From El Salvador to the Senate: A local business owner lives the American dream

When Maria Duran first came to the United States in 1995 from El Salvador, she was seeking a better life, and she embarked on a journey that would ultimately help her reach her American dream. “I started making food at home and selling it outside,” Duran said. Duran developed a passion for food and flavors when she was young, and was able to turn that passion into opportunity when she settled into her new home in the D.C. region. During the day, Duran would go to small businesses, salons, stores, soccer fields and pretty much anywhere else people wanted her food.