Corporate Cafecito

S9 E 15 You Don’t Need Permission to Belong with Michele Martinez

Nallely Suárez Gass & Carlos Butler Vale Season 9 Episode 15

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0:00 | 20:31

✨☕️ She’s back, and honestly, this conversation stayed with me in such a real way. 🤎

Michele Martinez came back to Corporate Cafecito, and this time we talked about something that so many of us carry quietly: what it feels like to be Latina and not speak Spanish. 🇲🇽💬

That shame.
That hesitation.
That feeling of wondering if you are “Latina enough” because you were never taught the language, or because you understand more than you can speak, or because someone made you feel small for trying. 🤍

What I loved about this conversation is how honest Michele was about her journey. She shared what it felt like to grow up with a Mexican last name, to have people assume she spoke Spanish, and to feel caught between worlds. Not white enough. Not Mexican enough. Not fully sure where she belonged. And I know she is not the only one who has felt that. 🌎✨

I believe our cultura should never be used as a test. It should be something that brings us closer to each other. We should not shame people for what they were not taught. We should celebrate the effort, the curiosity, the connection, and the desire to come home to community in whatever way that looks like. 🫶🏽🌱

One of the most beautiful parts of this conversation was hearing Michele talk about slowly finding her confidence, sitting with other Latinas at work, and realizing she was welcomed the whole time. Sometimes belonging does not start with everyone else giving you permission. Sometimes it starts with you finally believing, “I belong here too.” ☕️🤎✨

This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned if they were enough.

You are. 🤍

You belong in this comunidad.
Tu historia importa.
Your voice matters. 🗣️✨

Grab your cafecito and join us for this conversation. ☕️

Watch the episode here:
www.corpcafecito.com

If this episode finds the person who has been quietly wondering if they are “Latina enough,” I hope it reminds them: you are, and you always have been. 🤎✨

#CorporateCafecito #LatineLeadership #LatinaIdentity #Belonging #RepresentationMatters #CultureAndCareer #Comunidad #CafecitoConPurpose

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If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com.

Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today.

Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. 

Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.