Hola chicos, ¿cómo están? Welcome back to our latest episode of Empowermente. Today, I’m super excited to share some valuable lessons I’ve learned during my first year of entrepreneurship, as well as things I wish I had known when I was starting out. Buckle up because there’s a lot to unpack! Financial Realities First things first, when you start a
In today’s economy, relying solely on your 9-to-5 job is risky. The reality is, no matter how loyal you are, to most companies, you’re just a number. The recent wave of layoffs is proof that job security is an illusion. So, if they won’t take care of you, it’s time to take care of yourself. That’s why building multiple streams
The Journey to STEM and Entrepreneurship One of the reasons I love speaking to college students is because I see a reflection of my own journey in them. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to fields like engineering and STEM. Like many others, I didn’t realize the vast possibilities a STEM degree could offer, including the potential to start a business
Today, I want to share a truth that has become clear to me: you can’t separate professional growth from personal growth. The more you advance in your personal journey, the more abundance you’ll unlock in your business and career. This is a lesson I learned firsthand during a pivotal moment in my life. In April 2023, I was invited to
Hola chicos, welcome! Welcome to Empowermente, the headquarters of Latina Empowerment. I’m Gina Moreno, and I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you. This is our very first episode, and I’m so excited to look back at this one day and see how much we’ve evolved. If you’re here, know that I don’t take it for granted. Thank you
I am beyond thrilled to share the success of our very first event under Generation Pionera, EmpowerMinds: Mental Health and STEM Summit! As part of our mission to empower Hispanic and first-generation students, this event marked a significant milestone in our journey. EmpowerMinds was a dynamic and transformative event designed to inspire and empower middle school students through an engaging
Introduction Volunteering at events that support and uplift our community always brings a sense of fulfillment and joy. Most recently, I had the privilege of being part of the Migratory Student Summer Academy (MSSA) at Arizona State University (ASU). This experience not only allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause but also reinforced the importance of such programs in
Introduction: Facilitating SER National STEM Day I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in SER National STEM Day as a facilitator. This event brought together passionate individuals dedicated to promoting STEM education within our community. As a first-generation Latina and a former engineer, being part of this initiative was both inspiring and rewarding. I’m excited to share this experience
Hi Familia! I’m excited to bring to light one of the projects I have been working on for the last few months…. As a first-generation Latina with humble beginnings, I knew that I wanted to create a broader impact in my community. This desire fuels a lot of what I do, such as content creation and public speaking, but I
Hola a todos! 🌟 After posting about Generation Pionera, I received several questions about the structure of my business. When I embarked on the journey to create my business, my heart was set on establishing a nonprofit organization. The dream was to make a profound impact and serve the community. As I explored this path, I had the privilege of
Embarking on the path as a first-generation individual often means charting unknown territories, carrying the weight of ancestral hopes, and bridging cultures. Inspired by Alejandra Campoverdi’s enlightening book, “First Gen,” I delve into the seven trailblazer tolls that many of us face. These aren’t just obstacles; they’re badges of our resilience and complexity. 1. Invisible Inheritances: We carry emotional and
Growing up, I was taught to aim for the stars—a directive I took to heart. By 23, I had not only graduated college with a degree in industrial engineering but had also earned my master’s degree. My ambition didn’t stop at academia; it propelled me into diverse experiences, from giving a TED talk aimed at empowering Latinas in STEM and
For years, I brushed off certain habits and reactions as just part of who I am—a bit quirky, somewhat forgetful, and often running on a different wavelength than everyone else. It wasn’t until my journey into understanding ADHD that I realized these weren’t mere quirks; they were symptoms of living with undiagnosed ADHD. Let me share with you the everyday
The Virtual Confessional The day of my ADHD diagnosis was a collision of fear and hope. As a Latina, I grappled with the cultural stigmas around mental health, fearing judgment and misunderstanding. Yet, the virtual space became my confessional, a place where my experiences and fears were met with validation and understanding. My doctor’s assurance felt like a beacon of
Beneath the Surface of Success On the outside, my life read like a series of achievements: graduating with honors from high school, obtained various leadership roles in university, and a promising start in the tech industry. As a Latina, the pride in these accomplishments was not just mine but my family’s—a testament to our resilience and hard work. Yet, beneath
Intergenerational trauma is a silent thread woven into the fabric of many families, particularly pronounced among Latino immigrants. This community faces unique challenges that span across generations, from the first wave of immigrants to their descendants today. Understanding and addressing these deep-rooted issues is crucial for healing and forging a resilient future. The Legacy of Trauma in Latino Families Below
Navigating the intricacies of job negotiations can be daunting, especially when you’re eyeing the higher end of a proposed salary range. Recently, I had the privilege of assisting my best friend in clinching a salary that was 30% above her initial offer, all thanks to a strategic approach rooted in understanding her worth and the art of asking. My friend,
Last week, I had the privilege of being invited to the 7th Biannual Latino Health Summit by the Hispanic Health Coalition and Harris County Public Health and discuss a very needed topic – the mental health challenges within the Latino community. As I navigated the summit in Houston, I found myself enveloped in a wave of inspiration, surrounded by individuals
As a first-generation Latina from a low-income background, securing my financial future after higher education became a top priority for me. I’m passionate about sharing this journey with college students and young professionals aiming for financial freedom before retirement. Here’s why considering ventures outside your primary job can be a game-changer: 1. Financial Security and Risk Reduction: In today’s job
Recently I went on my first solo trip abroad, and last year I lived in Mexico City alone for a few months (also I’ve done countless business trips on my own.) Here are mistakes I would not commit again: I hope these helped. If you are interested in having a girls group trip, I’m hosting a trip next April. Sign up
Trust me, if I can pack efficiently for a 4-week trip to Europe, you can learn how to stop overpacking too. First of all, why should we consider taking only a carry-on and a personal item when we can always check in a bag at the airport? It’s simple: it makes carrying your items a breeze, saves you from check-in
After leaving Microsoft, I was overwhelmed by the support and happiness from many of my friends and peers, however many of them might not have known that I was venturing into a whole new realm beyond the world of Tech and Engineering (it felt a bit like my own Hannah Montana moment). I got a lot of questions as to
As a first-generation Latina from a low-income background, securing my financial future after higher education became a top priority. I was raised in a traditional household, and I’m passionate about sharing this journey with college students and young professionals as a latina speaker and educator to those aiming for financial freedom before retirement. I went from living in government- assisted
I worked at Microsoft for 4 years, and I was a big advocate for people to join the Tech industry (I still am), and maybe you were thinking, “Wow, she’s really living the dream,” and in some ways, I was. Working remotely from wherever I wanted, making 6-figures, having a stable paycheck, and frankly, not working too hard. All of
Gina is a Latinas and First Gen guidebook to Self-advocacy, professional success and becoming an unapologetic trailblazer.
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