SANDRA NAVARRO DAVALOS
City: Paterson, NJ
“I’m the Manager, Community Relations for the Cosmos and the oldest daughter of Peruvian immigrants. I was raised in Paterson. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I returned home to serve my community—leading community initiatives with the Cosmos and founding Festejo Fusion, an Afro-Peruvian dance group.
“To be from here, to be from Paterson, means resilience—working hard, pushing past stereotypes and low expectations, and turning adversity into pride, culture and strength.
“Soccer has always been in our blood, from being wrapped in my dad’s treasured Alianza jersey as a baby to games playing constantly in our home. Soccer brought me closer to my dad, and to our common heritage.
“For me, the Cosmos represent community opportunity, and for my dad they represent legacy. He grew up watching his local club in Peru, and now I support a historic team minutes from home.”
