Vanesa Carrillo: From the Border to Tech and the Start of Latinas & Lattes

In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Carrillo, a first-generation Latina, product marketing manager at Microsoft, and founder of Latinas and Lattes, before she gets too big. We talk about navigating college, showing up in professional spaces, and finding our way through career and identity shifts.

Our conversation made me reflect on my own early 20s—especially now as I turn 30. We talk about growing up bilingual, being ESL kids, dealing with imposter syndrome, finding faith, and learning how to ask for help. Vanessa shares her journey from El Paso to Georgetown to working in tech, and how her experiences led her to create Latinas and Lattes, a nonprofit helping Latinas in Seattle connect and support one another.

We also talk about rejection, rest, and what it means to choose yourself when the world often expects you to shrink. Whether you're figuring things out at 23 or starting over at 30, this episode is your reminder that you're not behind—and you're definitely not alone and every Latino has their own story.

☕️ Enjoying the podcast? Support La Chismosa del Valle on Buy Me a Coffee so I can keep telling stories from our community. Every cafecito helps cover production costs and keeps this space going for everyday Latinos doing dope things.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:13

A first generation doctor recipient with just enough generals and training that make me sound legit. Here, I want to have honest conversations and make it a space to learn and connect about everything from culture and entertainment to tech and politics. So let's just start talking. Okay, really quick, before we get into today's episode with Vanessa Carrillo, I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who reached out after the last episode. Your messages truly meant a lot to me. Especially because, well, when I started this podcast, I really, really did not want to change my and it's frying up right now as we speak. My uh tone of voice. Yeah, I didn't want to change the dialect, I didn't want to change much of it because you know that's usually what they they kind of teach you in journalism school is, you know, work on your speech, work on this, you know, go up there and give us the best voice you have. And I love that, and I understand definitely why, you know, you need that. Um, but to me, the Valley Girl accent was always very, very important, especially because it was always kind of seen as like, oh, you're just not professional enough, or you know, they would kind of it would kind of seem as like a they would make fun of us, like we sounded dumb. Um, and so I got a message that said, it was honestly refreshing listening to someone who sounds like me, especially living in a white city talking about issues that directly affect us. And I think honestly, when I read that, I it was like, this is this is I don't know if she's talking about, you know, how passionate me and my friend are about this topic and conversation or just like our vocal or vocals, right? This person's also from California. And so I was just like, yeah, this is really important. This is why I did that. Like, because if you grow up in Los Angeles and then you grow up in the surrounding of Los Angeles, well then you know. You if you know, you know. You know, if you're not from Los Angeles, if you're not from California, then you have no idea what the F we're talking about. You're basing everything off the media and off whatever Hollywood is uh showing you. And I'm gonna tell you that, like, it's it like I don't know, it's beautiful. It's it's beautiful and it's dirty and it's at the same time. I don't know how to tell you this, okay? But yeah, that message really it really meant a lot to me. And it was really funny. My I adopted a Theo Rick here. My he was one of the very few Latinos that would go into the bar when I was bartending. And yeah, we just got along because I just love connecting like with other Latinos who also just want to, you know, learn more about their story and their history, especially if they grew up in a state or in a town that was majority white, and a lot of our history is uh hidden. And so, you know, I shared this episode with my Theo Rick, and he's like, when I was listening to your guys' voice, I couldn't tell who was who. He's like, I had to remember, okay, she's talking about the bar and she's talking about marketing. And so I thought it was really funny. And I'm like, I don't know, I love it. I love my accent, I don't want it to go anywhere, but I guess if I have to, it will have to. Okay, you know that, because you was chiquita and Stanished, and nothing said I obviously regardless, that message really, really meant a lot to me. And thank you. But yeah, I think that's just like a good example on you know why it's so important to find your voice and learn how to use it and not be afraid to use it. You know, your voice is so important. Even if it fries up and it cracks, mine cracks all the time. I also really, really, really, really want to thank because um, you guys, as you guys know, I it's not a fun time for me right now. I use actually, if you guys can notice, I have a new mic. I used my last couple of bucks to get myself a new mic because my last one broke. And with that said, I actually really, really want to thank those who uh helped contribute to La Chismosa del Valle through Buy Me a Coffee. Uh, you guys really helped keep this show going. Like, really, for real. It's one of the reasons that I could release this right now. And yeah, so a special shout out to my girls medium, Sully and Haley. You girls are all independent artists. You also get the struggle, you get it. You know, Haley is an independent journalist as well. My girl Sully is an artisan artist. I had to say it like that. I'm so sorry. I don't know why I have to like put in the little, the little uh accent. What the f. And then yeah, and you guys met my girl medium last week or two weeks ago. So thank you, girls. Um, I really, really appreciate that. And I cannot wait to see what all of you, all of us, do, and you know, supporting each other, girls supporting each other. We love that. Another person I want to thank is Vanessa herself. She is the guest on my show for this episode. Some of my personal friends may not know her yet, but this is the girl I can feel like we're all gonna be working for someday, and I think that's why I felt a little rushed to publish this episode as soon as possible. Vanessa is founder of Latinas and Lattes, which is a nonprofit organization that helps Latinas connect with one another and empowers them by hosting events from coffee dates to workshops that could be anything from like real estate or you know how to get into grad school. It's been a great way for people who are new to Seattle to make friends because the Seattle freeze is very real and it's very hard to meet people who are open to change, I guess. But this has been a really great way to find other, you know, fun, wonderful people who are also looking for other Latinas to connect. You know, not everybody in the chat is from out of town. A lot of people just grew up in Washington and are just generally wanting to connect with more Latinas, and I think that this chat has been great for that. It's also been great for small business owners. In fact, when I dropped that I was gonna be doing more independent things, everyone was so supportive. And Vanessa even reached out to see if I needed any help with marketing, and I was like, actually, girl, I was going to talk to you and see if you would be down to come on the show because I think you are a baddie in tech, which I now know we can thank Raven Simone for. And she was so kind and she said yes, and took time out of her very busy schedule to have this interview and just give us her story on how she overcame some struggles in school and is now working in corporate marketing. But yes, this was recorded way back in May, and honestly, I should have asked her how she makes time for herself actually, because as soon as I got out of phone with her, my life just got extremely hectic. And very last minute, like a lot of things in entertainment, I, you know, had the opportunity to go and fly back to LA and help at Lalif, which is a film festival for Latino filmmakers. Since leaving the industry, it can feel a little sad to not be so close to it anymore. So I try to find things that I can do to participate, but I did only have like one week to figure out like how am I gonna afford this and how am I gonna feed myself while I'm there. Luckily, I grew up in California and never had money, so it did not feel any different being there with very little money and I already knew how to survive. And shout out to the film festival for feeding us because oh well, that's how I survived my week, and I snuck into the after parties, and so I didn't have to pay for drinks. No, but on a serious note, thank you, Lalif, for the opportunity. And I hope to be welcome back next year. And I'm sorry to all the bartenders that I could not tip. I hope they tipped well. Um, and then as soon as I got back, I got let go, and then the ice ratings happened, and I was just kind of frozen. To be fair, I think I was also coming out of like a bit of a hypomanic episode, and it has just kind of been like a really weird time right now. Like time is just weird. Um, on top of that, I also had to make like kind of an executive decision. Like eventually I was like, wait, hold on, this is kind of my show. Um, because when it with everything going on with the ratings and everything, I was like, I have to bring on medium. This is you know timely when it comes to news. And honestly, I think it fits the format of my show now because I feel like if I started off with this episode, I would have just come on here and sounded a little manic. And now that you have a little context about what happened in my last episode, I think you can listen to this episode and understand like why I'm talking so fast, I guess. Also, at the end of the day, like I really think you know, Vanessa and I we touched on faith in this episode. And I'm not gonna cry. I'm not gonna cry. Um I'm not gonna cry because it's a good thing. Turning 30 is such a good thing, you know. And I think when I if I could go back and just like tell tell my 23-year-old to sell something, is um one, uh, do not be too quick to judge anybody who is 29 and not in a place where society expects them to be because uh life is gonna humble you, girl. But also do not be afraid to