This week’s Face of Northeast is Daniel Garcia-Roman, a lifelong Northeast resident and current student at UMKC.

Garcia-Roman, who studies studio art and Spanish, plans to pursue his Master in Art Education after completing his bachelor’s degree to become an art teacher in the future. Most recently, he started working at Mattie Rhodes Center as a youth advocate, where he teaches art to children.

As an artist, Garcia-Roman has created artwork for local businesses by painting murals or lettering.

In his free time, Garcia-Roman enjoys being involved in the community through different non-profits, spending time with family and friends, and drawing.

“I like going to Sheffield Park, I go there to jog, but sometimes I do go there to draw,” Garcia-Roman said in response to his favorite place in Northeast.

“The Northeast has been like without a doubt, a home,” he said. “That it doesn’t matter what background and what experiences you’ve had. You’re just kind-of accepted and that’s what everyone needs, acceptance. Sometimes there’s divisions, but for the most part, there’s unity.”