URBANDER

As a Latina business owner, I often say that entrepreneurship and advocacy are NOT mutually exclusive. Sí señor, entrepreneurship and advocacy go hand in hand. Exercising our right to vote and standing up for justice are not separate from our business—they’re essential parts of it. Entrepreneurship offers us the freedom to shape our own destinies, but it also places us in a position to act as ambassadors for those who are grossly underrepresented.  Speaking up is not just about voicing personal concerns; it’s about leveraging our influence to drive meaningful change. Advocating for our community and upholding our values is just as crucial as running our businesses. By using our platforms, we can elevate the issues that matter most to our community, push for policies that protect our rights, and increase voter participation. We must stand firm and advocate for the changes we want to see. When we invest our resources in amplifying Latino voices and working towards electing candidates who will advocate for our rights, we squash the narratives of those who seek to undermine us. Let’s use our freedom and influence to make a difference. Because when it comes to protecting our community and advocating for our rights, it’s not just good business—it’s our duty. "Snapshot" is a weekly comic strip series illustrated by my daughter Catalina Mía (age 15) for URBANDER. This delightful series captures humorous and relatable moments in the life of a Latina entrepreneur, highlighting challenges and triumphs with a touch of humor and wit. Every Monday, we will enjoy an amusing snapshot of the entrepreneurial lifestyle of the new global majority in the U.S. through Catalina's artistic lens. #URBANDER #Mindset #SnapshotComicSeries #CatalinaMia #LatinaEntrepreneur #entrepreneuriallifestyle #keepingitreal #latina #storytelling #illustrator #artist #creativity #comic #comicart #Entrepreneurship #Advocacy #SocialJustice #ProtectFreedom

Consider this: Our minds are incredible—they have the ability to grow, adapt, and embrace new knowledge at any age. We’re never too old to learn, shift our mindset, or reimagine our potential. Whether it's picking up a new skill or challenging an old belief, your brain is always ready for a reboot. Take that next step in your journey of growth—learning is timeless! And my sister from another mister Liliana Pickens certainly models this healthy mindset. ((Sunday Soundbites)) is a weekly burst of insight from the remarkable minds featured on our “I have SOMETHING to say!” Podcast. Each Sunday, URBANDER’s Jr. Graphic Designer Alana King curates thought-provoking soundbites from our conversations with a diverse network of subject matter experts and leaders. With so many wonderful discussions and profound moments shared, we are excited to kick-start your week with a captivating quote that will feature the leader’s mindset and how they “show up” as human beings. #URBANDER #Mindset #Leadership #SundaySoundbites #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset #BrainPower #NeverStopLearning #MindsetShift #StayCurious

Small business owners in the house? Toiling? “Snapshot" is a weekly comic strip series illustrated by my daughter Catalina Mía (age 14) for URBANDER. This delightful series captures humorous and relatable moments in the life of a Latina entrepreneur, highlighting challenges and triumphs with a touch of humor and wit. 

Every Monday, we will enjoy an amusing snapshot of the entrepreneurial lifestyle of the new global majority in the U.S. through Catalina's artistic lens.
 #URBANDER #Mindset #SnapshotComicSeries #CatalinaMia #LatinaEntrepreneur #entrepreneuriallifestyle #keepingitreal #latina #storytelling #illustrator #artist #creativity #comic #comicart

Have you ever seen a snowflake up close? Each one is a delicate masterpiece, unique and beautiful. But if left alone, it melts almost instantly. Just like a fleeting thought or idea, it disappears unless you act on it. A thank you is in order to mi hermano Marcos Navas for reminding us that it’s passion that turns that fragile snowflake into something more—something solid, sustainable, and purposeful. When you’re driven by intention, you start building. One snowflake leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve created something big, something that stands strong against the elements. Don’t let your ideas melt away. Nurture them, build on them, and let your passion drive you. What starts small can grow into something beautiful, something that makes a difference. ((Sunday Soundbites)) is a weekly burst of insight from the remarkable minds featured on our “I have SOMETHING to say!” Podcast. Each Sunday, URBANDER’s Jr. Graphic Designer Alana King curates thought-provoking soundbites from our conversations with a diverse network of subject matter experts and leaders. With so many wonderful discussions and profound moments shared, we are excited to kick-start your week with a captivating quote that will feature the leader’s mindset and how they “show up” as human beings. #URBANDER #Mindset #Relationships #SundaySoundbites #Passion #Purpose #BuildYourDreams #SnowballEffect #SustainableSuccess #DrivenByIntention