ask questions and accept help. Maybe this will make sense to you guys uh towards the end of the episode, but that was me. If you know me, I have uh ever since I was in you know a kid, I have had a hard time asking for help and even asking questions because in my household I was already supposed to know that, and if I didn't know that, then para que fuiste a la escuela, you know, and so yeah, I look back at my early 20s, like I feel like last week was a reflection of just looking back at my 20s, and you know, right now I'm not exactly in the place I want to be. You know, nobody wants to be 30 and unemployed. Um, but it is also, I feel like the push that I had needed and always needed, and I also think about timing because you know, when I was 23 years old, I was entry level in a one of my dream corporate companies, and at the same time, I remember having to make a really hard decision, even just going into that dream company because I was gonna take a pay cut. I was working at an attorney's office as a legal assistant, and for once I was making money that I can actually like support myself and at least pay my rent. And I just remember, you know, getting the job interview and then getting the job and being told one, it's gonna be temporary, you know, two, we're not gonna pay you that much, but you know, you have potential to grow and all that stuff. And I remember being so torn because you know, you grew up in an immigrant household, you know, Tienda Zinano, you know, and so you know that like taking a pay cut is like the dumbest thing you could fucking do. But at the same time. But at the same time, you know, I was working towards my dream and I knew that like how this company would look on my resume could open up the doors for the future, right? I guess I just was also just not expecting everything that kind of happens after you turn 25. And you know, I finally did accept help and finally got the proper diagnosis. But with that, it was also, you know, hey, you have been overworking yourself. Like, congratulations, like you've been going to school, working two jobs, and doing an internship, but that's like actually what is killing you. And um, you know, sometimes it takes unfortunately something like that to also reflect and be like, oh my god, yeah, I I'm working so much in my family, because like now I'm not even enjoying it. I'm not even enjoying time with my friends, I don't even see my family, and you know, like I do want my dream and I do, but at the same time it's like taking such a toll on me. And that didn't say like I gave up, you know, but I had to learn how to rest. I had to learn how to rest, and it's something that in the Latino community we don't get taught, you know? And so I guess the last couple of years I have just been maybe not the best, like my work ethic has not been the best, but at the same time, like lo masqueria disfruta mis ultimos años and these like I just wanted to chill. I still managed to get myself into the rooms I got myself into, regardless. I still had worked really hard, I still got my degree. Even when everybody was like, you shouldn't go to school, this is so dumb, just get into working something like todavía lo hice, you know? And that was kind of my reflection last week, still. Like, that's kind of why I wanted to bring Vanessa on the show as well, because I think it's really important to know and understand that every Latino has their own story, every Latino has their own path. And I think the United States are usually white people like to clutter us into one. And we're not, like, we're all very, very different. And hopefully, you guys can listen to this interview and you guys can see like we both had very different stories, but we share the same struggles. And you know, at the end of the day, like when they tell us no, like we still push through, you know, we still find a way. Algo que me dijo my amiga when I in Los Angeles, like, I love you, bestie, my bestie Bianca, shout out to her too. And she was like, you know, America, like you have always had to strategize your entire life, you know? And girl, I know I'm not saying like word by word, like what you're saying, but like this is what I took from it. Because I was undocumented, I've always had to strategize my entire life, and so have to I've I've had to learn to, you know, either find the loopholes over or find a way to get what I want when I'm being told no, you know? And I think sometimes that can uh change my little attitude as well, you know, because something I learned is that I was just in survivor mode, and honestly, that stuff sucks. So honestly, thank you, Vanessa, for taking your time and speaking with me because I just want you to know that while I was asking these questions and just interviewing you, I almost felt like I needed to be mentored by you. I was like, this is what I think I need to be mentored by her, and that's like honestly just something that like I was afraid to ask for in college. And so I look at you and the younger generation of people who are coming up and starting organizations and empowering other Latinos, and I love it. I mean, this is what I wish I could have been doing in my early 20s. It's just every time, you know, I tried to get into organizing, like the social justice anger would come out, which is a little bit of my ancestors calling me, and a little bit of the bipolar. So it was a lot, but I know that like if I, you know, had Vanessa's positive energy, I'd probably been, I probably would have been CEO of NBC and Disney by now. Just saying, just saying, just saying. Maybe I'm maybe I'm maybe we're talking a little, maybe that's semantic in me. But one thing that I have really appreciated is, you know, my friends who have seen the hard work I have done because here I feel like I I'm just not working as hard. But I know back home it was, you know, work, work, work, which is also just the difference between LA and Seattle's mentality. So yeah, thank you, Vanessa, again for starting this organization and just speaking with me because you did actually make me get off my ass, basically. Um, and I really, really needed that. Um, and as far as for networking, uh, your space is also giving me a place to learn how to network because I was a kid at the family parties that like wasn't coming out of her room. And often it was because I was always constantly being criticized by my mom's friends and I just didn't really want to deal with it. And another word, it's just like I was just really shy, right? And I hate that I brought that into my adulthood because growing up, you know, networking is like big, big, big. They like emphasize that in school. And I was in an industry where I grew up with people who wanted to work in the entertainment industry, work in the entertainment industry, or have family in the entertainment industry. And when you grow up with hardworking parents who are janitors and they don't have any connections into the industry, you know, you have to work 10 times harder, but then you also get put into these settings, and then sometimes I don't know, I personally feel like my manners just go out the window. I know I'm like really excited to be talking to someone and be there, but I'm also like freaking out on the inside. And so I either like talk too much to kind of avoid that, or I don't, and it just it's a thing. And then I start like trying to pick up social cues, and it's just not, it's not fun when you're, you know, and you're a divergent baddie. And on top of that, I just feel like sometimes that industry gets toxic because they only care about names and money, which I know that is everywhere, but it really does ruin a lot of the arts sometimes. I would say is why I feel like everybody's complaining about movies, like we're not getting good movies and all that stuff. There's a whole system that has made it very hard for very talented creators and people who have great ideas to just, you know, land there. So that was that's another reason why I was very excited when I heard about Lelif, the film festival, because again, they match my values. They're also about helping Latinos reach their goals in a system that makes it very, very hard for us to move up. So I'm finally gonna stop talking and we're gonna get into our interview. I don't have any advice or mentoring things to tell you guys because I don't really feel like I'm the best to do that right now. So I will just, if you know anybody there is like freaking out about turning 30, I'm just gonna tell you guys what my boss told me when I came up to her with my dilemma about, you know, leaving my legal assistant job to work for my dream corporate company. And, you know, she told me that my 20s are meant to be broke and that I was supposed to make really hard decisions, but that your 30s do get better, and for the most part, the money starts flowing and you have a better, clear sense of direction of what you want in life. And honestly, I just really needed that at that time because again, I I was afraid to ask for help. So hearing that just gave me the ease I needed, and I just kept telling myself that every time I had to make a hard decision in my 20s. And now, yeah, I'm 30 and I have, you know, a much, much better direction of what I want. Something that I've always actually always wanted, just didn't really even know how to get there. I've never been fired, and so maybe you do need to get fired to get to where you want to be. And yeah, the only thing I can say, guys, uh, have fun, enjoy your 20s. If you have money, like enjoy it. If you don't have money, enjoy that too, because it's not cute when you're 30 and broke. Um, but yeah, just have fun, enjoy it, you know. And I would say always just choose you, I guess, because men come and go, but this is your life, this is your future, you know. And I also have like fallen in and out of love and made decisions by yourself that and like at the end of the day, it's like we're here, you know. So, and this is just to anybody, it's not even to her, like Vanessa herself. If she wants to take it, she can take it. But I can't wait to see where you are when you are 30. I can see you doing great things, and then you know what? If you do new two rests, that's cool too. By the way, I remembered the question I actually wanted to ask you, kind of as a joke, but also seriously when you told me what school you went to. Do you know Kara Swisher? Only asking because I love her and she's like one of my favorite tech journalists. So I don't know. Just saying, I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just gonna share her story now.

