The Man Who Shaped My Early Life and Career

When I was 14 years old, my mother returned to Santo Domingo from the U.S. to bring me to America. She had moved to NJ two years earlier to start a new life.?

Now it was my turn.

I embarked on an incredible journey to the United States. We lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. As we stepped foot on this foreign land, I couldn't speak a single word of English. It was a daunting experience, especially since I had no friends to lean on for support. However, fate had a wonderful surprise in store for me—my stepfather, Joe.?

He was an insurance agent for John Hancock and later started a Cuban music band as the singer along with his two nephews. I remember seeing him play in clubs and music halls in New York City while I was just in my teens–I even went on stage a few times. They had a following of “groupies” from all walks of life who always showed up when they performed. His last career stint was at Hertz, where he loved his team and made great life-long friends like Henry.

He was a generous, very smart man and Cuban immigrant who believed in the power of perseverance and determination. Right from the start, while I was learning English, he set a rule that in the house I could only watch or listen to TV and the radio in English. At first, it was challenging, as I didn’t understand a thing! But his unwavering encouragement nudged me to step out of my comfort zone.??

We lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and I slept on the living room couch, immersing myself in a language that was once foreign to me.

My stepfather's influence was truly transformative. With his guidance and the continuous discipline and practice of listening and speaking [broken] English, I gradually gained confidence and competent command of the language over time.?

At one point during my senior year of high school (1987), we actually sat down to discuss what my college major would be–there was no question in my mind that a college education would be my ticket out of poverty.?

“I do well in biology. How about pre-med?”

“We are poor, sweetheart, and don’t have the money to help you go into private practice. So that means you would have to work in hospitals all kinds of hours.”?

“What about communication?” I asked.?

“Honey, you barely speak English. Let’s find something else.”

“I do well with computers. I got an A+ in my computer class”.?

“Now that I like. Computers and technology are the future. Let’s go with that one.”

I didn’t realize it then, but that type of conversation is rare, especially in low-income households.?

Fast Forward to Today

Reflecting on those years, my stepfather's lessons and the sense of discipline he instilled in me have shaped the woman and leader I am today. I graduated high school 3rd in my class in the regular English program and earned a spot at Rutgers College, Rutgers University, which had a great Computer Science program. There, I continued to up my game learning English and pushing past my comfort zone, leaning on friends, mentors, and teachers to overcome obstacles. Thankfully, four years later, I graduated with a Computer Science major and a minor in Economics, opening doors to a world of opportunities.

I pursued several graduate degrees, including a doctorate, specializing in Information Systems. For over 25 years, I was entrenched in technology and the financial services industry, using my knowledge and experience to make a difference and help people thrive and the business grow.

But my journey didn’t end there. In fact, it has taken a new turn.

Today, I am a transformational speaker, leadership coach, career strategist, and #1 bestselling author specializing in developing female leaders and executives and supporting them to become impactful leaders in their fields. I draw from my vast experiences, research, and best practices, sharing lessons from my stepfather's unwavering sense of discipline and purpose and encouraging and nudging my clients to step out of their comfort zones.?

Seeing these leaders and women flourish and own their true potential brings me immeasurable joy.

Looking back, I am encouraged by the challenges I faced as a young immigrant. They shaped me, molded my character, and gave me the strength to overcome obstacles. My stepfather's love and guidance played an instrumental role in my journey and success, and I am forever grateful for his positive impact on my life. Sadly, he is no longer with us–he passed away in 2002 from lung cancer.

“Para atras, ni para cojer impulso!” (Backwards, not even to gain momentum!) was one of his favorite sayings. Miss you, Dad!

The Highest Good Includes Yourself and the Good of Others

About Dr. Ginny A. Baro:

After 25 years of a successful career in corporate America, Dr. Ginny Baro realized she needed a change–a change from a four-hour round-trip commute to more freedom and flexibility to be accessible for her son and the ability to really explore her full potential.??

She created ExecutiveBound, an innovative leadership development and career advancement company in northern New Jersey.??

She became a Certified Professional Coach and started coaching leaders. As a transformational speaker, leadership coach, career strategist, and #1 bestselling author of Healing Leadership and Fearless Women at Work, she advocates for women and leaders to grow and advance.?

The word is out; now, she has a full calendar of clients and organizations seeking her insights, wisdom, and guidance.

In January 2020, she launched the Fearless Leadership Mastermind ?, a holistic leadership development solution that helps talented female leaders of all backgrounds gain confidence, courage, and critical leadership skills to advance to senior leadership positions.

To explore how your organization can leverage ExecutiveBound and Dr. Baro’s expertise to develop high-potential, talented women and leaders, please email [email protected], call 201-388-6318, or schedule to connect with her here.?