The Story of Paulette Piñero
My name is Paulette Piñero and this is my story…
To me, being Latina means that I take my ancestors and the women who raised me and made me who I am everywhere I go. I am a proud Puerto Rican who spent 15 years in the non-profit field and now a Latina entrepreneur helping my comunidad reach their leadership goals. I launched my business LEAD Media because true authentic leadership comes from the inside out when you let yourself show up fully is when the most impact is made. My abuelas inspired me. They raised me and have taught me almost everything I know. My values, my drive, and my passion comes from them.
When I was 19 and I found out I was pregnant I only thought of the things I had to pause. What no one prepares you for is having a child with disabilities. I had to postpone a lot of things in my career but I wouldn’t change it for the world. My son Alex has taught me to keep going even when I’m scared and that it’s ok to ask for help. We all have our strengths and opportunities for growth and leading with our strengths is what makes us unique.
It means that my mission is always about lifting other Latinx professionals as I climb and to provide support so they can reach their own leadership goals. I learn from my clients every single day and from other Latinx business owners. I’m all about collaboration and building a comunidad, so I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am really proud of Launching a business during the pandemic. LEAD Media is a dream I’ve had for a long time but I kept postponing. Back in March when I was in ICU and thinking I wasn’t going to be able to make it all I could think of was my familia and this dream that was kept in a Google Doc. I made a promise to myself that if COVID didn’t take me I would never put my dreams on hold.
Two weeks after being discharged LEAD Media was officially a business and I’ve never looked back. I get to help Latinx professionals every day take the next step in their careers or open a business. Knowing that I am putting my granito de arena in closing the wage gap for Latinas, helping my comunidad get a seat at the table, or create jobs for other professionals of color is what gets me up in the morning every single day. I plan to launch an online community of Latina lideres so we can support each other whether that’s in business, careers, or non-profits. The advice I would give another fellow Latina – stop procrastinating on your dreams and just start. It will never be perfect and there’s no “cookie cutter” roadmap for success. It’s all about starting and changing as you go. My favorite quote “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever” – Sonia Sotomayor also “Let’s redefine leadership” – by me. It’s my business slogan and my vision for the world!
Lastly, take the time to promote yourself. Whether it’s your Instagram, Facebook, twitter or services. This is the time when you can tell people were to follow you:
“Follow me @ I post about/ I talk about/I will help you… Or find me here for more information” Follow me @leadmediallc where I give Latinx professionals advice on how to gain confidence and the clarity they need to take the next step in their careers. We can also hop on a call to talk about your biggest leadership roadblocks https://calendly.com/theleadmedia/