SPEAKER_00 19:44

Yeah, what made you want to start this podcast? Because I I love this idea. Like, I haven't seen too many like Latino podcasts, but I don't know if we get into it later, bit of yeah, no, oh my god, yes.

SPEAKER_01 19:56

Uh basically, kind of like I feel like you and I are gonna relate on the same reasons on why we started what we started. It was the same thing. I felt like growing up, I would hear or listen to a lot of Latino media and a lot of um English, both English and Spanish media. I didn't feel well represented in English media though. Like I would see a lot of Latinos, but we were still kind of seen as like second-class citizens in the media. And so, and then in Spanish media, there was people, you know, obviously like Latinos, but I didn't see them be like dark skinned that much. So yeah, that kind of but the thing about me is like I always wanted to be radio anyways. Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. And so I never really wanted to be like on camera, but it's just nice to know that like, you know, we just think need more, like just taking up spaces, which is I think uh something that I learned yesterday. It was so nice to see you yesterday. I know, I loved it. I went in, I was kind of hoping to pitch something this year, but I went, I was dabbling between two business ideas that when it came down to it, I was like, let me just go see how they're doing, see what they're doing. And then I actually walked out with a much better idea, something that that kind of combines both of what I wanted, the things I want to do. And it was amazing because I got to talk to like um, I think she's she's on the board member, and so I I don't know, it was amazing just talking and networking. And she was the one that was like, you should really branch out and actually start doing this. This is actually a really good idea. And I'm like, I yeah, you're right. Like, why am I waiting for somebody else when I can just do it myself? So yes, then okay, that's a thing, but that like the podcast or so that's a lot. So right now, so I did want to start like a a media company, like a some something along that side of media or a creative agency. But at the same time, another thing that I was kind of looking into was like a kind of a speakeasy bar. However, there was a lot of things. Once I got into the alcohol industry, that I like learned that I was like, that's gonna make things so much difficult. But when I was talking to someone yesterday, they brought up, I was talking to them about the situation that I was that that was happening at work, and they were like, No, it makes sense. What you're trying to say makes sense. Why don't you just make something? Why don't you just make your own brand? Why don't you just make your own fear brand or something? Honestly. And I was, I would so love to see that. Yeah. And I was like, yeah, because I think there is like a lot of there's a good target audience for craft Latino lovers. And like there's just the whole thing. There's we we got really into it. And she walked out and she was like, You, I better see you pitching this uh this idea in October.

SPEAKER_00 22:38

I could see that. Wait, I could see that going to like Osade support in any way. Yeah, that would be so cool to see you there, Osade Keith, like full circle moment. Like you know, and then now you're like pitching. Are they doing another one in or are you going to the California?

SPEAKER_01 22:54

The I'm going to the Portland one. If I don't know when the LA one is, but if I could, because that's where originally, if I wanted to do the speakeasy, that's where I wanted it to be anyways. But so okay, about a year ago, I moved to Washington and I refused to make any friends because I was so stubborn and I most of delusional. And I'm like, in my head, money is gonna magically appear and I'm gonna move back to California. So there's no point in making friends. And then my mom was like, No, you need to get out of the house and start making friends. Go join like a Facebook group. And I dabbled along some Facebook groups. In a Facebook group, someone dropped a chat and was like, Hey, for any Latinos out there, we have this community, Latinos and Lattes. You guys should join. Follow us on Facebook, follow us on our WhatsApp channel, which I thought was very interesting at the time, but now I'm like, ooh, I love this. Now I'm here and I'm get to interview. Oh my god, this is exciting. Today I'm joined by Vanessa Carillo, a first-chain Latina and a product marketing manager in tech. She's also the founders of Latinas and Lattes, a community created to build friendships, spark conversations, and uplift other Latinas through fun, empowering meetups, and just shared experiences. So I'm really excited to just you know dive deep into your story today, Vanessa, and just get to know you a little bit. So tell us, Vanessa, how tell us where is your family from? Let's start with that.

