Latina Network

A statewide loss could have ended a public career. Instead, it clarified one. In 2022, after years of momentum and marquee endorsements, Anna ran for Illinois Secretary of State—and lost. “When you fail publicly, that can really set you back,” she says. “I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to face the people who believed in me.” What came next was not retreat, but reset. Who is Anna? Chicago’s City C...

Nallely Suárez Gass has spent her life challenging norms, embracing opportunities, and building meaningful connections. Raised in Chicago to Mexican parents, Nallely grew up understanding the importance of adaptability and resilience. Her journey, from the west side of Chicago to co-founding Drop Needle Drinks, is a story of determination, cultural pride, and fearless ambition. Today, her wine-bas...

On a recent episode of The Latina Network Podcast, host Abby Torres sat down with Rosie Gonzalez, Brookfield’s top real estate broker. What emerged was far more than a business success story: it was a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and the kind of determination that turns struggle into purpose. Rosie’s journey into real estate didn’t begin with a grand plan; it began in what she calls “a...

In the latest episode of "The Face of Latina Professionals," Jasmine Hernandez, the CEO and founder of Ubuntu Strategies, captivates listeners with her journey from a Chicago neighborhood to the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success. Her story, infused with wisdom, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, offers profound insights and inspiration. Raised in Chicago’s...

In a recent episode of 'The Face of Latina Professionals Podcast,' we had the pleasure of welcoming Samantha Alvarez, a vibrant voice resonating with the power of cultural identity and self-discovery. Samantha's journey isn't just a narrative; it's a beacon for anyone grappling with their identity and purpose. Born and raised in Chicago, Samantha proudly embraces her Puerto Rican and Honduran heri...

In the latest episode of "The Face of Latina Professionals," we delve into the inspiring life story of Margarita Quiñones Peña, an engineer, author, and yoga instructor who embodies the true spirit of resilience and empowerment. Margarita's journey from Durango, Mexico, to the streets of Chicago encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of a Latina dreamer in the United States. Born into a life of u...

In a world filled with noise, finding someone whose life embodies love, empowerment, and the spirit of giving back is truly a breath of fresh air. On the latest episode of "The Face of Latina Professionals," hosted by the ever-inspiring Jennie Raymer, we had the privilege of getting to know Alexis Hutson, a remarkable woman whose life journey is a testament to the power of faith, community, and un...

The journey to professional success, especially as a Latina, is often paved with unique challenges. In a recent episode of The Face of Latina Professionals Podcast, Estefanía Galván sat down with the remarkable Rebeca Huffman. Their conversation wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it was a tribute to tenacity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Latina professionals. Estefanía, with her...

Laura Ayala, CEO of Laura's Furniture and President of Mattresses for Kids, is a woman who has overcome adversity and risen to become a successful entrepreneur.  Laura was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to Chicago when she was 13 years old. Her mother raised her as a single parent, and Laura became a young mother herself, having her first child at the age of 15. Despite these challeng...

Jessica Gomez is a dynamic Latina professional who has overcome many challenges to achieve success. She joins us on The Face of Latina Professionals Podcast to share her story.   Born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico, Jessica moved to the United States at the age of 10, an experience that had a profound impact on her. For a long time, she was unhappy about the move and struggled to find h...

Elisa Ochoa is a dentist and business owner in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Born and raised on the south side of the city, Elisa comes from a family with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for education. Her parents emigrated from Guadalajara in the late 1960s, and Elisa grew up in a household where success was expected and the pressure to succeed was palpable. Despite these challe...

Delice Javalera is a Latina professional who has made her mark in the corporate world. Born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, she pursued her education and began her career in Mexico.  However, in 2011, she was offered a job in the United States and she took the leap to move to Chicago. Delice credits her success to the mentorship of several individuals who helped her grow both personally and...

