love most about owning a business in Kenner is being able to do what I love while making a difference in our Hispanic community. For me, it has always been about more than fitness. It’s about creating a place where women can focus on their health, build friendships, and support one another. Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of so many wonderful women who have become like family to me. Seeing them stay motivated, encourage each other, and make exercise part of their lives has been one of my greatest rewards. As a Hispanic business owner, I know that building a business takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I also believe that supporting one another makes all the difference. Whether it’s recommending a local business, sharing a social media post, or simply spreading the word, even small gestures can have a big impact.

I’m incredibly grateful to be part of Kenner’s Hispanic community. I believe that when we celebrate each other’s successes and support one another’s dreams, we don’t just help individual businesses grow, we make our entire community stronger."

On how to best reach the Hispanic community as a new business owner:

"I believe the best way to reach the Hispanic community in Kenner is by building genuine relationships, getting involved in the community, and earning people’s trust. Social media, community events, and connecting with other local business owners are great ways to introduce yourself and grow your business.

My advice to new business owners is to be patient, stay consistent, and never be afraid to put yourself out there. Focus on providing great service, supporting others, and building meaningful connections. When you genuinely care about your community, the support and opportunities will follow."

When asked about her goals for the next few years as her business and following continues to grow: 

"One of my main goals for the coming years is to continue growing, reach more people in our Hispanic community, and keep encouraging women to take care of their physical and emotional health through exercise. After so many years of doing what I love, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing how many of my students have changed their habits, fallen in love with exercise, and learned the importance of making time for their well-being. I would love to continue inspiring more women to take that first step and show them that it is never too late to start taking care of themselves.

Another one of my goals is to continue sharing my work with a wider audience and reaching new generations, helping more people understand that exercise does not have to be boring or feel like an obligation. Through music, dance, and the energy of my classes, I want to show them that taking care of our health can also be a fun and rewarding experience.
I want to continue doing what I love for as long as I can, leaving a positive impact on the lives of the people who are part of this community. If there is one thing these 15 years have taught me, it's that we never know how far something that begins with a dream and a genuine love for what we do can go.
I am truly grateful for every woman who has been part of this journey and for all those who continue to stand by my side. My dream is to keep growing alongside them, inspiring more people, and showing that when we come together, support one another, and work toward our well-being, we can accomplish great things.

To me, true success is not measured only by the number of people who attend my classes, but by the lives I can inspire and the difference I can make in my community."