SPEAKER_00 24:16

Where's your family from? Yeah, of course. Now, first of all, thank you so much again, America, for inviting me. It's honestly truly an honor to be like also interviewed um by another Latina who's trying to really make a mark on our community porque I feel like if we don't do it, if we don't do it, then who else is gonna do it and represent us? So to give you a little bit of background, so I was born in El Paso Tejas. I don't know if you know what El Paso Tejas is, but it's right near the border of Mexico, Sochihuahua Juarez. My parents are from there, from Mexico. I grew up kind of back and forth in both areas because my grandparents were from there, and so I grew up multiculturally in the border speaking Spanglish, Spanish was my first language, so I was an ESL kid. I would say growing up in that border town region um really exposed me to just like new ideas, but also like to see what our community experiences on a day-to-day basis, porque super different living in the border versus living in like Seattle or living in like other places outside of like the border region. And I would just say, I think like one thing that I got from living in El Paso is just like it really taught me my upbringing how to be res resourceful, to give back, but to dream big, porque living in the border, you just see so many immigrants, but Latinos who are hustling day in, day out. I see people crossing the border like nosotros hacíamos, um to wake up, let's just say at 5 a.m. to cross the border for two hours, stand in line, and then to go to school. And so it was a struggle. I grew up like humble beginnings, but bus were honestly like coming without any job, any like probably like five dollars in their pockets and not knowing the language. I feel like that was a barrier. Grew up like translating legal documents for my mom. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment. We also had like, I guess, like financial assistance from like the government. And so it was just like you didn't know where you're, I don't know, in like a week if we would have a meal on the table. It it was a struggle. And I I guess like I don't share that often um with a lot of people that don't know me. But but yeah, just not knowing if, I don't know, maybe like in two two years, if you were gonna stay in El Paso or if we were gonna go back to Mexico. And so, yeah, very humble beginnings, but it really motivated me to want to do something out of my life and to do it for my parents, but eventually to like, I don't know, do something in some shape or form. I just felt like I needed to do something as a Latina and like the daughter of my mom who has gone through so many trials and tribulations and has yet still not given up. But yeah, just that's a long form of answer. But yeah, let me know that answer the question. No, it did.

SPEAKER_01 26:47

You said you were an ESL kid, so was I. Do you think that you struggled with that growing up? Do you think that that struggled in your educational in your career?

SPEAKER_00 26:57

I did actually. I was also dyslexic. Um, I don't share that with a lot of people, but that brought about a lot of challenges and obstacles with that because I would struggle a lot with math and English and just understanding the language. Like in English, I would mix up certain words and letters, and I guess there was just not enough resources to help with that process, like and for my parents to understand what that meant, what was dyslexia, like what being at ESL meant. And so I would struggle a lot. Like I wouldn't know what to do with some subjects, and I would be like, oh, like mom, like how do I do this type of homework? And so I would always be after school asking for tutoring, even if I didn't like require it. I was just like, I need this, like I to in order for me to understand, like, I don't know, let's just say calculus or something, um, or algebra, but it really, it really shaped me. Like just being ESL, like as you as you know, America, I don't know if you had the same experience. Like, you have to juggle like two languages, but then the school system and I don't know, in Texas growing up, we didn't have a lot of resources. I was from a low-income elementary school, and those schools they didn't provide a lot of funding for support for tutoring. And so, yeah, I don't know if you had the same experience, America, like in California growing up ESL.

SPEAKER_01 28:08

Yeah, no, I did have no this similar experience, and it was I also translated documents for my parents as well. So that would come in, you know, or my parents would be like, You should you should know this by now. And then my like, you should also know this by now. And I'm struggling to deal with both really big words. Um, and then my school, I actually I I always say I got the the best of both words worlds uh because growing up in the valley like I and then growing up in the suburbs, the educational systems were very different. Um in high school, I would say I was a little more privileged, but I still struggled with I I didn't have to take those ESL classes like in in middle school, but I think there was also a higher like expectation, like you should already know how to read at the higher level. And I would feel less than if I couldn't read at a higher level than my peers could. And I felt really dumb for the longest time. I was like, gosh, I don't know how to read. And then I would consider myself illiterate because I was like, I don't think you know how to read. It was the same thing as I got older, I realized like, you know, I had like, you know, a little learning disability and I also struggled with math, and I also struggled well not so much with English, but math and math and science, but like, you know, and it's it was hard. How did you get through that? How did you get through dealing with the English part and math?

SPEAKER_00 29:34

And I feel like I I had to okay, so um, one thing that helped was like reaching out to get like help from professors because I don't know if you had this in growing up, but like there were eight ESL professors that would stay after hours to like help certain kids, and so I would be that one person that would always stay after school on Wednesdays, and my mom would like pick me up after and she would understand like I needed that extra help, and I feel like my mom's support, I feel like that helped me. Even though she didn't understand English, she would help advocate so that the teachers could stay after school with me. And in high school, I joined this program called Trio. It should still be, I think, in place in like several different like low-income areas, but it's basically a program where high school students take like college-level classes to prepare them for college, and it's for free for low-income families. That helped me apply to scholarships and understand what the FAFSA process was. It helped me see like my potential and the fact that I was like, you know what? I feel like I could strive to apply to a big college or university or private university like Georgetown, and that helped guide me. And I was like, you know what, let me apply to all these scholarships. It allowed me to get like a full ride for my college, and that it's just mentorship, honestly. Like getting mentorship, asking for help. I was that one kid who just like I did not bother, like I just had no shame in going up to the professor and asking, like, why is that the answer? Like, I just don't get it. Like, I you know that one kid that's asking questions, like it would be like a shame, like not shame, but like I felt bad asking so many questions, but at the same time, like, who's gonna judge me? You know what I mean for asking questions? Like, I feel like that, I don't know, alone is like a superpower. Just asking questions gets you more informed, and that's like how you know and how you like gain knowledge, how you become better. It's just like practice and asking questions.

SPEAKER_01 31:21

No, yeah, no, I completely agree. I wish, I guess, going back to the whole resources thing. When I was in high school, we had obviously the counselors, but we didn't have the same. There was I'm a DACA, so I didn't have the resources. It was basically like, okay, you're gonna go to college or you're not gonna go to college. And if they knew you weren't gonna go to college and they saw that you didn't have the grades, you could tell that they weren't gonna like pay attention to you. It demotivates you a little bit, but I love that you're so right. I wish I was that was one of my things that my teachers would say learn to ask more questions, America. So you know, so you're so right, like just as you know, just going out there, and that is something I always tell like and anyone let because I feel like I see that too. I don't know how I was in your community, but in my community, it was my community was primarily white, and they it was kind of expected for Latinos not to graduate high school. I don't know if that was the same for your kind of area, but it also like I guess Facebook pushed me to kind of keep going because I was like, I don't, yeah, like I can't let these people like like let them think that like, oh, she's not, she's really not gonna graduate. And it was the same thing for college. It was like, okay, like I'm in college now, and but like what do you do?

