The Face of Latina Professionals

Argelia Martinez, the founder of Vida Mía Cocktails, is a Latina professional making her mark in the beverage industry. 

Growing up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, Danica Matos was very involved in her Puerto Rican community. She joins us on The Face of Latina Professionals to share her story of life in Chicago, to making a career move from computer programming to real estate. 

Alejandra Garcia Morris shares her journey of humbles beginnings in Mexico, to CEO of "#It’s Clean Cleaning Services" and the lessons learned along the way. 

With the world’s 8th largest economy (third in Latina America), Beatriz Vivas has the honor and responsibility of representing Argentina and assisting their citizens throughout the Midwest. She joins Paola Meinzer to share more on what makes her country beautiful and how her career in diplomacy began. 

Melanie Hernandez is a domestic violence advocate and recovery support specialist. Her journey into the profession stems from her own personal experience. While Melanie was pregnant with her second child, she was the victim of domestic violence and found herself at a DV shelter.

Ana Gil Garcia is the Executive Director of Academic Effectiveness at St. Augustine College and Founder and Director of Illinois Venezuelan Alliance. Originally from Isla de Margarita, part of Venezuela, she was born and raised on this Caribbean Island about 25 miles north of the mainland. 

On Mexican Independence Day, Paola Meinzer sits down with the Mexican Ambassador in Chicago: Reyna Torres. While Paola was born in Colombia and raised in South America, she has become very close with the Latino and Mexican community in Chicago.

Originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Rocío Villalva has made her name for herself in Chicago, by creating content for Spanish speaking residents of the city. 

Born in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents, Jennifer Salgado shares her relatable story of growing up in two contrasting cultures and how it has shaped her view of the world. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she hopes her story can uplift and empower women to pursue their dreams and be an inspiration to other women. 

Born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, Miriam Galarza Holland is no stranger to overcoming difficult situations. She reflects on how those experiences shaped the person she is today.  A Real Estate Broker by trade, she’s also become an advocate for mental health.