Helping Women Find Fulfillment and Happiness with Viva La Forty Founder Omayra Jimenez
Omayra Perez-Jimenez is a woman of the people, always looking to inspire positive change in others. Her career demonstrates the immense compassion this Leading Latina holds in her heart for helping others. At the age of 19 years old, Omayra returned to the United States after spending most of her childhood in Puerto Rico. Although the language barrier was a challenge, she was determined to achieve a better future for herself and it was her strong desire to rise above every obstacle that gave her courage. Omayra studied at Katherine Gibbs School and later attained an English degree from Hunter College. In 2016, Omayra founded the digital platform VIVA LA FORTY with the purpose of inspiring and empowering women 40 years and older. She works with organizations that support women who have been victims of domestic violence and holds workshops on motivation, growth and entrepreneurship. Through her work with VIVA LA FORTY, Omayra’s main objective is to keep inspiring change and generate positivity in the lives of women. Sharing her story with others allows her to show it is possible to overcome ones traumas and live a truly fulfilled life. Age is nothing but a number, and should in no way impede your aspirations. Aside from supporting the women in her community through her digital platform, Omayra also works as a professional translator at a prestigious law firm in New York City. She is able to continue her journey in helping others by using her bilingual expertise to assist minorities, and also does pro bono work to help immigrants feel safe navigating the complex legal system. Omayra is currently in progress of obtaining international certification in Professional Transformational Coaching. This journey will give this Leading Latina the opportunity to one day become a life coach as well as a motivational speaker. She will continue to empower women in need of support while pursuing their goals and finding purpose in their lives. As a Leading Latina of 2019, Omayra Perez-Jimenez is ready to connect and collaborate with other women in our community also looking to inspire others with their stories of perseverance, and determination. She has two beautiful daughters who have been her strongest source of encouragement. Omayra cites her mother as her biggest inspiration and hero as well. Omayra Jimenez’ vision is clear: to better herself, put her teachings into action, and motivate others to join her journey. She values authenticity, humbleness, all while showing that no matter what the circumstances may be in your life, you have the power to achieve all of your dreams. As long as you live in relentless pursuit of them, the universe will reward you with a positive outcome. Omayra Jimenez wants women who have been victims of domestic abuse to be able to face their fears every day, and overcome their obstacles. The most beautiful and rewarding thing is to use our talents to help others. That is where genuine happiness dwells. Connect with Omayra @vivalaforty
Helping Others Live Their Best Lives Through Transformational Guidance and Inspiration with Cindy Bautista-Thomas
Cindy Bautista-Thomas is an innovative visionary committed to helping others tap into their hidden potential, discover their God given gifts, and help them take inspired action towards creating the life they’ve always envisioned. A licensed clinical social worker, PhD candidate in Urban Education, and a master facilitator in personal and professional development, Cindy is enthusiastic about connecting with people and supporting them in their transformation process to live their best lives. Before becoming a licensed clinical social worker, Cindy was inspired by her own mother’s determined and entrepreneurial attitude. “She raised five children in the projects of the Bronx… she did not allow her circumstances to define her and her children,” stated Cindy. Her mother encouraged them and was a provider, making sure her children had fun while also giving them a private school education. My mom significantly augmented the family income by being an entrepreneur herself, selling clothes and linen from my brother’s bedroom. That side hustle helped pay tuition, buy what we need as well as help support family in the Dominican Republic. At the start of her career, one of the many challenges Cindy faced as a social worker was her age. Being the youngest in her class and job resulted in feelings of discrimination from her colleagues. “People felt I didn’t belong there or did not know enough to be there… I overcame that fear with confidence and demonstrating that through my craft,” expressed Cindy. She worked hard by being helpful to those who even doubted her skillset. Cindy Bautista-Thomas’ determination is what showed her colleagues she was adept at being a successful social worker. As an entrepreneur, there is always that lingering fear of not spending enough time with her family. Cindy does her best to tend to the many roles that she has, although she admits it can be a bit of a