From Youthful Curiosity to CEO: Cindy Blanco’s Journey as a Latina Founder in Tech

Since a young age, Cindy Blanco has been fueled by curiosity, humility, and relentless hustle. She credits her parents for creating an environment where taking things for granted wasn’t an option — both she and her twin sister were expected to contribute to the family, even if it meant creating a side hustle to cover a portion of their family vacations. Cindy is now CEO and co-founder of MiSalud , a Spanish-first telehealth platform designed to address the unique healthcare needs of the LatinX community in the United States. The company’s mission is to make healthcare accessible, culturally attuned, and tailored to underserved populations. Her journey reflects a blend of resilience, adaptability, and the rare ability to thrive in environments where there are no clear answers—qualities that make her uniquely suited to thrive in the ups-and-downs of startups.

Cindy’s upbringing in Mexico as one of four siblings, including her twin, instilled in her a strong sense of family, resourcefulness, and a hunger for knowledge. Her father, a physician, introduced her to the world of healthcare, while her mother taught her the importance of resilience and humility. Cindy’s parents encouraged her to embrace challenges and explore new experiences, fostering an early entrepreneurial spirit. From selling avocado salsa in her neighborhood to doing classmates' homework for extra cash, Cindy was always finding creative ways to achieve her goals, demonstrating a knack for navigating the unknown.

After college, Cindy explored public service, serving in a number of roles in her local government in Mexico. From here, Cindy’s path into tech was serendipitous — and marked by a keen curiosity and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone. In 2015, Cindy met Bismarck Lepe via an introduction from Trenton Truitt, a software sales leader based in Silicon Valley. The founder and CEO of Wizeline, Bismark shared his vision for bridging the tech ecosystems of the U.S. and Mexico. Inspired by his commitment to creating opportunities for Mexican talent, Cindy joined him to establish Startup GDL, a nonprofit that helped U.S. tech companies build remote engineering teams in Mexico. This role, which she initially took on without any prior tech experience, required Cindy to learn quickly, adapt constantly, and operate in an environment with no clear-cut solutions.

Rather than seeing her lack of experience as a barrier, she embraced it as a chance to learn. “I’ve always been someone who loves to learn,” Cindy reflects, “and I think that’s what has carried me through the toughest moments.” Her openness to feedback and eagerness to seek out new perspectives allowed her to grow rapidly. When faced with setbacks, she would ask, “What can I do better?” rather than focusing on the challenge itself. This mindset not only helped Cindy overcome obstacles but also enabled her to build meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from investors to employees and customers.

For Cindy, humility is not about downplaying her achievements; it’s about recognizing that there is always more to learn. This approach has been instrumental in her role at MiSalud, where she navigates the complexities of both healthcare and tech. Cindy is constantly seeking ways to improve MiSalud’s offerings, often turning to her team for insights and inspiration. “As a CEO, you’re not supposed to have all the answers,” she says. “What’s important is being open to learning from others and staying flexible.” This mindset has not only made her a better leader but has also helped MiSalud grow into a platform that truly reflects the needs and values of the Latino community.

Cindy’s journey in the tech world has not been without its challenges. Fundraising, for instance, has required her to step into a space where imposter syndrome often rears its head. But rather than letting these feelings deter her, Cindy has used them as fuel to learn faster and more effectively. Her curiosity drives her to understand the nuances of investor relationships, while her humility allows her to take constructive criticism in stride. She views each ‘no’ as a stepping stone to improvement, focusing on how she can refine her pitch or adjust her approach. “Every investor is different,” Cindy explains, “and each interaction is an opportunity to learn something new. I’ve learned not to take rejection personally but rather to see it as a guide for growth.”

One of Cindy’s most significant strengths as a leader is her ability to persist, even when the path forward is uncertain. She is motivated by stories from MiSalud users who benefit from the platform. She often recalls a moment when she met an older man in Los Angeles who initially hesitated to use the MiSalud app. After finally giving it a try, he expressed his gratitude, saying it was the first time he had felt truly in control of his health. His words underscored the importance of MiSalud’s mission and reinforced Cindy’s commitment to the work.?

“That story stays with me,” she says. “It reminds me that what we’re doing matters and that I have to keep pushing forward.”

Cindy’s adaptability and resilience have been critical in helping MiSalud reach over 10,000 individuals, many of whom have chronic conditions and have struggled to find culturally sensitive care. Her openness to change and drive to improve have created a work environment that values growth and innovation. She has assembled a team of diverse talents, many of whom are experiencing the tech world for the first time. For Cindy, this is an opportunity to pay forward the support and mentorship she received from leaders like Bismarck, who believed in her potential before she believed in herself.

As Cindy reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month, she is proud of her heritage and the contributions of the Latino community to industries like tech, where representation is still limited. She views this month as a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and progress of Latinos, and to share her story in hopes of inspiring others. Cindy believes that her success is a testament to the power of curiosity, humility, and determination—qualities that have enabled her to break barriers and make a lasting impact on both the healthcare and tech sectors.

Through MiSalud, Cindy is not just building a business; she is creating a community and empowering Latinos to take control of their health. Every story of a life changed reaffirms her belief that she is on the right path. With an unwavering commitment to learning, a deep sense of purpose, and the drive to never give up, Cindy Blanco embodies the spirit of an empathetic and real leader — one who’s dedicated to making a difference, one patient at a time.