Due to the recent celebration of International Women's Day, I reflect on the many people who helped me succeed. True success comes from support, encouragement, and others believing in us.
My story begins with the influence of my grandmothers, who survived the Spanish Civil War, and my parents, who grew up under Spain's 35-year dictatorship. Their generation fought hard for education and taught me it is a valuable gift. At home, curiosity was valued, and dreams were encouraged.
My grandmothers worked hard during tough times; showing resilience means creating opportunities for the next generation. My mother convinced my grandfather she deserved a university degree, which was uncommon for Spanish women then. My siblings and I were encouraged to explore, read, and chase our dreams.
Early in my university years, I joined AIESEC, an organization that helps young leaders gain international experience. This led me to Malaysia, a bold move for someone who had never lived away from family. Without smartphones or instant communication, I embraced a new culture and learned that authentic leadership comes from integrity when no one's watching. With this experience, I gained the courage to continue exploring opportunities in different countries, to stay curious, and to embrace challenges outside my comfort zone.
Having someone believe in you before you fully believe in yourself can change everything. My first boss became my mentor and champion. Though demanding, he saw potential in me I hadn't recognized. He secured promotions for me because he genuinely believed in my abilities. This taught me the power of having someone in your corner, a lesson that shaped how I mentor others.
Moving to Canada brought challenges, particularly the common immigrant barrier: "lack of Canadian experience." While many see leadership through titles and credentials, I've found that influence comes from embodying principles in every interaction. My family's resilience taught me to persist and prove my worth daily. My husband's encouragement and support allowed me to navigate career setbacks and overcome obstacles. Eventually, I found supporters who saw beyond labels to recognize my abilities. These people didn't just open doors; they showed me how to build new ones.
Throughout my career, I've learned that your values and actions prove your worth. When you lead with integrity and purpose, you don't need external validation. How you consistently and authentically show up reveals your leadership capacity. Female mentors and allies appeared at critical moments, offering guidance when paths seemed unclear.
I genuinely believe that business success comes from creating environments where talent flourishes regardless of background. While I recognize that many women face discrimination and glass ceilings in their careers, my journey has been shaped more by skill development and supportive networks. Hiring should focus on abilities and qualifications, with the understanding that diverse perspectives strengthen teams. Companies benefit when they create inclusive workplaces where all contributions are valued.
This belief extends beyond individual success to professional growth communities. Non-profits create spaces where newcomers find footing, professionals give back, and communities support each other. Hispanotech shows how a community organization can bridge gaps and create success pathways. Through mentorship, networking events, and professional development, Hispanotech has helped many navigate careers and contribute their unique talents to Canada.
Today, my most significant responsibility is to pay forward the support I've received. Each of us can be that crucial voice of encouragement, seeing and nurturing potential in others. Whether through formal mentorship programs or daily interactions, we can all champion others.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's honor individual achievement and the support networks that make success possible. Let's celebrate those who lift others, open doors, and understand that meaningful accomplishments are achieved together. Success isn't a solitary achievement; it's a shared journey.
