Today, January 20th, 2009, was a great day in history, and I was fortunate to witness the magic with one hundred of my colleagues in a presentation theater at our headquarters at Mattel. We were clapping and cheering like we were all right there in Washington. I felt we were united and connected by our feelings of overwhelming happiness, hope, and pride for this country and its new leader. We were celebrating for him and for ourselves.
I have never been motivated by politics, but this election was different. I don't view what is happening as a political event, but rather I see this moment in history as a massive social movement toward change and the reinvention of this country and the world. I felt that Obama's speech was speaking personally to each of us; it was a call to every one of us to reach our maximum potential, as a country and as individuals, and not to settle for less. I'm proud to be here, to be an American, and to be a Mexican. I'm ready to take on President Obama's challenge--and the risks and rewards that come along when you follow your dreams. I'm ready for change.