Meet Daisha Francis, a bright and dynamic senior wrapping up her final year at Sahuaro High School. Known for her love of music, makeup, video games, and signature sense of humor, Daisha brings heart and style to everything she does. But what truly makes her stand out is her cultural background and her pride in her heritage.
Daisha comes from a blended family—her mother is from Panama, and her father is from Mozambique. “…Panamanian culture is a mix of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences,” she explained. “My dad is from Mozambique, which is home to Swahili, Islamic, and Bantu traditions all coexisting together.” These cultures, while different in geography and history, both contribute deeply to Daisha’s identity.
While both sides of her heritage are meaningful, Daisha admits she feels more connected to her Panamanian roots. “My mom’s side of the family keeps in touch with our traditions and celebrates them often,” she says. “My dad came to the U.S. when he was 13, so he feels a little more disconnected from his culture.”
One of Daisha’s favorite parts of her Panamanian culture is the celebration of unique holidays. “Mother’s Day is on December 8th instead of May, and we celebrate two Independence Days—one from Spain and one from Colombia,” she explained. She also enjoys quinceañeras, the celebration of a girl’s transition into adulthood.
Food is another powerful way Daisha connects with her roots. She knows how to cook several traditional Panamanian dishes, including hojaldres (fried bread), patacones (fried plantains), sancocho (a hearty stew), and tamales. “I also know a little about Mozambican food, but I’m still learning,” she added. When it comes to language, Daisha is much more fluent in Spanish than Portuguese, which naturally deepens her connection to the Panamanian side of her family.
Outside of her cultural background, Daisha keeps herself busy. She works as a waitress at a retirement home, a job she enjoys thanks to the warm, welcoming residents. Though she isn’t involved in school clubs, she’s full of life outside the classroom and loves spending time with her best friend, Madyson Patty. “Anything I do with Madyson is automatically a favorite memory,” she said. “We always have fun, whether we’re thrifting or getting ice cream.”
Looking ahead, Daisha plans to attend Pima Community College to complete her prerequisites before joining the Air Force National Guard, where she hopes to become a diagnostic imager. But first, she’s excited to enjoy one last carefree summer.
As she prepares for the next chapter, Daisha carries with her not just memories of high school but a strong sense of identity rooted in culture, family, and love.
