Celebrating the Power of Latina Women ALL Year Long!
As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on Latina women's incredible achievements across industries, cultures, and communities. This month celebrates resilience, success, and the unyielding spirit of Latinas who have broken barriers, overcome challenges and continue to inspire future generations. As the end of Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, our focus today is on motivation and personal development, which are at the core of our collective growth.
At Latina Business Network of New York (LABNNY), we understand many Latina women's unique journey as they balance careers, family, and personal growth. That’s why today is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of our members while sharing tips, insights, and stories of personal development that will inspire others to keep pushing forward.
Why Motivation and Personal Development Matter
Success is never an accident—it results from dedication, consistent effort, and the desire to grow personally and professionally. For Latinas, the path to success often comes with added challenges, from navigating a male-dominated business world to maintaining cultural traditions while striving for success in a fast-paced, demanding environment. However, with challenges come growth opportunities, and Latina women have repeatedly shown that we can rise to the occasion.
Statistics show that Latina entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. business world, launching businesses at nearly six times the national average. This remarkable growth is a testament to the drive, ambition, and resourcefulness of Latina women committed to professional and personal excellence.
https://worldmetrics.org/latina-entrepreneurs-statistics/
Studies have shown that Latina entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers in securing venture capital (VC) funding. Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. business ecosystem, Latinas receive less than 1% of all venture capital available. This figure highlights the gap in funding compared to their male and non-Hispanic counterparts, with Latina women founders receiving an even smaller portion, around 0.1% of total VC funding in 2022.
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This disparity makes personal development and motivation even more essential for Latinas as they strive to overcome these systemic challenges and build successful ventures.
The underrepresentation of Latinas in venture capital highlights the need for continued support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which are crucial to leveling the playing field and promoting equitable access to capital.
In the LABNNY community, we are fortunate to have members who are not just business leaders but also advocates for personal development and self-growth. Their stories offer a glimpse into what it takes to overcome challenges and keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough.
Yamaris Dujmic, a LABNNY member and founder of Sweet Sol Photo, reflects on the importance of staying grounded while growing her business. "I have very hard lines drawn with times I work and times I dedicate to my family," she says. "This helps me stay motivated and prevents burnout," Yamaris emphasizes the importance of balancing personal and professional life to stay aligned with her goals. As she continues to grow her photography business, she attributes much of her success to consistent planning and self-care. "It’s not just about business success, but about personal fulfillment too," she adds.
Similarly, Angelica Figueroa, a mortgage loan officer and member of LABNNY, highlights the role of self-prioritization in personal development. "The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been learning how to put myself first while maintaining a high level of service for my clients," she says. Her advice to fellow Latina entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: "Be open to all opportunities. You never know where they may lead." Angelica’s focus on consistency, self-care, and progress tracking is key to maintaining her momentum.
Personal Development Strategies for Latinas
Celebrate Small Wins
The road to success is long, but every step matters. Small victories should be celebrated, whether it’s launching a new product, securing a client, or simply making it through a tough week. This mindset helps build motivation and keeps us moving forward, even when the bigger picture feels overwhelming.
Prioritize Self-Care
In many Latin cultures, we are often taught to put others before ourselves. But, as Linelly Nieves, founder of The Vocal Point Speech and an Elite member, shares, "Sometimes it’s okay to be selfish and do things for yourself." Linelly reminds us that personal care is just as important as professional success. She has found balance and growth by carefully managing her time between her practice, family, and personal life.
Surround Yourself with a Strong Support Network
Community is a pillar of growth. The women of LABNNY understand the value of being surrounded by like-minded, ambitious individuals who push you to be your best. Whether it’s through mentorship, collaboration, or simply sharing advice, networking with others who share your goals can be a game-changer.
Personal Development and the Larger Latina Community
Latina women currently make up 17% of the total female population in the U.S., but they continue to face significant barriers to success, including persistent wage gaps and limited access to career advancement opportunities. Despite these challenges, Latinas are driving growth in key areas such as entrepreneurship and education. Their workforce participation has surged, and a higher percentage of Hispanic women are now completing degrees than ever before, with 23% holding a bachelor’s degree in 2023, up from 16% in 2013.
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Government data shows gains in education, employment and earnings for Hispanic women, but gaps with other groups remain.
However, wage disparities remain a pressing issue. Latina women earned just 62 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men in 2023, highlighting the economic challenges they face. Furthermore, they are often concentrated in low-wage sectors, contributing to their ongoing struggle for economic security.
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Latina Workers Are Playing a Growing Role in the U.S. Economy, But Continue to Face Barriers to Economic Security
Staying Motivated: What Drives Us?
Motivation is personal. For some, it’s the desire to create a better future for their families. For others, it’s the passion for making an impact in their industries. Camila Firpo, co-founder of Powerful Moms NYC and LABNNY member, shares that her biggest motivator is her role as a mother. "Motherhood has transformed me in ways I never expected," she says. "It pushed me out of my comfort zone and revealed new strengths." Her organization, which focuses on empowering Latina moms through entrepreneurship, shows the impact of personal development on both professional and family life.
Looking Ahead: Keeping the Momentum Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month
As Hispanic Heritage Month concludes, we’re reminded that the celebration of Latina culture and accomplishments doesn’t stop here. The journey of motivation and personal development is ongoing, and it’s one that every Latina must continue to pursue long after the festivities end.
To keep this momentum going, here are some final tips:
Keep Learning: Whether it’s taking a new course, reading a book, or attending a webinar, continuous learning is key to personal development. It keeps us sharp and ready to tackle the next challenge.
Set Intentional Goals: It’s easy to get lost in the hustle, but setting clear, actionable goals helps keep us on track. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Give Back: One of the best ways to stay motivated is to help others. By mentoring younger Latina women or contributing to community projects, we create a cycle of empowerment that lifts everyone up.
Let this be a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have already hit major milestones, keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself.
¡Vamos adelante, siempre con fuerza y orgullo!