SPEAKER_00 32:37

That's like no one do you like like you say exactly what I experienced, like being first gen. Like, not a lot of people talk about that, but there's a struggle with being first gen. And then once you get into college, like what do you do? No one guides you. I see como okay, okay, you got in, hooray. How do you pass those classes? And how how do you get through? I don't know, like calculus and chem and bio, which by the way, was a whole story in its own thing. That's why I did not become a bio major. Igual como tú, America, like just struggling. Once I got into my college, I was like, How do I? There was a culture shock. I was so depressed my first year. America, I moved out of my house when I was like 17 because that's when I graduated, and I was just like very young. I had no idea what I was doing. I had never been away from my family like ever. And so moving across the country to like Washington, DC, where I was like, everyone was so privileged. Like they all came from wealthy backgrounds, prep schools. They paid like 30k into annual tuition for high school. And I'm like, I'm like, I could not fathom that. I see como okay, how how do you even start to begin with like navigating college classes, the rigor? Everyone was like the top of their class, and I was just like not prepared whatsoever to like, I yeah, I also had to learn how like how to cook and everything, and just like there's so many little itty bitty things that no one talks about once you leave your home. And and just like I would cry every night, be like, I just want to go home. I just I don't know if I'm fit in here. Everyone is so smart, and imposter syndrome hit me. And it's just, I think honestly, like growing within my faith really helped me like move forward and just like just get the degree, like just graduate.

SPEAKER_01 34:13

Yeah, no, well, that's what I was gonna say. Well, first of all, I that was gonna be one of the questions was just you know, describing your experiences of first gen, Latina, navigating and how did you navigate through college? How was like I know you said that you didn't have much guide, but did you did you end up just like how did you end up finding a mentor or what how did you end up navigating through college? What where what was your major in it anyway?

SPEAKER_00 34:36

Yeah, so I majored in marketing, minored in Italian and sociology. And I would say navigating, I didn't know what I wanted to major in. I didn't know what type of job I wanted to graduate with. I just knew I liked storytelling, like I love that process of storytelling, communications. I knew I was good at it, and I was like, you know what, a mentor in college, my first year seminar uh class professor was like, lean into your strengths. Medico. He was like, if you want to do a career, and like let's just say you want to do, yeah, for sure, you want to do like, I don't know, be a real sage. But if you don't have those skill sets, that you can build those skill sets, but like lean into something that you're really good at and find, I don't know, a way to like really weave it into what you can become, like a career out of it. And so I thought I was just like very well skilled in communications. I was like, you know what? Let me let me look into marketing. A professor told me to look into marketing, careers in in tech came after I started networking. So I built a foundation with mentors, professors, going to office hours. That really helped me, and then chatting with alumni from my university. So I connected with a lot of girls who had graduated from Georgetown and I like kind of cold messaged them on LinkedIn and I was like, I'm graduating in like three years. I know it's far ahead, but we'll love to do a quick, like, I don't know, 15-minute chat. And so that actually opened doors to Microsoft. That's how I learned about the product marketing manager rotation program at Microsoft. And I was like, oh, this actually sounds like pretty good, like such a good opportunity. And I'm a big proponent on like things happen for a reason. And if the universe wants you to follow that path, doors will open. And I I just I whenever I see an opportunity, I try, knock on that door. If it closes on me, then another one will open. And I just kind of choose to take that outlook because if I stumble upon something and I have it kind of like um, I would what's the word? If I have something, an object or an obstacle detained, like not I wouldn't say detained, but also como que me para de seguir, then I continue with something else because it's all about how you jump back from where you were that really matters. What you do with like how you respond to failure, that really helped me see, like, I don't know, I don't know if that makes sense, but I yeah, I guess I learned a lot from my mentors on that, like how to really bounce back. And if one thing is a no, then some other opportunity will come and say yes. And if it wasn't for you, then there's a reason why, because something better is coming or something a redirection. Redirection is like what it, what is it? Um, motivation for something else or inside.

SPEAKER_01 36:54

Yeah, no, no, no. I know I'm like dealing with that too. So I'm like, yeah, no, and I've gotten so many like rejections in my life too, but I don't even take them as like like I don't even get hurt anymore. I'm like, I know where this is, I'm like, this is gonna go somewhere. It's good. I know this. So but I yeah, I guess only really the reason I just bring this up is because I feel like just there, I I I've always always speak to, and I was one of those too, like Latinas who just felt like I couldn't even go go to college, like college was just not gonna be a me for like a me thing and that I couldn't even like I was surprised that I even finished high school. I was surprised that I even finished college and stuff. So what like what kind of tips do you have for people out there who are or maybe are like kind of scared? They're they're scared to dabble into the educational world and that not because you know they don't think that they can't do it or not because you know, like they think that they're dumb or anything, but maybe because, you know, I think also in our culture, because we start our own businesses, which is great, like education sometimes it it depending, can be seen as like, oh, why are you doing this? You know, there's a lot of there's a lot of back and forth of conversations, right? So what if there's someone out there that is like, okay, I want to, I want to go to college, but I'm so scared and I don't know where to start and I feel like it's too late in my life now. What what advice do you have for them? I know you started college at a like a I guess at a reasonable time that everybody kind of starts, but I feel like at this point you've kind of you've gone through college and now you're in a corporate setting, which we will get into. But what advice do you have for, you know, someone who's kind of, you know, like maybe I don't know if I should go to college, I should go.

SPEAKER_00 38:25

What advice do you have for them? I feel like college is, I don't know, it's it's tricky because like for some people it's a good option. I wouldn't say it's like it's for everybody because everyone has their own path. Like I've seen people do great things with like technical careers, as you come, no say they they manage their craft and they become really good, like electrical, no say, um, electricians or algo así, and they create a business from that. So it's like I would say it's not for everybody, but if you're doubting it, I would say give it a try. If it doesn't work out, Dios te va a dar una señal or the universe will give you a sign. At least try it. I think like that's the one thing that my mom always says like try everything and anything. And if it's not for you, then it's okay because something else is gonna come. But as long as you try, because then you'll have that like what if, you know what I mean? Like, oh man, what if I I would have gone like I don't know, like two more semesters. I could have gone in that, you know what I mean? You won't live with regrets. And I like I like you said, college is not for everybody. You can be successful in whatever you put your mind to it, just be the best at it. And if you you can't be the best, try your best. Whatever it is, try your best. At least you know that you tried, and and I don't know, you can build something from it. Like my mom always said, like, you might not be the best at like that college, being an A straight A student, because I was not a straight A student, especially in college with the curves where only like three people in our our class could get an A, the next four would get a B, and then the rex would get C's. And so it was a ranking system. It was so hard because everyone got A's. And so I think I just tried my best. I didn't give up because once you give up, that's like the only, that's literally the only thing that you have. Like going forward and just keeping keeping your mind grounded and focused because I think that's the one thing that is gonna guide you. Finding a mentor, someone that's above or like that you also analys, that you see, and you're like, oh, I love how they manage life, they manage their their esteem, I their career. I would love to ask them for advice. Take advice. I think someone told me this once take advice from somebody who you aspire to be. Always like ask the questions like Asikum okay, how did you get here? Who did you follow? Like, what podcasts have you followed? I feel like I'm always asking that to people that I like admire. And so get a mentor, try, try anything or anything and everything. So if you want to try college, try it. But it'll always, always like, yeah, have that like, I guess, idea of what it is. You know what I mean? And if it's not for you, then try, I don't know, maybe a trade school could help. Because I have a lot of friends that have been they've done so well in life right now, and they went to trade school and they manage their craft, they opened their own salon, and I'm like, they're thriving and they're doing amazing. And yeah, I would say those two things. Get a mentor, never give up, always, always ask for direction. There's always somebody willing to help. If I think it's all on you, on like if someone's not willing to help, then go to the next person. Because you'll say, Yeah, if maybe one professor was like, nah, I don't, I don't think I have time for you, then I would go to the next person or to the next mentor. And that's honestly, I'm like so thankful because you're essential. Agarra una mentora or mentor, um, follow up and like always ask for help, advice, and try everything if you can. Try college. I know it's not for everybody, but at least like echale ganas in lo que tengas in mentee.

