My name is Yvette Astorga from Mexico. I’m a connector at heart, passionate about building bridges—whether between people, ideas, or businesses. As an independent consultant, I help start-ups and SMEs establish their presence in Canada, guiding them in strategic partnerships and market entry.

Beyond work, I’m a lifelong learner and a lover of good conversations, books, movies, and great food. I thrive on meaningful connections and enjoy mentoring newcomers as they navigate their professional journeys.

When I moved to Toronto over ten years ago, I had researched extensively, but nothing prepared me for starting over. With two friends from Mexico already living here, I learned about key newcomer concerns—finding a home, a job, and navigating English fluency. My husband, working in the tech sector, discovered Hispanotech early on, and we quickly realized how essential networking would be to building our future.

Years later, after a career transition, I contacted Citlalli, a long-time Hispanotech volunteer, to explore how to get involved. Joining the Mentoring Team felt like a natural step, giving me a firsthand look at what makes this program a vital resource. Believe me, it opens your eyes—not just to career growth but to the power of community.

In 2023 and 2024, I took on the role of moderating Zoom sessions. Leading discussions and occasionally speaking at these events was a powerful learning experience. It allowed me to improve my communication skills, sharpen my listening ability, and gain active confidence. These skills are invaluable—not just professionally but also in everyday life.

I've seen many newcomers struggle with the fear of speaking up in job interviews or networking situations. But the truth is, you grow every time you try—even if it doesn't go perfectly. You prepare better for the next time and eventually find your voice.

From a professional standpoint, volunteering at Hispanotech taught me how to be resourceful. Sometimes, we had limited tools (or skills), but we found creative ways to make things work. This reminded me of the quote: "A well-used minimum suffices for everything." Volunteering helped me become more strategic, learning to leverage what I had while keeping my focus on what I wanted to achieve in the future.

For anyone considering volunteering at Hispanotech, it's worth it. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you will also become part of a network that supports, inspires, and pushes you forward. If you're unsure, take the first step—you'll be surprised at how much you can grow.