Put on your seatbelts. In the latest episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say, co-hosts Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero get real about the systemic neglect and misrepresentation faced by the Puerto Rican and Latino community in Florida. Joined by Florida State Representative Johanna López and Boricua Vota Founder Jimmy Torres Velez, they lay bare the urgent need for engagement and education to dismantle harmful misconceptions about Latino voters and amplify their electoral participation. It’s high time to confront the truth: language barriers and a lack of cultural competency are not just hurdles—they're deliberate obstacles keeping the Latino vote marginalized and underrepresented. The conversation calls out the glaring insufficiency of investments in culturally relevant messaging and resources, which are crucial for genuine outreach. Political representation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed. The Latino vote is not just influential—it’s transformative, and it's time for everyone to wake up to its power. As we dig deep into this episode, remember: "Very soon, you will not be able to win an election in this country without the Latino vote." It's about time we fight back against ignorance and demand the recognition and respect we deserve. Tune in now and find out why the Latino vote is the game-changer we can no longer ignore. #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #BoricuaVota #LatinoVote #Vota #Vote https://lnkd.in/eByhg7a8

OK - so Catalina Mía has been adjusting to starting high school...hence this Snapshot being placed late today 🙄. SHE MADE IT, THOUGH!!! The topic at hand this week... When landing new business takes forever, remember that persistence is key. However, knowing when to shift gears is equally important. As rewarding as it is to finally seal a deal you’ve been working on for years, understanding your sales cycle is crucial. Learn when to pause, move on, and when to circle back to avoid losing your mind and confidence. If you’re putting too much energy into prospects who aren’t ready to commit (or memberships in organizations that yield nada), it might be time to reassess. Hesitation in committing budgets often means hesitation in paying what you’re truly worth. Keep pushing, but don’t let the long game stall your growth. Right around the corner there’s always that potential “Ideal Client Ever” who recognizes your value and is ready to work with you ASAP. "Snapshot" is a weekly comic strip series illustrated by my daughter Catalina Mía (age 14) for URBANDER. This delightful series captures humorous and relatable moments in the life of a Latina entrepreneur, highlighting challenges and triumphs with a touch of humor and wit. Every Monday, we will enjoy an amusing snapshot of the entrepreneurial lifestyle of the new global majority in the U.S. through Catalina's artistic lens. #URBANDER #Mindset #SnapshotComicSeries #CatalinaMia #LatinaEntrepreneur #entrepreneuriallifestyle #keepingitreal #latina #storytelling #illustrator #artist #creativity #comic #comicart

Just like two hearts beating in sync, honesty and authenticity go hand in hand. Lisa Cavalli is SPOT ON. Being honest is powerful, but when we lead with authenticity, we create deeper, more meaningful relationships. Let's strive for more honesty in the way we engage with people in our professional and personal lives—and let's also embrace our true selves and encourage others to do the same. ((Sunday Soundbites)) is a weekly burst of insight from the remarkable minds featured on our “I have SOMETHING to say!” Podcast. Each Sunday, URBANDER’s Jr. Graphic Designer Alana King curates thought-provoking soundbites from our conversations with a diverse network of subject matter experts and leaders. With so many wonderful discussions and profound moments shared, we are excited to kick-start your week with a captivating quote that will feature the leader’s mindset and how they “show up” as human beings. #URBANDER #Mindset #Relationships #SundaySoundbites #Authenticity #Honesty #Connection #LeadWithHeart #BeYourself #TrueSelf

