Stephanie is a first-generation Latina from the Northside of Chicago. Her parents’ migration from Colombia fuels her passion for creating equitable and attainable economic opportunities for communities of color.

As the Director of Career Launch Chicago with the City Colleges of Chicago, Stephanie collaborates with Chicago Public Schools and local businesses to develop and implement Youth Apprenticeships that connect high school students to college and career pathways.

Most recently, Stephanie founded Rise and Thrive Latinas (RTL), a convener and curator of experiences that create opportunities to build community with other Latinas in Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Their signature offer, the RTL Book Club, has been incredibly successful in setting the tone for what RTL hopes to continue to provide by creating a community where members feel heard, seen, and supported, using books written by Latinas as a vehicle to have healing conversations about family dynamics, identity, pleasure and sexuality, and personal growth journeys.

Stephanie has a BA in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University with a minor in Latinx Studies and an MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida. She's an alum of the Civic Leadership Academy through University of Chicago and currently a member of the Mujeres de HACE Entrepreneur cohort where she is joined by 17 brilliant Latina entrepreneurs from all over the country.

I’m so excited for the opportunity to chat with Stephanie.

Website: riseandthrivelatinas.com

Instagram: @riseandthrivelatinas / @con_solecito

Yo, I knew our conversation was going to be amazing. She is truly a gem for our community.

There will be a new episode every Tuesday, so after you listen feel free to take a screenshot to post on IG and tag @elevatinglacultura or send me a DM. You can also comment on our YouTube video if you’re watching online. I always like to hear from people and how they resonate with the stories I share. SO leave a review on apple podcasts so we can get more ears listening to these stories and we can continue elevating la cultura.

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Alright, enjoy the rest of the day/afternoon/evening whenever you’re listening, y nos vemos next week.