Overcoming the Odds: A Journey of Resilience and Success

I am a first-generation Mexican American, born to a 16-year-old orphaned girl. The odds of me writing this column were stacked against me from the start. However, I was blessed with two parents who loved me in their unique ways and raised me to become a strong Latina. Today, I am a tech executive with a remarkable journey that includes working at Visa, Google, and now as the CEO and co-founder of my own company. My story is a testament to how diversity improves return on investment.

Early Life and Family Background

My mother, a Mexican American raised in San Francisco’s Mission District, was a lifelong learner despite having very little formal education. She often reminded me that I was smart because I had been in school since I was in utero. My father, a Mexican immigrant, moved to the United States at the age of 16 to contribute to his family. His journey to obtaining a green card was smoother than most, as my grandfather was a US citizen.

My father grew up in a family of 15, with his father working in the United States and returning home once or twice a year to see the family. Because of this, my father understood the importance of having a father present every day, and I benefited immensely from his focus and cultural stories, which I still hold close today.

Growing Up in the San Francisco Bay Area

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, within my family and community, I was blessed to be a bilingual translator-turned-advocate. Leadership began for me from the moment I could speak. I always wanted to offer a better life to my family. We lived in an in-law unit no bigger than a one-bedroom apartment. At 19, my mother was busy raising my brother and me while my father worked as a dishwasher. I was always aware of our situation but never felt shame as my circumstances propelled me to contribute to the family.

This began with my first job at the age of eight, walking neighborhood kids to school and ensuring their safe return home at the end of the day. This responsibility earned me $5 every Friday, which I reinvested to contribute to my family. At a young age, I learned the importance of personal branding, respect, earning trust, delivering results, and innovating to improve outcomes. This knowledge has echoed throughout my life.

The Role of Mentors and Sponsors

The role of mentors and sponsors made my journey possible, sprinkled with hard work, my firm commitment to my culture, and my innovative spirit. These elements allow me to show up with an authentic and graceful approach. Those are words that have been used to describe my leadership, which has been refined through every interaction and experience.

Empowering Latinas

As Latinas, let’s not forget our power from within. We have been molded by our unique experiences and upbringing. We are collaborators, innovators, scalers, adapters, advocates, and full of empathy and love. It is this rich blend that provides me with the determination needed to step into the CEO role of the company I co-founded, Inspirame, an equity-focused education technology company.

I look forward to doing my part to end generational poverty through educational attainment—who better than me? I have always enjoyed beating the odds, and I am ready to empower others on a much grander scale. What’s the point in being the first if you’re the last? Let’s partner!

Maria Medrano is co-founder and CEO of Inspirame. Born to immigrant parents, Medrano was the first in her family to graduate from high school and college.