21 - Rita Ferro / President, Disney Advertising

In this uplifting episode, Claudia and Cynthia sit down with the remarkable Michelle Freyre, President of Global Brands at Clinique and Origins, and recently appointed board member of United Airlines. Michelle is a dynamic senior executive with 25 years of proven leadership and a strong track record of delivering industry-leading results and building high-performing, externally-focused organizations passionate about winning. With diverse and deep expertise in revenue acceleration, P&L management, brand building, channel strategy, manufacturing, and compliance, Michelle has delivered strong performance in both successful and turnaround environments. Some of the key takeaways of this episode include: Embracing Your Authentic Self: Michelle emphasizes that the sooner you become comfortable with who you truly are, the faster you'll climb the ladder of success. Stop hiding your Latinidad and let your true self shine. Passion as a Superpower: According to Michelle, passion is the key to success. Loving what you do is essential for achieving greatness and staying motivated. The Importance of Networking with Headhunters: Building relationships with headhunters and recruiters is crucial, even if you're not currently looking to make a career move. When the time comes, they will be ready to take your call. Michelle has been named to Fortune’s list of Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business for two years in a row (2018 & 2019), honored as a 2018 Working Mother of the Year, recognized in the Top 10 LATINA Corporate Executives of 2017, and included in People En Español's 25 Most Influential Women of 2017. She also received a 2016 CEW Achiever Award for her outstanding contributions to the beauty industry. A native Spanish speaker, Michelle is a passionate talent developer and a champion for Diversity & Inclusion. Tune in to A LA LATINA for more inspiring stories and practical advice on how to succeed by being your authentic self! Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In this episode, we are privileged to host Patricia Pacheco, Managing Director and Private Client Advisor at Bank of America, who shares her journey of resilience and empowerment. Patricia's story is one of transformation and tenacity, as she navigates through profound personal losses to emerge as a leader in the financial sector. Here are the three pivotal takeaways from our conversation: Building Bridges Through Relationships: Patricia’s first breakthrough came from her natural ability to engage and connect with others. Her story of transitioning from a waitress discussing her ambitions with patrons to securing an interview at American Express through a diner's recommendation illustrates the power of everyday connections and the importance of sharing your story. Leveraging Personal Loss for Professional Gain: Facing the heartbreak of losing close family members, Patricia channeled her grief into her professional aspirations, using these personal trials as a catalyst for her career. Her journey is a testament to using personal challenges as fuel to pursue and realize your dreams. Advocating for Financial Inclusion: Patricia is passionately committed to democratizing financial empowerment. She emphasizes the need for financial services that are accessible and beneficial to all, particularly underserved communities, highlighting how financial inclusion is integral to creating equitable opportunities. This episode not only explores the remarkable resilience and ambition of Patricia Pacheco but also offers inspiration and actionable insights for anyone looking to transform adversity into an empowering pathway to success. Tune in to be inspired and learn how to navigate your own challenges with courage and determination, turning personal hardships into opportunities for growth and impact. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self. In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Rita Ferro, the President of Disney Global Advertising, who shares her insights and experiences, which enabled her to become the most senior Latina at The Walt Disney Company. In our conversation with Rita, you’ll discover three essential takeaways to empower your career trajectory: How to advocate for yourself: Rita emphasizes that self-advocacy is not just an annual event but an ongoing conversation. It’s about consistently demonstrating your value, showcasing the results you've achieved, and articulating your future aspirations while reaffirming your commitment to your organization. Why marketing and advertising are particularly well-suited for Hispanics: Rita highlights how this field perfectly marries creativity with business acumen, offering a dynamic, rewarding, and lucrative career path that is both fun and impactful. How to make the most out of your internships: Rita advises using your college internships to deeply explore your preferences and dislikes. This practical experience is crucial in making informed decisions about your entry into the job market, ensuring you choose a path that truly aligns with your passions and skills. Join us for this episode of A LA LATINA as Rita Ferro guides us through these powerful insights, designed to inspire and equip you with the knowledge to navigate your career with confidence and creativity. Tune in, grow, and transform your professional life with the wisdom of Latina leaders. Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Welcome to another empowering episode of "A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self", in which Claudia and Cynthia are honored to host Nancy Reyes, the dynamic CEO of BBDO, The Americas. In today’s episode, Nancy shares her vibrant journey and how embracing her Latina identity has propelled her career in the competitive world of advertising. Here are three key takeaways from our enlightening conversation: 1. Leverage Supportive Programs: Nancy underscores the significance of using available programs designed to uplift Latinos. As someone who has greatly benefited from affirmative action, she inspires us to take hold of these opportunities to advance our careers. 2. Highlight Your Unique Perspective: Discover how Nancy utilized her Latina heritage to distinguish herself in her role as an account manager. Her ability to debate with passion and speak with conviction has been instrumental in her success, proving that Latinas are formidable players in any field. 3. Champion Creativity and Originality: Nancy makes a compelling argument for why Latinas should pursue careers in advertising, a realm where creativity and personal flair cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence. Her advocacy shines a light on the need for diverse voices to keep the creative industries vibrant and innovative. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights for anyone looking to harness their unique strengths and succeed on their own terms. Tune in to hear how Nancy’s story can motivate your journey toward achieving your professional goals. Be bold, be you, and let’s pave the way to success together. Catch this uplifting episode on A LA LATINA, where we celebrate the strength and diversity of Latina professionals. Remember, embracing who you are is your greatest asset in forging a path to success. Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Welcome to another empowering episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self. Today we’re thrilled to share the insights and journey of an exceptional guest, Adela Cepeda, General Partner of Angeles Ventures. With a profound expertise in the financial sector, she has played a pivotal role in advising municipalities and corporations, guiding them through capital markets transactions that cumulatively surpass $150 billion. Her leadership and strategic insights have also led her to serve on the boards of notable financial institutions, including UBS Funds, Mercer Funds, and BMO Bank. Beyond her contributions to the finance industry, Adela holds the position of Board Chair at Pathway Funds and Angeles Investor. These roles underscore her commitment to empowering Hispanic and Latinx ventures, focusing on discovering, funding, and nurturing the growth of promising enterprises within these communities. Adela's influence extends into the non-profit realm as well, where she actively supports arts and education. She is a board member of Teatro Vista, a theater company dedicated to showcasing multidisciplinary artists of color, reflecting her dedication to cultural representation and diversity. Additionally, her involvement with the NACD Chicago Chapter and Rush University demonstrates her commitment to governance excellence and healthcare advancement. In this episode, Adela offers invaluable wisdom for those looking to expand their horizons and break new ground in their professional and personal lives. Her experiences and strategies provide a roadmap for success, tailored specifically to our vibrant Latino community. Here are the three key takeaways from our conversation: Invest in Your Growth: Adela emphasizes the importance of dedicating 10 to 20% of your time to learning. This commitment to continuous education is crucial for personal and professional development, enabling you to grow beyond your current boundaries. Leverage Your Multilingual Skills: As Latinos, our ability to navigate multiple languages is a significant advantage. Adela advises extending this skill to the professional domains we aspire to excel in. Whether it’s mastering the language of the boardroom or understanding the specific jargon of your field, speaking the right language opens doors and facilitates meaningful connections. Design Your Pathway to the Boardroom: For those dreaming of landing a position on a board, Adela shares a practical playbook. The journey begins with becoming an expert in your field and strategically gaining visibility and exposure. Her advice offers a clear path to achieving this prestigious milestone, demonstrating that with the right approach, these goals are within reach. This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a beacon of hope and a source of actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate their path to success while staying true to their authentic self. Join us as we delve into Adela’s inspiring story and extract lessons that can light the way for your own journey. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and practical tips to elevate your life and career, the Latina way. Be bold, be you, and let's make waves together. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Welcome to the latest episode of "A LA LATINA: The playbook to succeed being your authentic self"! In today's inspiring conversation, Claudia and Cynthia are joined by Natalia De Greiff, Vice President of Automation at IBM Americas.  Natalia is at the helm of leading the IBM Ecosystem for the Americas, where she passionately supports partners in their endeavors to leverage IBM technologies and platforms for their clients' digital transformation journeys, fueled by the power of hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. With a stellar 20-year professional career spanning across the Americas region, Natalia's expertise is unparalleled. From her early beginnings in Colombia to her ventures in the United States and Mexico, Natalia has honed her skills and leadership capabilities in esteemed companies like Xerox, Informix, and IBM. Her journey has seen her manage various positions in sales, software, hardware, services, and general management, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of transformation and growth strategies. In this episode Natalia shares invaluable insights and wisdom on how to climb the corporate ladder, offering guidance for Latinas navigating their professional journeys. Here are the three key takeaways from this empowering episode: Why Latinas should consider a career in engineering: Natalia passionately advocates for Latinas to consider studying engineering, highlighting it as a career path that provides not only a structured framework but also a methodology to think and operate effectively. How to navigate career pivots, especially in the context of innovation: Natalia emphasizes the importance of being prepared to pivot one's career in response to changing industries. She generously shares valuable tools and resources to help Latinas upskill and revitalize their careers, empowering them to adapt and thrive. How to build tenacity: Drawing from her own experiences, Natalia reflects on how her innate tenacity has served as her superpower throughout her journey. She attributes this resilience to her upbringing amidst challenging times, showcasing the power of determination in overcoming obstacles. Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with insights and encouragement as Natalia shares her remarkable story and invaluable advice.  Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In this episode of A LA LATINA, we're privileged to hear from Glory Alcantara, the Director of Multicultural Marketing at General Mills, as she shares her transformative journey to success. Despite facing daunting challenges, Glory's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering determination. 1. **Generosity as a Foundation**: Glory reflects on her father's invaluable advice to give generously of what you have, a principle that has anchored her approach to both personal and professional life. This ethos of abundance has not only shaped her worldview but also guided her interactions with others, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for growth. 