SPEAKER_01 41:36

Yeah, no, I love that. And I love that goes into my next question because we were speaking, you were speaking a little Spanglish, and it kind of goes into the corporate and academic setting. At what moment did you realize that being bilingual was a superpower for you?

SPEAKER_00 41:50

Um, that's a really, really good question. I feel like I'm able to connect at a different level to some people on my team. Being bilingual is, I think, a superpower because, for example, no sé, I gente de mi equipo que habla espanol, and I can connect with them on a level that other co-workers can't. And it's just, it's, it's just the representation, and just like being Latino, you're we're all very empathetic, okay, siempre estamos hablando, de que como estás, America, o sea, like como te va, like, o sea, como que we're very in tune with our culture. And whenever I see another Latina on the team, there's another Latina on the team, and I'm like, Chica, come stash, okay, tocaya, okay, we know our culture and we know how close we can be. Even though we don't know each other, we're kind of like cousins from another mom. You know what I mean? In a way, yes, I feel that with the group. Yes, yeah, we know what we've been through, and so I guess in a way, it has helped me shape and like grow connections, but at the same time, it's a superpower because there's ERGs también in Microsoft where they're focused for Latinas. Um, and I started getting more involved in that, the Latino ERG. It's called Somos, it's for young, early in career Latinos at Microsoft, and started becoming more involved. And I actually eventually, I didn't plan this, but I eventually became um the lead for Somos comms, so all all communications I lead. I didn't plan for it. It's just kind of like something that like a direction, like it was actually a redirection. I applied to to be a board member for like networking or the lead for pillar for networking. I didn't get that. It was actually a denial. Like they were like, no, like we don't think you're ready, you're early in career. And I was like, Oh man, I really wanted that. Like, you don't even like that, where it's like, oh man, yeah. And then some other friend was like, Oh, this actually opened up like comms, like, are you interested? And I was like, Well, I'm in marketing and I I really like communication, so why not try it out? A verke. And it happened to be one of the best blessings, like that denial. Something else happens. And all of my life I've seen those, like those itty bitty moments. Like, I got denied an app a full ride scholarship from UTEP, University of Texas, El Paso. And I got a f and because of that denial, I was like, let me just explore other universities. And then I got a full ride for George, and I was like, you know what? I'm I'm actually gonna leave. Yes. Things like that. Like, have you ever had that where it's like someone like no say if they say no and you don't think I mean yes, we're talking about this a little bit before I record.

SPEAKER_01 44:12

But yeah, I had I'm in a new industry. I went from the Hollywood industry to where I can still use my you know craft and knowledge into the alcohol industry and something happened. I decided to pitch my ideas. They got rejected, but along the way, when I was talking to a couple of people there, I walked out and I was like, Yeah, you're so right. That rejection, that idea that I just pitched, I got rejected. Because I can do this on by myself. Like I don't need to wait for somebody to say this. And then I had another idea that I also like got rejected, but along the way, it redirected me to where I feel like I need to be in life because I was like, Yeah, you're right. That project that I want, I'm like, I'm still aiming for it, but I still need more practice. Like I still need to tailor my craft to do what I need.

SPEAKER_00 45:09

I love that. And I mean, when you feel doubt, like what do you say to yourself? I always like to ask other Latinas like, what do you like as you osa como que if you feel like doubt or something like that, like what do you lean towards? Osa como que meditation, or do you have like anything that you do specifically?

SPEAKER_01 45:23

Dios, diosito, like for real, diosito, like same thing. I feel like our mothers really, I mean, when you speak about your mom, it reminds me about my my mother too, because my mom, a lot of the things that I learn are from my mother, even if we fight, even if she thinks that she we she even if she thinks that I we're like, oh, I didn't teach her anything. I'm like, no, you did. You taught me a lot. You taught me how to do hard work and you taught me that, you know, God, you know, never go against his word. He's so big. And yeah, I really, and I've had a lot of doubt, especially this like year. And one of the reasons that I even started this podcast back up is again that rejection, that rejection that from the you know, alcohol industry where I was like, wait, hold on, you're so right. I'm spending so much energy when I can be spending all this energy on myself as well. I need to call up everybody I can right now and just start this, pick this up, you know? And then it's yeah, like I think I I doubted myself a lot. And then at the end of the day, and we're gonna get into imposter syndrome because I was just dealing with that. And then I was asking for so many signs. I was like, God, am I in the right place right now? Am I like, I feel like you're sending me these things and then I keep messing them up. And I don't so sorry, I'm so sorry. And then he and then and then it, you know, I'm like, please send me a sign that like everything's gonna be okay or that I'm in the right place that like I didn't mess anything up, and then magically something does, and I'm like, whoa, that's weird. But you know, then at the end of the day, I'm like, yeah, you're so right. I was doubting myself, and then I will walk out, and then somebody like like you or the people I met last night are out there like encouraging me, like, yeah, you're so right, you just keep going, keep doing this, keep doing this. And yeah, I mean I'm the one I'm the like my biggest critic. How do you deal with imposter syndrome? Because I know you'd mentioned you have it.

