It takes a team to bring Bishop TD Jakes' MegaFest or the NCAA Final Four to North Texas. Part of that team is Veronica Torres, director of business development with the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"Our job is to excite people about Dallas," said Torres. "You see the hotels full, you see basically all the lights on in the city and red carpet rolled out and you're like, 'Wow. I was a part of that.'"
The Austin native grew up with five brothers and sisters and values passed down through six generations of Texans.
"We go back to when Texas was Mexico, so [we're] pretty deep-rooted in Texas," said Torres. "The name Torres in Austin means hard work, servant and leadership."
Becoming a mother at a young age, Torres' resolve to follow her dreams deepened.
"My daughter has been the reason why I've actually decided to pursue the career that I've pursued," Torres said. "I felt there was opportunity [for her] to travel with me."
"Being Latino, we are huge on community and becoming servant leaders in our community. I was able to expose her to that."
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While climbing the often stressful corporate ladder, Torres discovered another passion.
"Yoga allows you to be in one place for yourself," Torres explained. "It allows you to breathe, how to use your breath to control your stress and anxiety."
Torres loved yoga so much, she and her husband Ade' Hazley opened the V12 Yoga studio in Downtown Dallas near the Farmers Market.
If you go inside, you'll see a reminder of her roots in the lobby -- a picture of her grandparents.
"They never allowed you to feel sorry for yourself," Torres said. "You were never allowed to say 'I can't'."
