This post is sponsored by AT&T in collaboration with #WeAllGrow Latina Network, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Looking back at 2017, it was a year of both healing and re-focus.
I worked really hard to heal and grow from the loss of my only sibling and mentor in 2016. While I don’t think you can ever truly overcome a loss like this, I had to figure out the best way I could cope and move on without falling into a deep depression.
I had to draw some type of meaning from it all and did what I do best; I worked.
I channeled my energy into my business and focused on what is important to me as a Latina. I want to give back and help other Latinas grow their businesses and I want to share my brother’s brilliance and gifts to honor his memory and keep him alive for others.
I made an effort to connect with more Latinas at blogger and marketing events and asked important questions about pain points and needs.
Remembering My Blessings
I had to refocus and remind myself of my blessings and how truly lucky I am for so many reasons.
I’m lucky on an insane level because my parents left everything behind in 1979 when I was 4 years old to come to the United States and start over. They were ostracized and treated like garbage. We lost what little the Cuban government gave out as rations because we were considered gusanos “worms” and defectors. The only reason we didn’t starve was because of my dad’s craftiness at finding some food for us to eat until we left.
My parents gave my brother and I the gift of freedom and opportunity when they left Cuba with nothing but hope. Share on XMy parents gave my brother and I the gift of freedom and opportunity when they left Cuba with nothing but hope.
I’m lucky because, as an immigrant, my work ethic was framed by watching my parents work tremendously hard without ever asking for or expecting anything from anyone. There was a sense of pride in being able to acquire something from your own efforts.
I’m lucky because I got to grow up with the coolest geek in my big brother, Gene. While he was only 16 months older, my hero worship of him was a fact of life.
He gave me the most precious gift, a lifelong love of technology.
He taught me how to use a computer in the late 80s, when only the true geeks were into them. When the internet started being a “thing” in the 90’s, I was learning about networking and html and created my first website in 1995 using HTML 1 and a mosaic browser while in college.
His faith in my intelligence and capabilities was a catalyst for my leading a wonderful career in internet marketing. I was an early adopter of web technologies and stayed ahead of the latest trends thanks to him always telling me I was smart and capable.
Helping Latina & Latino Businesses
Today I own an agency and several websites whose entire focus is promoting Hispanic / Latino businesses and entrepreneurship.
One of these sites is HispanicYa, a free Hispanic & Latino business and events directory. It’s a passion project that enables me to promote these businesses in the hopes of empowering Latino business owners through free marketing support.
The site has been in soft launch mode as we gather and create content. I’m excited about a full launch in 2018.
Did you know that 58% of U.S. Latinos feel more empowered through technology? Share on XDid you know that 58% of U.S. Latinos feel more empowered through technology?
That’s thanks to an AT&T research study meant to explore the role of technology in U.S. Latinos’ pursuit of their goals ad aspirations across various aspects of their lives.
I’m also a part of the 68% in the study who believes that technology is the key to empowerment of the Latino community in the U.S. I’m certainly a testament to that.
As the largest minority group, Latinos have incredible purchasing power at 1.7 trillion U.S. dollars. Share on X
We have at our fingertips a way for us to support each other. We can find Latino owned businesses and spend our dollars with them without having to travel farther than our own living rooms.
I’m super excited about those numbers and can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store for us as a community.
My goal for 2018 is to be integral in promoting Latina / Latino businesses and offering ways to support each other with our purchasing dollars.
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52 Responses
I cannot even begin to imagine the magnitude of your loss. I send you a thousand warm hugs, amiga. Of course, you are honoring his memory and doing good, so I am sure he is smiling, wherever he is. Thank you for sharing your powerful story and the interesting AT&T findings with us.
Gracias bella. That means so much to me. Un beso.
Thanks so much for sharing your story! You’re doing such great work with your agency. I know 2018 has great things in store for you!
Thanks Nicci!
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I am so glad that you have banded together with wonderful people to celebrate his life, and yours! It is so wonderful we have tech to stay in touch with our family – family is everything!
Yes, family truly is everything. Thanks for the condolences 😘
Your story is so amazing and truly inspiring. I love hearing stories from immigrants because they are so real and it just makes you appreciate what you have so much more. My parents had their own struggles but just like your family, ours went through a lot to get to where we are now. Support is definitely key in growth and I love when I see people like you pull together for purposes like this. It’s such a beautiful gesture!
Thank you Karlyn, that was lovely 🙂
Overcoming struggles is what makes us the great people were are that seek out the best of things in life and in business. I wish you the best of luck in the new year and am trying my hardest to also have a good year in the business realm. I need to get more partnerships set up in advance to make sure when there is a lull I am covered, that is really my biggest goal of the year for business.
Such an inspiring post! So sorry for your loss I too am glad you were able to celebrate your brothers life. Glad to see you were able to also meet other Latina bloggers, I bet that was a wonderful experience. It’s always nice to meet new bloggers and there’s nothing like having great support by your side!
