27 - Xiomara Gallego-Bernard / Author, Tomás Returns to School

In this inspiring episode of "A LA LATINA," hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum-Milner welcome the remarkable Elisa Botero, a celebrated partner at the international law firm Curtis. Honored as one of the Top 100 Female Lawyers in Latin America by Latinvex for 2024, Elisa brings a wealth of experience and insight from her impressive career in Arbitration & Litigation and Corporate/M&A -making this her fourth consecutive year on the list! Elisa's journey is a powerful reminder that personal challenges can lead to transformative growth. With a vibrant background that includes advising clients on a multitude of international deals and disputes, she seamlessly navigates complex industries, from emerging technologies like hydrogen and blockchain to the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence. Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, Elisa is not just a legal expert; she’s a trailblazer shaping the future of law in innovative fields. In this episode, Elisa shares how overcoming imposter syndrome allowed her to embrace risk and redefine her career path. She discusses the importance of innovation in carving out her space and the sacrifices that have accompanied her rise to partnership. Key Takeaways: Embracing challenges: Elisa recounts how navigating personal difficulties propelled her forward, helping her conquer imposter syndrome and become a more daring risk-taker. Innovation as a catalyst: Discover how Elisa’s focus on new industries and technologies has allowed her to thrive and lead in the legal landscape, showcasing that creativity and innovation are key to success. The journey to partnership: Gain insight into Elisa’s ascent to becoming a partner at a prestigious law firm, including the sacrifices she made and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Join us for an uplifting episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and the celebration of authenticity. Tune in to learn how to embrace your true self and harness your potential in the legal world and beyond! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of A LA LATINA, hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome Teresa Lopez, General Manager of Pureology, Mizani & L'Oreal Technique. With over 20 years of exemplary experience in the beauty industry, Teresa's journey began as a marketing intern at Maybelline New York and has since seen her ascend to high-profile leadership roles across major brands like L'Oréal Paris, Lancôme, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, and Essie Professional. Teresa has a remarkable track record of driving growth and innovation, enhancing brands' creative presence, consumer insights, and digital strategies. Beyond her impressive business accomplishments, she is also a passionate advocate for the beauty profession, serving on the Board of Beauty Changes Lives and committed to championing beauty careers as a first-choice path for aspiring professionals. Key Takeaways: The role of a sponsor: Teresa emphasizes the significance of having a sponsor—someone who will advocate for you, even when the going gets tough. She shares a personal story about her first sponsor who, while initially holding her back for her own growth, ultimately paved the way for her success. Know your competitors: She advises listeners to deeply understand their competitors, even better than they know themselves. This knowledge can serve as a strategic advantage in any professional environment. Navigating microaggressions: Teresa discusses her approach to handling microaggressions at work, offering wisdom on when to confront these issues and when to let them go for the sake of personal peace. Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with actionable advice and empowering stories that will inspire you to embrace your authentic self and thrive in your career! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this new and empowering episode of A LA LATINA, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner hosted the remarkable Silvana Montenegro, JPMorgan’s Global Head of Advancing Hispanics and Latinos within the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) organization. As the first-ever leader in this role, Silvana is at the forefront of advancing the unique priorities of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Silvana brings a wealth of experience from her leadership positions across the U.S. and Latin America. Known for her passion for talent development and fostering an inclusive workplace, she excels at empowering individuals and leadership teams to achieve their fullest potential. Prior to her current role, she spearheaded efforts in talent, diversity, and inclusion within Commercial Banking, promoting a culture that values diverse voices and perspectives. In this episode, Silvana shares her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Key Takeaways: Learn from your mistakes: Silvana offers a powerful framework for transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth. Embrace your true self: She reveals how finding comfort in her authenticity became a turning point in her career, unlocking new avenues for success. Strategic career choices: Silvana emphasizes the importance of thoughtfully choosing your first job, illustrating how it can lay the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career. Join us for an uplifting conversation that not only celebrates the power of authenticity but also highlights the vital role of intentionality in career decisions. Together, let’s embrace our journeys and uplift one another as we strive to succeed as our true selves! