Building Pathways to Success for Latinx Women Innovators

If there is anything I have learned in my 15+ years as an entrepreneur, it’s that oftentimes in order to create a solution you must immerse yourself into the problem. It is that fearless approach to learning that has allowed me to gain first-hand insight into the multitude of disparities women of color entrepreneurs face today. In fact, this very approach is what also recently motivated me to move my family to Puerto Rico and expand the reach of digitalundivided. A decision I made once before, earlier in my career — having lived in South America for an extended period of time — I recognize the value of possessing a deep understanding of the many nuances and aspects woven into this culture. In order to truly drive equity, we must not be afraid to plant ourselves in the spaces we aim to serve.?

As we conclude Latinx Heritage Month, I want to spark a conversation that extends beyond this annual celebration of Latinx history, culture and achievements.

We are currently witnessing a pivotal moment in history. The Latinx women pioneers trailblazing their own paths to success today, are poised to become the HERstory makers we celebrate tomorrow. There is undoubtedly a wave of ingenuity and innovation being produced by Latinx women entrepreneurs . digitalundivided’s ProjectDiane 2021 Research Update proves this, having added hundreds of new companies with Black and Latinx women founders to its database. Yet this same sector of entrepreneurs continues to face significant challenges in building their companies compared to their white male counterparts. While Latinx women entrepreneurs continue to thrive in spite of the odds stacked against them, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that the playing field is still unleveled. How do we create an ecosystem that supports the advancement of these entrepreneurs?

This is a question I work diligently to answer every day through the work of digitalundivided. Having relocated to Puerto Rico, I get a front-row seat to its vibrant startup ecosystem. The US territory is poised to become a global model for innovation in entrepreneurship and its growing community of entrepreneurs gives light and opportunity to a sector of founders that has long been overlooked - Latinx women.?

With digitalundivided expanding its team in Puerto Rico, I found it necessary for the organization to engage with local allies and share our mission and impact as an organization. What can I say, that spirit of immersing myself in a problem transcends far beyond my own personal endeavors. I have even made it a practice for my team to immerse themselves into unchartered territory to gain new perspective. I have connected with and learned from brands and individuals who have a deep understanding of the struggles and realities faced by Puerto Rican women founders and the Latinx community. These conversations connect deeply to our mission and will soon evolve into partnerships that aim to reframe and reform these issues to develop resources that position all Latinx women entrepreneurs for success.