LARGAESPADA INSPIRATIONAL

the while, Lionel also works as the director of marketing at Benicia-based F3 & Associates.

How does he balance being a good father with everything else? “I do the best that I can, and it isn’t always easy, but I do my best to put [my daughters] first. The role of a dad is to be present, physically and mentally. For me, that means being in the front row of every dance performance and making sure to be there to say goodnight every night,” he answers.

Lionel shares that parenting is “as terrifying as it is joyful.” He stresses that his and Jennifer’s approach to parenting revolves around the specific responsibility of shaping their daughters’ vision of the world, and never losing sight of what an awesome responsibility that is. Lionel hopes that his leading by example – diving headfirst into what he’s passionate about – will inspire his girls to do the same. His philosophy is never about perfection, but about encouraging them to be persistent and do the best they can. So far, the lessons seem to be working. Both Graciela and Viviana grew up dancing. Graciela, now 18, still dances and is set to pursue studies in public health at Arizona State in the fall. Viviana is still in high school and is pursuing her own passions as an artist, baker, and musician.

Lionel shares his hope that his daughters will remember him as someone who loved them, who gave them everything, and was also kind to everyone he met. “That’s how I spend my days as a father. Providing that example.” He finishes our interview with some learned fatherly wisdom: “Listen first. Lead by example. They don’t like to be preached to.” Hats off to Lionel for being the embodiment of his family’s dreams, for fostering our community, and for his thoughtful views on parenting. B