Founder and President - ABRAZO Marketing

Q: What unique qualities do you believe set you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I lead as a servant first. My focus has never been on titles or recognition, but on the work itself—and the positive impact it creates for others. I believe leadership is most effective when it’s rooted in service, purpose, and community. I’ve been told that I have a quiet strength—I don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but I’m always focused on moving the work forward with clarity and intention. I also believe that to be a good leader, you have to know how to be a good follower. Effective leadership is not solely about commanding, but also about understanding and participating in the process of following, learning from others, and adapting to different situations. That perspective has kept me grounded, collaborative, and open to learning at every stage of my journey.

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: My pivotal moment came 10 years into my professional career, when I stepped away from a traditional career path and founded my own advertising agency with a focus on connecting companies with diverse and urban markets. It was both a personal risk and a public declaration: that communities of color, bilingual audiences, and overlooked voices are not an afterthought—they are central to business, civic, and cultural success and belong at the center of strategy, not the margins.. That choice reshaped my career, rooted my work in equity, and affirmed my commitment to building systems and solutions that include everyone.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: Leadership is not about power or visibility—it’s about service, responsibility, and the ability to create the conditions for others to thrive. A leader listens, follows when needed, and remains committed to the greater goal even when it doesn’t serve their own ego. In my own life, I try to lead with humility and consistency. I show up for the mission, I invest in people, and I’m willing to do the behind-the-scenes work that makes progress possible. Leadership also means standing in the gap—whether that’s bridging communities, advocating for systemic change, or mentoring someone who doesn’t yet see their own potential.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: I believe in paying it forward not only through mentorship, but by actively removing barriers. Over the years, I’ve opened my office space to help emerging businesses incubate and get off the ground. I’ve mentored young professionals, made intentional connections, and served as a sounding board for others trying to find their way. But I also believe that personal acts of support are not enough—we must challenge and change the systems that make it harder for people to contribute and succeed at their highest level. That means advocating for inclusive policies, equitable investment, and institutional change. For me, paying it forward is both personal and structural—and it's a lifelong commitment.

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