Argelia Martinez, the founder of Vida Mía Cocktails, is a Latina professional making her mark in the beverage industry.  With her brand, she aims to create unique beverage experiences through pop-up events, cocktail kits, and catering services. Vida Mia Cocktails is a celebration of Mexican culture and history through the agave plant.  Martinez draws inspiration from her own upbringing,...

Danica Matos

Alejandra Garcia Morris shares her journey of humbles beginnings in Mexico, to CEO of "#It’s Clean Cleaning Services" and the lessons learned along the way. "I came from a very, very, very humble place in Mexico. We were lucky that we could eat. We had a grocery store that was passed down through our grandparents, but other people did not have that privilege." Tune in to hear her inspirational sto...

Melanie Hernandez is a domestic violence advocate and recovery support specialist. Her journey into the profession stems from her own personal experience. While Melanie was pregnant with her second child, she was the victim of domestic violence and found herself at a DV shelter. Becoming a domestic violence advocate wasn’t easy for Melanie. She had been through it all. Her self-esteem had been sha...

Ana Gil Garcia is the Executive Director of Academic Effectiveness at St. Augustine College. Originally from Isla de Margarita, part of Venezuela, she was born and raised on this Caribbean Island about 25 miles north of the mainland.  Though both parents were supportive of their children’s endeavors, it was Ana Gil’s mother that would require all her children to attend college. Wanting to tea...

On Mexican Independence Day, Paola Meinzer sits down with the Mexican Ambassador in Chicago: Reyna Torres. While Paola was born in Colombia and raised in South America, she has become very close with the Latino and Mexican community in Chicago.  Reyna’s parents were both involved in the medical field, while Reyna was growing up in Mexico. Yet, despite not having anyone in her family in the po...

Originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Rocío Villalva has made her name for herself in Chicago, by creating content for Spanish speaking residents of the city.  Arriving in a new country with no one to plug her into the social circles, Rocio would stay home all day with her sister, until her parents would come home late from work. Making matters worse, she had a difficult time finding content i...

Born in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents, Jennifer Salgado shares her relatable story of growing up in two contrasting cultures and how it has shaped her view of the world. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she hopes her story can uplift and empower women to pursue their dreams and be an inspiration to other women.  Still very much connected to her Mexican roots, Jennifer travels back...

Born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, Miriam Galarza Holland is no stranger to overcoming difficult situations. She reflects on how those experiences shaped the person she is today.  A Real Estate Broker by trade, she’s also become an advocate for mental health. As Miriam vulnerably shares, growing up wasn’t always easy for her. With struggles at home, her situation wasn’t...

With the world’s 8th largest economy (third in Latina America), Beatriz Vivas has the honor and responsibility of representing Argentina and assisting their citizens throughout the Midwest. She joins Paola Meinzer to share more on what makes her country beautiful and how her career in diplomacy began.  Part of Beatriz’s job is to promote tourism in Argentina, but also to create awareness for...

On this episode of The Face of Latina Professionals Podcast, host Paola Meinzer sits down with the Consul General of Chile in Chicago, Ambassador Aylin Joo Liem. A granddaughter to Chinese immigrants, Aylin grew up in Santiago, Chile knowing from a young age that she wanted to be a diplomat.  “I was 14 years old. I was quite young. But my best friend, she still remembers. She said, ‘you had i...

Lupe Rodriguez joins us on this episode of The Face of Latina Professionals to talk about her own experience with and passion for culture and how she turned that into a career.  Growing up in Berwyn, IL, Lupe talks about how she grew up immersed in a very Latino community.  “Berwyn is an incredibly Latino/Hispanic area. That was really nice because I grew up with people who looked like m...

On this episode of The Face of Latina Professionals, host Alexis Rodriguez sits down with Paola Meinzer to talk about Paola’s story of immigrating to the United States as an adult and turning her passion into pioneering for Latina women.  “I'm just a girl from Colombia that came out here almost 20 years ago. I came as an adult and I came with my luggage full of dreams. After 20 years, I can s...