struggle. Planning and executing everything in her schedule helps her manage her time and overcome the struggle she faces as a business woman as well. In her current role as Associate Director of Field Education at the Columbia University School of Social Work she uses her teaching and leadership experience to teach field instruction seminars, coordinate internship opportunities and organize social work conferences. Additionally, Cindy has spearheaded all aspects of the field education program and uses her collaborative leadership style to oversee and manage multiple projects of the Field Education Department. Whether through her work as an educator, conducting personal development workshops, or individual coaching sessions, Cindy uses her professional training and personal experiences, to provide services that aid individuals to create a balanced and fulfilled life. Be it overcoming fears and limiting beliefs, unearthing hidden strengths and talents, or helping with goal setting, Cindy works with individuals to integrate sustainable change not only in what they do, but in who they are becoming. In 2017, Cindy decided to leverage her leadership, interpersonal, and coaching skills and co-founded Velocity Visions, a personal development agency, whose mission is to provide transformational guidance to individuals, groups, and corporations through wellness activities, workshops, and interactive exercises that enhance personal and professional efficacy. With her bigger than life personality, warm smile, and innate ability to help others feel comfortable, Cindy is using her God given talents to help others find theirs. Her strong presence, passion, and professionalism makes Cindy one of the premiere transformation coaches in the industry. As a Velocity Visions, Inc. coach, Cindy has many memorable experiences everyday where she is able to inspire and positively impact those around her. “I was co-facilitating a one day workshop titled, ‘Re-igniting the Passion: Invigorating the Relationship with Self-Care to Prevent Compassion Fatigue’… one social worker came up to me during the break and revealed that one of the exercises impacted her so much she decided to call her daughter and apologize about a falling out they had,” said Cindy. The exercises she was facilitating that day changed her client’s perspective and life. By the end of the workshop the attendee had reconciled with her daughter and was meeting her for dinner after the workshop. The testimony was a reminder to me of how my gifts make room for others to have transformation and to feel impact. Cindy Bautista-Thomas was nominated this year as a Leading Latina for Latinas En New York. Her advice to other Latina’s who are aspiring to become leaders in their careers and personal lives is to reach out to those who are already doing what you aspire to do. “Ask to spend time with them to learn from their journey, always being mindful of what you can offer in return,” said Cindy. Speaking from her own personal experience, approaching those encounters with a win/win mindset is important. Her goal as a Leading Latina for 2019 is to connect and collaborate with other Leading Latinas. She is looking to further empower our community and promote Latinas En New York’s message of inspiration for all Latina’s. When she’s not transforming lives, Cindy spends her time with her family and pursuing her creative passion of writing. To learn more about Cindy and the work she does with Velocity Visions visit the website at http://www.velocityvisionsinc.com.
Making Dreams a Reality With IORI Digital Founder Marggiori Salas
Marggiori Salas has always been motivated by the idea of becoming an entrepreneur. The desire and intrigue of owning her own business began at an early age for this Leading Latina. It all started with a bake sale – a childhood friend taught Marggiori how to prepare oats cookies which lead to creating a business by selling these deliciously baked treats for profit. It was this experience that opened her eyes to entrepreneurship and it continued to follow her throughout her career. Before founding the Marketing and Advertising Agency IORI Digital, Marggiori had a simple concept for skin care products called Fiore D’ Or. The many successes of this project were experiences learned and although the financial journey was difficult, quitting was not an option. She decided to take a few steps back and prepare herself for a future she always longed for. Owning a business in something Marggiori felt strongly impassioned for was important and it would take getting a job to financially invest in herself and her aspirations. Currently the CEO and Founder of IORI Digital based in Hackensack, NJ, Marggiori describes it as something entirely different, “I use all of my sales and marketing experience including my past business ventures to create something that works – to be able to become a success.” What drives this Latina entrepreneur is the desire to help others and grow. Having her own business has allowed Marggiori to connect with other businesses and help develop new talent. Today, Marggiori