Luana is originally from Lima, Peru- where most of her family still lives. Luana Portales and her family live now in Raleigh, North Carolina, they love to try what the country has to offer. When she got 10 years old, she created her first dollhouse (elevator and pulleys included). The Peruvian girl learned art from her grandmother and math from her grandfather- who inspired her to take robotic classes in the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería ( being the only girl in the class). Portales has been in 12 different schools since first grade, which makes her adapt in different environments very quickly. 2016 was a big year for the “Peruana”, she moved to the USA. This meant learning English and a different culture. She learned English by herself in 3 months by watching Netflix. The cultural shock and language are still stories that she and her family still laugh about. This same year she learned about Buddhism, and became a vegetarian- which made her start to cook for the first time in her life. Since she does not have the same interests with her family, she makes her own way to learn things that she loves, such as playing the ukulele or learning about different cultures and religions. She would like to become an Architect and a Journalist someday. As a Latina, she wants to break the stereotypes that have been given to her community, by following the American dream. Her latest projects include to tutor Math in The Boys and Girls Club, and to  teach English to native Spanish Speakers, including her mom and best friends.