What a truly meaningful post! It’s amazing that you were able to meet fellow bloggers, it’s nice to be around like-minded people. Thank you so much for sharing this post and sharing this story!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother. <3 As a younger sibling and businesswoman, I can't imagine not having my older, business savvy siblings to guide me. Wishing you the very best for 2018 in your business and the many latina/latino businesses I know you'll impact positively.
Not uncommon to throw ourselves into work after suffer a tragic loss of any kind. Wish you best of luck on your business adventure and making and meeting new friends.
Every details I read inspired me much. From coping with your loss, the way your parents raised you, the nurtured love of your brother and how you are helping your Latina community. I can sense that your life is well lived so all the best for your 2018!
I am so sorry for your loss. It looks like you had the best year possible with such a loss.
The story is truly amazing! I am so sorry for what you had to go through, but it looks like it’s made you a very strong woman and it looks like you have an exciting year ahead of you.
Oh wow thank you for sharing your story, it must have been so hard overcoming your loss.
You look like you have really made such strides in helping Latina businesses, I wish you all the best for 2018.
You truly are a strong and independent woman! Your story is very touching and it’s stories, like these, I enjoy reading.
This was such a fantastic read. I enjoyed reading more about your life. I’m sorry your parents were treated like garbage. That is wrong on so many levels and it’s a shame people feel the need to be cruel towards others.
I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. It sounds like you are doing amazing things in his memory.
I am so sorry about your brother, I can only imagine how difficult that is to lose someone so close to you. I hope that this year brings you more healing! I love the idea of supporting others towards their business goals, we all need that!
Good luck with your endeavors. Reading your family’s immigrant story was inspiring.
It’s great that you were able to meet other bloggers at the conference. I would love to attend blogger conferences more in the upcoming year. I have a number of personal & professional goals I will be working toward in 2018.
Good luck to you this year! I look forward to seeing more from you!
Good luck in 2018 and hoping there’s more bright futures and opportunities for you.
Your story was so touching, I’m sorry to hear about your brother, your a strong lady.
It’s so great to see you channel the energy from your loss into something positive! It’s also very important to be supportive and encouraging to those who share your culture.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry to know of your brother’s passing, but he made sure his legacy is alive in you. Wishing you all the best this 2018. With the help and support of your fellow Latinas, this year could be very much yours to claim!
Thank you and yes, 2018 will be!
What a very heartfelt story my dear. I am glad you were able to get strength after all of what had happened. Your initiative is very good. I wish you the best luck and for everyone.
your story is emotionally touching, you are an inspiring your woman, I’m amazed by the things that you and your family have accomplished, thank you so much for sharing your amazing story and it’s wonderful that you wish to use your blessing to help others latin woman bloggers, great job
Thanks for your wonderful words Inbar. Happy 2018!
A motivational and inspiring post. Sorry to hear about your loss, stay strong and I wish you all the best for 2018 x
Thanks Melanie and thanks for stopping by 🙂
What amazing year has been! I love connecting with fellow bloggers as community and help small business together! Hope 2018 is plentiful and abundant growth for you! 🙂
Loved reading this post. Also lost my brother in 2016 and definitely had to do some healing and reflecting to put things into perspective x
My deepest condolences to you <3
Thanks for your inspiring story. Hope you have a wonderful and great 2018. Best of luck too!
Thanks so much for sharing your story! its very inspiring! You’re doing such great work with your agency. I am sure 2018 has great things in store for you!
I’m sorry for your loss. I think it is great though that you are reaching out to the Latina community. I have come across a few bloggers so the more the merrier.
Thank you Rose. Yes we are definitely growing!
It took a lot of courage for your father to uproot and take you guys to a new place. I admire his courage and I admire your ambition and drive. Best of luck making 2018 your best year to date!
It sure did, and I am forever grateful.
Your story is very inspiring and you should be proud of all you have achieved. Its also great that you are knowledge with others too.
Life constantly show us how fragile life is. And at the same time, human kind (Woman in particular) show how resilient we can be. A great hug and the best wishes for your project.
That’s so awesome that your brother was so instrumental in your life and able to pass on to you the life long love of technology. And even better that you have been able to take that love and help out others around you. congratulations on all your success so far.
Struggle is always hard, but it yields the best results. Thanks for sharing your story.
I feel sorry for your loss! But I’m glad that you didn’t give up and worked hard to fulfill your brother’s dreams. You’re so inspirational making the difference in so many people’s lives! You go gal!
I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing you inspiring story. You are doing such a noble thing by helping out your community. Sending loads of love and good wishes your way!
Ah lovely hearing you talking about your brother in such a lovely way. Good luck for 2018
I am so sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your amazing story. I am very proud that you have turned a sad time in to something some positive and marvellous.
That you for the kind response, it means a lot 🙂