Family
My greatest treasure is my family
Thank you for your interest in learning about my family. My family is my greatest treasure, and I’m happy to share a very personal side of my life with you.
How do I know my husband?
I am the luckiest woman in the world. In 2009, I reconnected with an old friend from high school, David Szostak. David was a quarterback, and I was the captain of the soccer team at Bolingbrook High. We never dated back then—we were just great friends with a genuine respect for one another.
After graduation, we went our separate ways for college (Bradley University for him, Northeast Missouri State for me) and didn’t see each other again until our 10-year reunion in 2000.
Destined to be married
At that 10-year reunion, David was living on the West Coast, and I was a newly elected Illinois State Representative. We didn’t cross paths again until November 2009—19 years after high school graduation—when David, newly back in Chicago, saw a Facebook post and came to my political fundraiser at The Shambles in Wicker Park. It was wonderful to see him.
We quickly discovered a crazy coincidence: we were both wearing the exact same “family ring.” Destiny? Ask us the full story next time you see us! By August 2011, we were engaged, and we married on December 17, 2011. David is the love of my life, my rock, and my greatest source of energy. In 2012, we were blessed with our amazing son, David Quinten.
Family backgrounds
My family
As a first-generation Mexican American, I am the proud daughter of Joaquin and Susana H. Mendoza. My father passed away in 1995, but he remains a massive inspiration in my life. Thankfully, my wonderful mother is still with us at 90—she is an absolute firecracker and continues to inspire me every day.
I’m the youngest of three siblings. My oldest brother, Joaquin, is on duty disability as a Chicago Police Detective Sergeant, and my brother Carlos made me the proud aunt of two wonderful nieces and nephews, Spenser and Gracie.
David Szostak’s family
My husband, David, is one of nine children! His parents, Helene and Edward Szostak, are absolutely incredible and have been happily married for 60 years. David’s siblings—Anne Marie, Eddie, Kristine, Jimmy, Andy, Jillene, Ben, and Brian—all love each other beyond belief and stay in constant touch.
I am not exaggerating when I say we have the most awesome Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers ever. I love being part of their family, and they treat my mom and brothers as an extension of their own family. I am truly blessed.
Our family
Our son, David, is one of 18 grandchildren, so he’s never at a loss for a playmate! Spending time with our little guy is our favorite thing in the world. His dad has loved coaching him through six seasons of baseball, while Little David and I are avid Pokémon hunters, and I’ve had a blast helping coach his past soccer teams. He’s a fantastic CPS student who loves math and wants to be a scientist or engineer.
My two Davids and I live in the historic Portage Park neighborhood. In our spare time, we stay active—riding bikes, snowboarding, hiking, catching live music, camping, and traveling. Thank you for learning more about my greatest inspiration: my family.