2. **From Self-Preservation to Self-Confidence**: Glory candidly discusses her transition from a mindset of self-preservation to one of self-confidence. As a teenager navigating a new country, culture, and language, she embraced discomfort as a catalyst for growth, ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient. Her journey highlights the transformative power of vulnerability and the profound impact of stepping outside one's comfort zone. 3. **Calm Amidst Chaos**: Despite facing stressful circumstances, Glory has cultivated a remarkable superpower: remaining calm under pressure. Drawing from her experiences, she provides a playbook for navigating challenges with composure and grace. Through mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience, she demonstrates how to navigate adversity with resilience and poise. Throughout the episode, Glory's narrative is infused with insights and wisdom gleaned from her remarkable journey. Her story serves as an inspiration to Latinas everywhere, offering a roadmap for embracing adversity, cultivating resilience, and unlocking one's full potential. Join us as we explore Glory's inspiring odyssey and uncover the transformative power of perseverance and self-discovery. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Join Claudia and Cynthia in an insightful conversation with the Latina at the helm of one of the most innovative and bold marketing teams in America: Sofia Colucci, Chief Marketing Officer at Molson Coors. In this episode you will be inspired by how her status as an immigrant, both in Canada and then in the US, set the foundation for her leadership style, and as always, you'll leave with advice that you cab use in your own journey to the top. Here are our favorite takeaways: How to use your Latina identity as a strength and not a weakness: Sophia sheds light on how important it is to embrace your Latina heritage in the workplace, and how it can actually be a strategic advantage for your team and company. Her 3-R's for success, Relationships, Results, Resilience: Get insights into her formula for success, which emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, delivering results, and cultivating resilience. How to make the right career moves with an eye on long term success: Sophia shares her perspective on making thoughtful career decisions that balance passion with practicality for long-term success. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast LinkedIn: @alalatinapodcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

Join hosts Claudia Romeo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner in an inspiring conversation with Maria Salcedo, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty, on the latest episode of A LA LATINA. In this dynamic discussion, Maria shares her journey from Colombia to the United States, highlighting the pivotal role education played in her path to success. Key takeaways from the episode include: The Super-Power Latinas Have as Decicion Makers: Discover why non-native speakers, like Maria, bring a unique perspective to decision-making processes. The Cultural Influence Latinas Have in Beauty: Explore how beauty is deeply ingrained in Latina culture and the significant purchasing power Latinas hold in driving growth within the beauty industry. The Importance of Investing in Your Future: Learn why pursuing an MBA can be a game-changer for career advancement, offering invaluable networking opportunities and transformative experiences. Get ready to be inspired and empowered as Maria shares insights on mentorship, education, and navigating the corporate world as a Latina professional. Tune in to this episode for actionable advice and compelling stories that celebrate the strength and resilience of Latina leaders. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.

In this episode of "A LA LATINA," hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome Marilu Marshall, Senior Vice President, Executive Management and Global Chief Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Officer at Estee Lauder Companies. Throughout the conversation, Marilu shares her inspiring journey, offering valuable insights and strategies for Latinas navigating the corporate landscape. Key takeaways from the episode include: Harnessing the Power of Networking: Marilu emphasizes the importance of building collaborative relationships and maintaining connections across different departments and brands within the organization. She highlights the role of internal networking in driving career advancement and shares tips for effective networking and negotiation. Embracing Cultural Nuances: The discussion explores the positive cultural attributes that Latinas bring to the table, such as passion, commitment, and emotional intelligence. Marilu encourages Latinas to leverage these strengths while also being mindful of cultural nuances in professional settings, such as knowing when to speak up and how to navigate hierarchical structures respectfully. Overcoming Challenges with Resilience: Marilu reflects on her early experiences as a trial lawyer in a male-dominated field, where she learned to dial down certain aspects of her identity in order to fit in. She shares her journey of resilience and growth, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself while also adapting to new environments and challenges. Mari Lou also reveals the challenges she faced in hiding her Latinidad, even changing her name to go to college, underscoring the systemic barriers Latinas often encounter in pursuit of higher education and career opportunities. Throughout the episode, Marilu's authenticity and wisdom shine through, offering listeners valuable lessons and inspiration for their own professional journeys. From the power of mentorship to the importance of taking risks and embracing opportunities, Marilu's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of Latina leaders in the corporate world. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique identities, seek mentorship, and pursue their career goals with confidence and determination. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive as a Latina leader in today's competitive business landscape. Listen to the extended video version of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ALaLatinaPodcast/videos Visit our website to nominate yourself or another Latina to be on the podcast: alalatina.com FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS Instagram: @alalatinapodcast Tiktok: @alalatinapodcast Youtube: @alalatinapodcast Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here.