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this incredible episode of "A LA LATINA," Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner meet with Gabriela Ramirez, Executive Director and Head of Wealth Management, USA, Field and Strategic Hiring at UBS. With over 20 years of experience in the finance industry, Gabriela has become a Trailblazer in executive and strategic recruiting, focusing on fostering a diverse culture of Financial Advisors and Field Leaders within Wealth Management Americas (WMA). Gabriela shares her journey from starting her career in Mexico City to her significant roles at J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse, where she led initiatives to drive growth and diversity in Private Banking across North and Latin America. Her deep understanding of the industry, combined with strong relationships she has cultivated over the years, empowers her to identify and recruit exceptional talent that enhances profitability and innovation within the sector. In this uplifting conversation, Gabriela provides listeners with actionable tips on how to prepare for interviews, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal life, and encourages everyone to embrace their unique qualities as strengths. Key Takeaways: Interview preparation: Gabriela offers essential strategies to help you stand out in interviews and secure the job you aspire to. Prioritize your life: Learn how to maintain a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of not taking your personal life for granted. Embrace your uniqueness: Discover how your distinctive attributes can be leveraged as your greatest assets, making you stronger in the workplace. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable advice that will empower you to navigate your career authentically and successfully! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this new episode of "A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self," Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner are thrilled to welcome Kiki Del Valle, the Division President for North Latin America at Mastercard. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Kiki is a strategic and results-driven leader, bringing a wealth of experience in digital transformation, financial inclusion, and global product development. Kiki's leadership journey has taken her across various regions, including the U.S., Global, and Latin America and the Caribbean, where she has held diverse roles that underscore her ability to drive meaningful impact. In this incredible episode, Kiki shares her insights on how to choose your next career move based on current trends, personal passions, and areas where you can truly make a difference. She emphasizes the power of her Latina values as leadership superpowers, which have not only helped her attract top talent but also foster innovation within her teams. Additionally, Kiki discusses how her sense of curiosity has been a catalyst for her growth, proving that an inquisitive mindset can lead to exciting new opportunities. Here the three takeaways: Choosing your path: Gain a framework to select your next role based on current trends, personal passion, and potential for impact. Latina leadership superpowers: Discover how embracing your cultural values can enhance your leadership style and attract top talent. Curiosity as a catalyst: Explore how a curious mindset can be a powerful driver for growth and success in your career. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, actionable insights, and the encouragement to embrace your authentic self on your journey to 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 Facebook: A La Latina Podcast For partnership opportunities, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of "A LA LATINA," Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner welcome Sofia Hernandez, Global Head of Business Marketing at TikTok. With over 18 years of experience leading iconic marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies like P&G, J&J, Netflix, and Spotify, Sofia shares her journey of blending authenticity with innovative marketing strategies that drive culture both on and off the platform. Passionate about fostering inclusion, Sofia is part of the elite 1% of Latina executives in tech, committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into every facet of her work—from hiring practices to marketing strategies. A social justice advocate at heart, Sofia also co-founded the apparel line Black on Black BK, promoting messages of equality and empowerment. Here the three takeaways of the incredible conversation Key Takeaways: Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work: Discover the true meaning of authenticity in the workplace and how it can unlock your potential and foster creativity. Marketing for Latinos: Learn why marketing is a powerful career path for Latinos, who are not just consumers but creators of culture. The Power of Connection: Understand how building a robust network can open doors, as demonstrated by Sofia’s impressive career trajectory. Join us for this empowering conversation and gain insights to thrive as your authentic self in every aspect of life! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self, Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner hosted the incredible  Monica Bauer, PepsiCo's Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.  With an impressive career at PepsiCo, where her leadership has been instrumental in shaping global diversity and inclusion strategies, Monica brings unparalleled insights into achieving success while staying true to oneself. Here are the three key takeaways from this empowering conversation: Embrace and own your power: Monica shares invaluable strategies on how to recognize your own power and use it to its fullest potential. Discover how to stay true to yourself and maintain your power without compromising your values. Master the art of self-promotion: Learn the essential do's and don'ts of self-promotion from Monica. She provides practical tips on how to effectively advocate for yourself and highlight your achievements in a way that benefits your career and personal growth. Support and empower each other: The episode emphasizes the importance of collective empowerment. Monica discusses how Latinas can uplift one another, fostering a supportive network that amplifies everyone's success. Through this episode, Monica brings a wealth of insight into how Latinas can harness their unique strengths and rise to new heights. Tune in for a dose of motivation and actionable advice that will help you thrive authentically and powerfully. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to this episode of “A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self,” where Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner is honored to host the remarkable Xiomara Gallego-Bernard, a children’s book author. We created this special episode to help working moms manage the extra stress of back-to-school time, especially if you have a sensitive child who’s anxious about returning to school. We know that stress at home can impact your success at work. This episode is designed to offer guidance and support for moms navigating these challenges. Xiomara’s latest book, Tomás Returns to School, is inspired by her personal experience supporting her highly sensitive child and addresses the critical need for literature focused on these unique challenges. Her writing not only provides practical coping strategies but also reflects her own sensitivity and childhood experiences. Here are the three key takeaways from the interview: 1.-Normalize the conversation: Open discussions about parenting highly sensitive children help us connect with others in similar situations and show that these challenges do not limit our professional achievements. 2.-Strategies to communicate with your sensitive child: Xiomara shares valuable strategies for communicating with sensitive children, insights that are also beneficial for improving team interactions in the workplace. 3.-It Is never too late to find your purpose: Xiomara’s journey highlights that discovering your purpose can happen at any stage in life. If you’re still searching, stay hopeful—your path is out there waiting. Don’t miss this episode filled with optimism and practical wisdom from Xiomara Gallego-Bernard on “A LA LATINA”! Have a great back-to-school season! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the compelling season finale of "A LA LATINA: The Playbook to Succeed Being Your Authentic Self," hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner wrap up the powerful second season by revisiting and reinforcing the essential lessons shared by their incredible Latina Trailblazer guests. This season has reinforced the importance of embracing our cultural identity, taking risks, saying yes to opportunities, building a strong reputation, seeking mentors and sponsors, and understanding that career paths are not always linear. Claudia and Cynthia emphasize that being your authentic self is the foundation of success. A key highlight of the finale is the ten-strategy "Latina Playbook," derived from the insights of Latinas in corporate America, filling this episode with valuable insights about pursuing self-discovery, utilizing feedback for growth, learning continuously, and developing meaningful relationships. They highlight the importance of adaptability without losing one's essence and inspire Latinas to aim high and dream big, reminding them that they are in a unique position to achieve greatness. This wrap-up episode is a celebration of the resilience, courage, and potential of Latinas, urging everyone to lead, succeed, and support one another. Join Claudia and Cynthia in this valuable conclusion to season two and continue the journey of growth and empowerment with "A LA LATINA." 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Cynthia interviews Claudia, who is not only the co-host of "A LA LATINA", but a dynamic leader, social entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for the Latino community. With a career spanning influential roles at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and various global initiatives, Claudia has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Claudia shares her personal journey, revealing how witnessing Latinos downplaying their heritage due to systemic barriers and societal perceptions drove her to action. She discusses founding the We Are All Human Foundation, initially aimed at combating racism and discrimination globally, and how her focus shifted to addressing the unique challenges faced by Latinos. Claudia highlights the creation of the "Hispanic Promise," a pledge endorsed by over 350 companies to create more inclusive environments for Latinos. In addition to her advocacy work, Claudia talks about her entrepreneurial venture—launching her own brand of Sotol, a traditional spirit her family has been producing for four decades. This venture underscores her belief in taking risks and following one's instincts, lessons she wishes she had embraced earlier in her career. Throughout the conversation, Claudia provides valuable insights into her data-driven approach to promoting Latino inclusion, her role in introducing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lions at the Cannes Advertisement Festival, and the importance of authenticity in the workplace. Here are the takeaways: Embrace Risk and Trust Your Intuition: Claudia reflects on her journey, expressing that she would have taken more risks earlier in her career. She highlights the importance of trusting one's intuition, which is a blend of experience and intelligence, and believing in one's capabilities. The Power of Manifestation and Collaboration: Claudia emphasizes the importance of articulating goals and ambitions clearly. By expressing one's vision, it becomes easier to attract like-minded individuals who are willing to collaborate and support the mission. Support and Elevate Each Other: The conversation underscores the value of mutual support within the Latina community. Claudia and her co-host discuss how their complementary skills have led to successful collaboration, demonstrating how Latinas can help, support, and open doors for one another to achieve collective success. Join us as we delve into Claudia Romo Edelman's inspiring story and learn how her work continues to pave the way for future generations, showcasing that with unity, pride, and determination, the Latino community can achieve extraordinary success and recognition. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices