As a young Latina growing up in New York, did you ever think you would be so successful?
No. I had a pretty big imagination, but could never imagine my current life and opportunities. My eyes couldn't see this far.
Was there one specific point in your life, when you were on your way?
I think when I first stood up to my high school counselor who wouldn't send my college applications to the schools of my choice, I started to feel I was on my way. Something about standing up for yourself and experiencing your own power puts powerful wind beneath your wings.
Does the fact that you are Latina ever impact how you make a business decision?
Every part of who I am impacts my decision making: being a woman, being Latina, being a single mother of three sons. Who we are gives us our sensibility about the world - the lens we see through. That said, business is about generating success over and over again - profits and shareholder value. One of the things I love about business is that performance is everything. If you can come to the game and generate value, the doors you may have had to pry open will often have a welcome mat with your name on it.
It’s often so tough for Latinos in the U.S.; where did you get your confidence to pursue your dreams?
Each time you give yourself permission to Dream Big and go after it, you grow your confidence. It's a like muscle that you have to build over time. The first time you go to the gym, you don't pick up a 100 pound weight. You may start out with 5 pound dumbbells and you work your way up. So today you may talk to your boss about an idea you have, tomorrow you may be buying the company that will bring one of your ideas to life. Don't surrender your dreams to your circumstances.
How do you see Latinos impacting the future of the U.S.?
Actually, we are creating a new America. Today, right now, Latinos shape what America is, what America eats, what America buys, and what American values are. This is a mighty demographic force that will only grow in influence. My hope is that more Latino values will become infused in the culture - our family values, our love of life, our passion, our work ethic, and our resilience.
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