SPEAKER_00 47:07

How do you deal with that? Okay, so I had that a lot, and I think reminding myself and having three top things that I've like been through. I think the first thing is when I had that happen at Georgetown, I'm like, no, I'm here for a reason. Actually, a mentor told me that. Like, remind yourself, like, I'm here for a reason. I remind myself of my accomplishments, not to say, like, oh my god, like he echoed, but record me quien soy, for example. Um, I was just como que cuando stam in Georgetown and be like, why am I here? Like with all these people, all of their parents are CEOs of like there was the CEO of a friend of mine and like a couple of peers. They each had their parents were like senators, and someone, their parent was the CEO of like Bicardi, I think Bicardi or something like that. And I was like, oh my god, like I'm a mix, like how why am I here? And then I chat with my mom and she'd be like, Vanessa, like you've been through so much. Like I had a professor say, like, oh, your parents are professors, right? And I was like, no, like actually they ni sav ni English. So I've been through so much. Este, como tu decías, como ESL, and like sometimes not knowing where your next meal is gonna come from, it really humbles you, and I'm like, you know what? No tengo nada que perder. I was a Koch scholar, I was a Dell scholar, I got a full ride for a reason, and I'm here for a reason because God put me here, and at the same time I worked hard for it. And so so many blessings have come from that. But recordando me que o sea, there's always a reason why you're there. It's because you worked hard for it, and um praying, I think that also helps because you can only do so much that means do that mentally, like exercises help because whatever your brain, I said I actually read this in my book, whatever you say to your brain is actually what becomes reality. So if you say to your brain, like I am successful, I am uh emprendedor, I have a really great podcast and it has like I don't know, 10,000 views monthly. That eventually, at least this is what I've like I've heard, and I've I strongly believe it, it will eventually manifest itself. And I feel like we can manifest that for your podcast too, America. So that um being a you have to speak it into existence. Um, and I feel like that, like those two things. So reminding myself like what I did, what I accomplished, why I'm here, and like praying.

SPEAKER_01 49:14

Yeah. So I know you went you went to Georgetown. I was registering that earlier because I had questions and then I had forgotten them. But I mean, I know you you you dabbled a little bit into you know the imposter and feeling you don't need to be there or like you don't feel like you belong there. What made you want to apply? Like what what gave you the confidence to just apply to Georgetown?

SPEAKER_00 49:36

Just I see okay. Have a fun story. Have you ever seen the movie College Road Trip with Raven Simone? Yes, okay, you have but when I was but when I was like very little, so I could not tell you the like the plot. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I watched that that movie with Raven Simone. She basically interviews um to get into Georgetown. And I was watching it when I was a, I think a junior in high school. And I was like, oh my God, I was going through the application of like that phase where you're applying and you're doing your um not the GRE, um, the college entrance exam. And so I was doing those applications, doing the exams, and then I was like watching the movie as I was studying and everything. Like I was just going through like, you know, some some paperwork, and then I was watching the movie with my family. And then my sister is like, wait, wouldn't it be funny if you actually applied to Georgetown? And then I was like, what? I was like, what? No, I'm staying here in El Paso. Like, what do you mean? I want to stay here with my family. Like, okay, yo tengo planes of quedarme con mi familia. I know the area. I grew up in El Paso. I want to stay here. I never want to leave. Like, I generally America, I didn't want to leave my like my house, everything. Um, and then I was like, the counselor was like, oh, you should apply to like more than three schools, like go for it. I ended up applying to like 22 colleges, which is a lot. But I was like, you know what? What what do I lose? Let me just like apply. Just happen. I applique the last college I applied to, and it was weird because they made it a separate system, so you can't apply in the college app este portal. You have to make it a separate application. So I did it the last day, it was due. I was like, let me just like really quick, okay, I got my application, get those esteem. I already had my recs and everything. And then I forgot about it because I was like, I'm going to UTEP. Like you're aquí in my casita, and fast forward, I committed to UTEP. I was like, I I already got like a financial aid, but no agar completa. And I was very bummed. And then I got a letter in the mail, this tiny. Mind you, college acceptance letters are like big, like they're they're like packages, yeah. Well, you've seen, right? And this was a little envelope, and I was like, they see George Han and Mama. I was like, I probably didn't get in. I was like, esta vino, like let's go eat dinner. I was like, yeah, yeah, thank you. And then I decided congrats. And I was like, I was like, what do you mean, congrats? I don't know if this is the right name. Let me check the right name. Yay decía Vanessa, and I was like, what does this mean? And then and then my sister's like, You got into Georgetown. And she was like, Don't is that Georgetown? Classic. I'm not, I was still kind of like, I'm not gonna get the funds. Like, I just I'm okay. And then later on, I I got the news that I didn't get the scholarship for UTEP, the like a full ride because of uh my grades and everything. They just, I don't know what happened, but just I don't know what function and um and I had really had really good grades in high school, but it's just for Dios, yo digo, I got a letter in the mail from George Tiny decía full ride, and yo, dije, mama, yeah, full ride. I'm still not convinced. I was like very hard to convince a Latina mom. Yeah, I had to make a presentation and everything, explain to her why I would be safe and okay, and she let me go. And the rest is yeah, the rest is yeah, yeah, and then that kind of reminds me, and I know you gotta go since so we're almost there.

SPEAKER_01 53:08

Uh that kind of reminded me. Um, so did you deal with any microaggressions while you were at school and in corporate offices because of your Latina? And how do you deal with that? Um, I would say my you said microaggressions or what was um yeah, microaggressions or any kind of like where anybody else that like because I know within possible serums, like you feel like you don't belong belong there, but what about it? Did anybody else ever make you feel like you know you're just a quota? You're just a number, like that's why you are here. I don't know if you ever dealt with that. And if you didn't, that's great. Like, I love that.

SPEAKER_00 53:40

Georgetown, there were some students who would, I wouldn't say protest, but at some point I was in a classroom and they were like saying, like, oh, there are some students who are taking up space and using um the law, I say to what is it, um, affirmative action and everything. They're taking up space. And it was one of the first times where I was just kind of like, I felt out of place, imposter syndrome again. And yet I was like, you know what? No, we're here for a reason. And I think I'm a strong believer of killing them with kindness. I believe leading with kindness. I don't like to raise my voice, anything. And I also strongly believe in karma, but at the same time, like everything comes back to us. And so I also believe in speaking up. So I just kind of said my opinion. It was kind of like a debate in class, said my opinion, um, and that was it. Like, shut it down innocently. But at the same time, like I think at the end, it was like at the end of the year that one person like came up and said, like, oh, like you very well spoken. I apologize if I never made you feel uncomfortable, but it's just little moments like that that you're like you the queas así como que elala when you actually hear somebody say, like, oh, like these Latinos are coming in and taking our like I've seen, I've heard, like, their jobs, y todo lo es on. It's like, no, like we're actually making a really strong commute contribution to this society. And if it wasn't for us, like the US wouldn't be where it is right now, and our culture wouldn't be what it is with all of our Latino contributions. So I think the fact that we're representing and we're speaking up, like you, America, going into like Tampianosa support the Latino pitch um competition, um, and also coming up with the great ideas, which I can't wait to see how this podcast comes out. Um, and when it comes out, I will support um and share it. But see, I think as long as you speak up and do it with kindness, I'm a big believer in that. Um, but at the same time, always be willing to like speak up. I feel like that's the biggest thing. Um, yeah. Yeah. And how do you take up space in places? Um, I would say I always try to um, I guess like advocate, but at the same time, I see como que si stoy in room con otra Latinas, I or maybe there's or scratch out. If I'm in a room and there's only one Latina, then I'm the one person that's gonna gravitate towards that Latina, try to assert como que no sé, así we we like growing forces, you know what I mean? Like I'm trying to see like who's the other POC in this room, who's like who are is gonna be like my advocate. So that helping in any way that I can, like I said, getting involved with Solomon CRG, helping my community. Um, I'm always trying to volunteer and give back and mentor um to Latinos because I was there once. Like I was, whenever I don't know, if I see crossing Trader Joe's or anything, like young families outside asking for food or anything, I always stop. At least I try to and like give if I can, um, go back to the store, buy some goodies because I remember being a kid and going into churches and asking for donations with my mom. And it was it was very, I guess at the time I didn't realize what that was. Um, but then growing up, I'm like, wow, like we actually had to do that to survive.