Navigating the world of RFPs (Request for Proposals) can feel like a never-ending maze (and a money pit, too), especially for small businesses. Without an "in" or a solid relationship with a decision-maker who knows your work, it can often seem like a fruitless endeavor. That heavy feeling that comes with approaching deadlines and the frustration of slim odds can weigh like ton of bricks.   Sometimes, the best strategy is to step away from the desk and focus on building those essential connections. Because in the world of RFPs, sometimes it’s not just about the proposal—it’s about who you know…and who knows the value of your product or service. Nothing beats a recommendation along with a warm introduction.   "Snapshot" is a weekly comic strip series illustrated by my daughter Catalina Mía (age 14) for URBANDER. This delightful series captures humorous and relatable moments in the life of a Latina entrepreneur, highlighting challenges and triumphs with a touch of humor and wit. 

Every Monday, we will enjoy an amusing snapshot of the entrepreneurial lifestyle of the new global majority in the U.S. through Catalina's artistic lens.
 #URBANDER #Mindset #SnapshotComicSeries #CatalinaMia #LatinaEntrepreneur #entrepreneuriallifestyle #keepingitreal #latina #storytelling #illustrator #artist #creativity #comic #comicart

Relationships, like flowers, need the right balance of care to truly thrive. It’s a simple truth: nurturing relationships with respect, patience, and understanding leads to growth and flourishing. But overwatering—pushing too hard, demanding too much—can cause even the strongest bonds to weaken and wilt. I thank my brother Peter M. Smith (aka Smitty) for teaching me how to cherish people who are open to engaging and to not compromise a budding friendship.  In leadership, business, and life, it's about mastering the art of balance—investing the right amount of time and energy into your relationships without overwhelming them (or getting overwhelmed by them). When we focus on creating a healthy dynamic, we cultivate connections that are resilient, meaningful, and enduring. Take a moment to reflect on your relationships. Are you watering them just enough to grow, or are you unintentionally causing them to wilt? Let’s strive for relationships that empower us and others to bloom. ((Sunday Soundbites)) is a weekly burst of insight from the remarkable minds featured on our “I have SOMETHING to say!” Podcast. Each Sunday, URBANDER’s Jr. Graphic Designer Alana King curates thought-provoking soundbites from our conversations with a diverse network of subject matter experts and leaders. With so many wonderful discussions and profound moments shared, we are excited to kick-start your week with a captivating quote that will feature the leader’s mindset and how they “show up” as human beings. #URBANDER #Mindset #Relationships #SundaySoundbites #Growth #Balance #Leadership #Flourish #Humanity #Connection #Nurture

OK, I’m literally jumping out of my skin.  Thank you Evelyn Reyes for reaching out and inviting me to lead the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month workshop for the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, as you launch your high-impact "Hablemos de Negocios" program. I’m BEYOND excited to deliver "From Invisible to Invincible," an interactive presentation on how Latinos business owners in the U.S. can transform their unique experiences into powerful tools for building inclusive and thriving business ecosystems.  And I get to do it in SPANISH this time!!!  YAY! Bottom line is: adults appreciate story-time designed to inspire adults. So, “From Invisible to Invincible” is a no-holds-bar conversation that embodies the undeniable resilience, grit, and the unyielding spirit of the Hispanic community. I’ll draw from my personal journey— highlighting the challenges and triumphs of navigating corporate America as a Hispanic woman to eventually launching my own business. This workshop will provide actionable insights on leveraging our heritage, values and experiences to drive meaningful change and empowerment as business owners. Oh, it’ll be a party alright, where we will not only celebrate the strength of our community, but also harness our collective power to create opportunities and redefine success. Together, we are INVINCIBLE! 💪 If your organization is also looking for an out-of-the ordinary unforgettable experience for Hispanic Heritage Month that is centered in compelling and relatable storytelling, email Natasha Pérez at [email protected] to set up a quick call to discuss. #URBANDER #LaJefa #HispanicHeritageMonth #FromInvisibleToInvincible #LatinoPower #DiversityAndInclusion