Salas attributes her biggest inspiration to her faith in God which shaped her life and became a mantra for overcoming obstacles everyday. Identifying her strength and finding her voice, Marggiori has gone through many challenges stating, “I was full of insecurities and fear of not being accepted by others. I overcame this challenge by placing myself out of my comfort zone. I realized that if I had a big dream I needed to take action.” As an entrepreneur, Marggiori enjoys the vision and goals that she continues to achieve with her clients, her agency, and herself. It’s the journey’s process of coming up with an idea which makes the experience worthwhile. At IORI Digital, everyone is committed to a client’s future and the success of their business. Marggiori’s background in engineering allows her to analyze data and convert it to real results. She takes every measure to not only bring a solution to the table, but to also make a powerful impact on the relationship she builds with her clients and colleagues. Marggiori is always focused on emotion driven experiences, business growth, and new opportunities. She knows what truly drives monetary conversions. It doesn’t take knowing it all to understand what works best for business – it’s knowing how well you can connect with others on a personal level to create a strong impact on their future aspirations. My clients success is my success. Best of all, I take action with visionaries and entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals. This year, Marggiori has been nominated for LENY’s social media campaign Leading Latinas where she is excited to share her story and passions with the rest of our Latin community. Her advice to all the hard working Latinas of the world? “We need to prioritize our dreams. Use your imagination to visualize the person you want to become… and only share it with those who believe in your wildest dreams.” By staying committed to your goals and working on your personal development, you will achieve what you once thought was impossible. Marggiori Salas will use her voice as a powerful tool to continue LENY’s mission as a true ambassador through women empowerment. As a Leading Latina of 2019, she is looking forward to helping others achieve success and become active leaders in their communities. Connect with Marggiori Salas @marggiori
Empowering Women is Her Lifelong Passion
Wendy Rodriguez is a Guatemalan-American TV & Radio Host, Producer, Certified Trainer, Fitness Instructor, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and a single mother of three beautiful girls. Her TV Show “Empowering Women TV” can be seen every Saturday on Alerta TV, channel 463 Verizon Fios, and every Tuesday on Radio Adonai 540 AM. The shows highlight fitness, health, beauty, wellness and the word of God, and include special guests, inspirational personalities, powerhouses, leaders, and entrepreneurs in our communities. “Empowering Women” has motivated Miss. Rodriguez to start a business clothing line, HEAVENLY, which will debut in 2016. Wendy joined the Kirby family when she was 17 and became the second best seller in the world. At 21, she became a business owner and at 26 started her brands “USZ” Ultimate Sweat Zone and Kids Dance Studio. After the success of the youth dance studio, which ranked at the top three years in a row, USZ joined forces with Brentwood Community school and Brentwood high school PTSA. Together, they created a platform to showcase their talents and also to raise funds for Brentwood graduates, raising up to $6000 for the graduates of 2014 & 2015. Her dedication and commitment to the community inspired her to become a fitness and Zumba instructor in Brentwood, Central Islip, and with Bayshore Seniors. Ms. Rodriguez is a member of SEPA Mujer, Hombres y Mujeres Cristianos de Negocios, is a community advocate for Long Island Headstart, Fitness & Health instructor for Brentwood Community Schools, Brentwood-Chamber of commerce and has proclamations, from legislator Monica Martinez. She was nominated for the Business Woman of the Month from Mujer Actual Magazine 2011 and was honored by Legislator Monica Martinez and Phil Boyle for outstanding community work 2014. She was awarded (LATINA EXITOSA ) in May 2015, (LATINO STAR) June 2015 by Queens Courier /Star Network and awarded by NAACP as the (Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree) in September 2015, for her commitment and dedication to promoting the civil rights, talents, and prosperity of all people. Ms. Rodriguez also was chosen to be a feature Authors of the Best Sellers “Today’s Inspired Latina” Volume ll which will debut in 2016. Last but not least, she was nominated for (Business Women of the Year) by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in December 2015. Connect with: Wendy Rodriguez CEO USZ / Empowering Women TV & Radio https://m.facebook.com/Empowering-WOMEN-TV-Radio-622620221164451/ https://m.facebook.com/USZLI/ Instagram: wendyrod_19 USZDC snapchat :USZDC WENDYROD1983@GMAIL.COM Photo credits: Innovation Media | My Lifestyle Magazine | Coco-Mat NYC