Mercedes Badia-Tavas: I Am Barnes & Thornburg

I AM...

• A Cuban by birth, an American through experience and passport, and an ever-striving global citizen always looking for a place to visit
• A former synchronized swimmer of my college club
• The mother of an award-winning biotech designer and an aspiring activist artist who both intend to make their mark on the world
• A traveler from a young age. I received a suitcase at age 8 to use for travel and exploring. I’ve owned many permutations of this suitcase since.
• A recent RV owner planning new upgrades and our next trip across the country
• A former NYC dweller who lived in Long Island City when it was a hidden corner of Queens. Cheap rent with proximity to the hustle of Manhattan. 
• A daughter of two Cuban parents who returned to Cuba at 34, for the first time after leaving, while pregnant with my oldest child
• Married to a Filipino financier and artist who immigrated to the U.S. on an L-2 visa with his parents. His father was an engineer for Wrigley.
• A lover of music who enjoys dancing – salsa, merengue, rumba, and cha-cha but I also like the swing, boogie, shag (a Southern dance) and Cajun French dancing (visit Louisiana to experience it)
• A painter who is a bit out of practice. Our house is full of art from many artists, as we buy art when we travel.

This profile appeared in the April 2022 edition of I Am Barnes & Thornburg.

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