As I reflect on my journey in the LEAD Fellowship, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude, growth, and renewed purpose. This experience has not only affirmed my commitment to leadership but has also elevated the way I view my role as a Latina changemaker within my community.

The training at Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute at the George Washington University was a pivotal moment in this fellowship—an inspiring, reflective, and motivating experience that allowed me to pause and examine the heart of my leadership. I left feeling empowered and reminded of the power of leading with intention. It pushed me to think more deeply about how I show up for my organization and community—not just as a professional, but as someone who leads with authenticity, courage, and pride in her cultural identity.

Today, more than ever, we need Latino leaders who foster environments where opportunity, resilience, and a sense of belonging can thrive. At a time when many communities continue to face barriers, leadership rooted in cultural awareness, empathy, and shared purpose is essential.

We need leaders who know that progress isn’t achieved through individual success alone, but by lifting others as we rise—building ecosystems where small businesses grow and families feel supported. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be every day.”

One of the most powerful aspects of the LEAD Fellowship has been the community of support. Being surrounded by other leaders and CEOs who are also navigating the complex realities of leadership was incredibly validating. We shared stories, challenges, strategies, and dreams, creating a network of wisdom and encouragement that I will carry with me well beyond this program. Their mentorship has shaped the way I view leadership: not as a solitary pursuit, but as a collective journey rooted in mutual uplift and shared vision.

This Fellowship has not just been a professional development program; it has been a personal call to action. It reminded me that leadership is about showing up every day with courage, compassion, and clarity of purpose. It’s about using every tool we gain—knowledge, networks, resources—to empower our communities. I’ve been reminded of the responsibility I carry—not just to lead Viva Foundation with purpose, but to represent my culture, to open doors for others, and to build a future where Latino communities are not only included but celebrated. To lead with purpose and pride. And to always, lead with community in mind.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to NALCAB, the inspiring cohort of CEOs in the LEAD Fellowship program, the dedicated professors at The George Washington University, and the incredible mentors—especially Veronica Vences—who have supported, guided, and empowered me throughout this transformative journey.