What country were you born in (or your family is from!), and how long have you lived in Cleveland? I was born and raised in Cleveland, but my father was born and raised in El Salvador and my mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico.
The pioneers and supporters of International Women’s Day believe that “from challenges come change.”: What has been the largest challenge in your journey toward personal success? The largest challenge I have faced so far is being a first-generation American in my family. No one in my family has ever been to college and only a select few even have a high school diploma. In order for me to succeed and for me to make it all the way to a 4-year university, I had to do it all on my own with no one’s help or guidance. I had to network endlessly and make a lot of connections in order to be able to get to where I am today.
You have been nominated for this recognition by another amazing person, proving that we are so much stronger when we support one another. What is one piece of advice you have for women in your community and all over the world? Do not be afraid to follow your dreams. There is no dream that is too small. Often when we are afraid, we end up straying from our paths and going towards something we are not passionate about. Do not settle for less than what you deserve and just go for it.
How can the greater Cleveland community encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women? The greater Cleveland community can encourage, support, and amplify the success of international women by having the proper resources available for them. Also, by giving a platform for those international women who are already successful to share their experiences that can in turn motivate and lead the international women who are struggling and losing motivation to do bigger things.