SPEAKER_02 56:32

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 56:32

And like going to stay at like hotels because our apartment lease, I don't know, algo pasó y o sea, no pudimos pagar. So just like reminding myself like where I come from doesn't define you, but it definitely motivates you. And you should do the same and try to help others that were once in your position.

SPEAKER_01 56:49

Yeah. And what made you want to start Latinas and Lattes? And what have you kind of gotten out of it? And why the WhatsApp channel? Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 56:56

So Latinas and Lattes, when I first arrived to Seattle, I generally felt very like isolated, like very lonely. I didn't know any friends from college over here. And I was like, how do I, how do I make friends? Like it's hard once you graduate college. And so I actually met one Latina from Google and her name is Ale. She helped me build Latinas and Lattes. I asked her, I was like, you know, what if we just like go to a cafecito and like scope back to see if there's Latinas in like a Latino area? We didn't invite any Latinas on a Saturday, Sunday. And so we were like, what if we post a video on TikTok? And we were like, all Latinas show up at this point. And we had a couple of Latinas show up. And so we started chatting, and I was like, what if we create like an Instagram page all for Latinas to really motivate each other, create community for ambitious Latinas to grow, connect, and support one another. And Latinas and Lates was born, and we decided to keep a WhatsApp, create a WhatsApp to create connection, create a group chat, porque ya says que Latinos se hablan for WhatsApp. Amen. Yes. And so now we do like a lot of pop-up workshops for Latina, especially if they're low income or just Latinas in general who want to learn more about how to level up career, mental health, wellness, financial. And yeah, that is Latinos and Latte. What are some things you gained out of Latinos and Latte? I feel like a community of friends, amigas. I have met so many strong, amazing Latina women, moms, like you name it, like entrepreneurs. And it motivates me to see how hustle cultural you are. Like you, America, like I met you, and like you're just very motivated from the start when I first met you. I'm like, oh my gosh, she is like on the ball, she knows what she wants, and it just motivates you. Like, surround yourself around people that want to grow and that will help you grow. And I feel like I was able to gain like a lot of very close friends and Latina amigas, okay, through Latinas and Lattes. And I feel like it's the start of something great. I hope it flourishes into something, like maybe growing in other areas, like maybe Oregon. Who knows? I'm still starting out, but um, yeah, it's just it's great to see how much of an impact it's made in like less than four months.

SPEAKER_01 58:55

I mean, yeah, I mean it's been a I've seen it grow. I feel like I joined when it first started, and there was a little group out of groups, and now I'm seeing so many people join, and it's amazing. You never know. We we can have a reality TV show in the future, just like the you know, Mormons of Housewives just gave me. There you go, there you go. I'm pitching that one, Hollywood, okay. Um where where do you so I guess yeah, where do you you said you see it in other states? Do you see other goals for it in within the next five years or where do what are your long-term goals?

SPEAKER_00 59:28

I think I would love to see if we can get some sponsorship because we are a nonprofit and we don't have funding. So hopefully applying to person funding. I don't know how to start with that process. So I think that's like the biggest thing getting funding for the nonprofit. Um, because it right now is self-funded. Like I was putting in like money from like what I earn from my salary, and it's it's it's a big toll sometimes. And so maybe getting some sponsorship, but at the same time, like creating more events for Latinas, like more well-being, like financial um workshops. We're hosting one today actually for real estate. So I might, if you're interested or if you're don't have any plan date at 6 30, we're hosting a real estate workshop. Yeah, just seeing where it goes from there. I don't think I have like um a five-year projection or anything, but I do no, you're I just go with the flow and like what feels right, and um and yeah, that's our plan right now, hopefully to get more funding and seeing where it goes from there.

SPEAKER_01 1:00:17

Yeah, I love that. No, and then I know um you're a busy, she's a busy lady, you guys. Um, but I yesterday you I mean, every time I see you, and I've seen you just a couple of times, but when I did meet you, I was like, Yes, she bien applicada, just very like what you walk around with confidence, but I also understand like being Latina, especially in the US, it we it it it takes a lot for us to build that confidence. So, what what's something that you would wish you could tell yourself, your younger self when you were just starting out, and what other kind of words of encouragement do you have for other Latinas who I mean we all have confidence, but you know, who maybe are stuck right now and just feel also we just need that little extra push right now.

SPEAKER_00 1:00:59

Well, she's like eight, so she's going through like you know what I mean, like third grade y todo eso, and I don't share this a lot with a lot of people, but I was like bullied when I was in elementary school a lot, and um, I was very girly, so like girly girl to the core, like always very and it kind of did shut me down a lot. Like I became very quiet when I was in school because I also was bullied because I would speak Spanish a lot sometimes in some of my classes where it was required to speak English. And so I think if I could go back and tell a younger self, I'd say like SaiSkate, you are not too much, you go and put those pink este shoes on, regardless if somebody calls you out, you do you porque you're doing well and you know how to rock it and just stick to what you think you you like. You know what you are, you know what you want to be. Keep going and don't let anybody tell you that you are too much. Um, and just be you. I feel like that. I wish somebody would have like told me to just like ocean, don't put your pink shoes away. No, not the silencios because you're too much. And I feel like that I I hope somebody gets, I don't know, something from that.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:03

Yay, and then um anything else you'd like to say, or is there any way that you feel like um companies or uh schools can help Latina so we can be in more leadership roles or anything?

SPEAKER_00 1:02:14

I think like honestly, just like if you're watching it and you're a supporter of some some sort investor or anything, like invest in nonprofits in our community in Seattle, like I don't know, like America's podcast. Like invest if you can in sharing our content because it really helps us in the long term grow. And yeah, uh, thank you. Thank you for having me, America.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:34

Of course, thank you so much. I appreciate your time. Okay, um, and I will see you soon and I'll see you at another uh event.

SPEAKER_00 1:02:41

Okay, America. Hi America, bye.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:45

Have a good one. Bye. Thanks for tuning in. If you enjoyed the Tuesday minute, share it, send it to a friend, post it online, or just talk about it with someone. However, you spread it, I appreciate it. And if you want updates behind the scenes to make it or to stay in the loop, keep an eye out for my email newsletter. Follow or subscribe for more episodes of the teacher invite. Talk to you next time.