As the youngest of six siblings, Diana was raised with a strong sense of pride in her “Spanish” heritage. However, she always felt there was more to her family history, a curiosity that would lead her down a profound path of discovery. In 2012, Diana began researching her family history in earnest. For years, she had asked older family members about their lineage but received few answers. This changed during a visit to the Texana & Genealogy Department at the local library, where she uncovered her first ancestral connection listed as “Indio de está Mission.” This discovery sparked her ongoing quest to learn more about her heritage. Over the following years, Diana uncovered Native American ancestors on both her maternal and paternal lines, including a deep connection to the original inhabitants of the San Antonio Missions.

As a proud Lipan Apache and Mission Descendant, Diana’s journey of self-discovery led her to realize the profound importance of preserving and sharing the Native American history tied to her family. She is especially proud to be the great-granddaughter of Damasio de la Cruz, the last Indian governor of Mission San Jose.

Diana is married with two children and has built a career as a licensed Real Estate Agent, specializing in the South Side of San Antonio. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, further researching genealogy, and sharing the rich Native American history of the San Antonio Missions. Diana’s dedication to her roots and her unwavering passion for educating others about the often-overlooked legacy of her ancestors drives her work with San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants, where she continues to empower others to explore their own heritage and celebrate the legacy of the San Antonio Missions.