Creativity, perseverance and a passion for storytelling have guided Juliana Delgado’s journey since she graduated from Moraine Valley in 2010. She developed a love for photography, became a published author and used these pursuits to inspire others.
Delgado continued her education at Elmhurst University and graduated in 2021 with an MBA. Still, her passion for photography became a meaningful creative outlet for her as she focused on preserving life’s most meaningful moments. Over the years, she has photographed families, seniors and special events while continuously refining her artistic style.
While photography is an important part of her life, it is not her only creative outlet. Delgado is a published author for her book, “Ivan, The Boy Next Door With Autism,” a deeply personal story inspired by her experiences as a mother and advocate for her autistic son. Available for purchase on Amazon, it features black-and-white photographs Delgado captured herself, offering readers a glimpse of her son’s world while promoting greater awareness, compassion and acceptance for the autism community.
Writing the book challenged her to be open and vulnerable, and she hopes readers find encouragement in her experiences. “Through both photography and writing, my goal is to inspire others and preserve memories that last a lifetime,” Delgado said.
Delgado credits Moraine Valley with helping lay the foundation for both her personal and professional success. She said the college’s supportive instructors and welcoming environment gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and believe in her abilities.
“Moraine Valley gave me a strong foundation, both academically and personally,” she said. “It taught me the importance of hard work, lifelong learning and believing in my abilities. Those lessons continue to guide me in my career and creative pursuits today.”
Delgado continued, “I’m most proud of using photography to capture meaningful moments and of becoming an author and publishing my book. Our stories have the power to inspire, encourage and leave a lasting legacy.”
Delgado and her husband of 19 years, Christian Cruz, reside in Bridgeview with their two sons.
