A statewide loss could have ended a public career. Instead, it clarified one. In 2022, after years of momentum and marquee endorsements, Anna ran for Illinois Secretary of State—and lost. “When you fail publicly, that can really set you back,” she says. “I was embarrassed. I didn’t want to face the people who believed in me.” What came next was not retreat, but reset.

Who is Anna? Chicago’s City Clerk since 2017, elected to full terms in 2019 and 2023. She oversees an office that serves 1.2 million people and moves major revenue for the city. Before Clerk, she helped pass police accountability measures, stabilized pension funds, and launched “Chicago is With You,” the city’s first legal protection fund for immigrants and refugees. The resume is long. The through-line is service.

The turning point wasn’t only political. It was personal. She had a baby in April 2020—at the height of the shutdown—then jumped into a statewide race when her daughter was nine months old. “I put so much time and energy… and I thought, okay, I’m going to win. Well, I lost.” That sting pushed her closer to faith and discipline. “My friends and family put a mirror in front of me,” she says. “Then I really had to get back into my prayer and worship time.”

Her daily framework is simple and repeatable. “I journal three things of gratitude every morning,” Anna says. She protects sleep—seven to eight hours, non-negotiable. She puts her phone in another room at night. “I’ve done this for two and a half years now… I try in the morning not to check my emails first thing. I get a workout in, then ease in.” It’s not productivity theater. It’s guardrails for a high-stakes job.

On work and family, Anna rejects a split she considers unrealistic. “I don’t believe in work-life balance… I believe in work-life integration,” a principle a mentor passed on. That can look like bringing her daughter to community events and making it a “mommy and daughter day.” It can also look like planning joy with the same rigor she schedules meetings. “You have to plan for it like you plan to see the doctor,” she says. Coffee with friends. A service on Sunday. A Friday afternoon hang. The point is to put joy on the calendar, not hope it appears.

Tactics you can use this week: set a five-minute gratitude practice; move the phone out of the bedroom; protect one night for real rest; and schedule one small joy block. If you manage a team, normalize these moves. Ask for one joy plan in one-on-one check-ins. Treat recovery like revenue—because it protects your voice, your decisions, and your energy.

The public results are tangible. As Clerk, Anna leads City Council modernization, including e-voting, to increase transparency and speed. She built CityKey, a municipal ID that has served tens of thousands of residents. She launched Next Gen City Council, where high school students from across neighborhoods write and debate ordinances; the top vote-getter is introduced to the real council. She also convened a Status of Women and Girls working group that issued 22 recommendations—“the Pink New Deal”—with half implemented so far, from better responses to gender-based violence to age-appropriate education on safety and consent.

But the deeper result sits inside her decision to stay. After wrestling with whether to leave public life, the answer she heard in prayer was one word: stay. “Lead where you are right now,” she says. “Find a problem… and tackle it.” That’s a cue for anyone in growth mode. You don’t need a title to make change. Start with the block you live on, the team you run, the clients you serve. Local action compounds.

How to transfer her playbook to your work: define a two-line morning routine you can do every day; turn one recurring task into a teachable moment for the next generation; and ship one concrete improvement to how your team makes decisions (fewer...

Nallely Suárez Gass has spent her life challenging norms, embracing opportunities, and building meaningful connections. Raised in Chicago to Mexican parents, Nallely grew up understanding the importance of adaptability and resilience. Her journey, from the west side of Chicago to co-founding Drop Needle Drinks, is a story of determination, cultural pride, and fearless ambition. Today, her wine-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand is redefining what’s possible in a competitive market, all while staying rooted in quality and authenticity.

Growing up in Chicago’s vibrant cultural mosaic, Nallely’s early years were filled with family gatherings and rich traditions. Everything changed when her family moved to a predominantly white neighborhood during her childhood. This shift made her hyper-aware of her identity as a Latina, shaping how she navigated the world. In high school at Lane Tech, she found a sense of belonging through cultural clubs like Hola and Aspira, which celebrated the diversity within diversity. "Chicago is a bubble of diversity," she says. "You don’t realize how special it is until you leave." These formative experiences laid the foundation for her confidence and cultural pride.

While pursuing her degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Nallely discovered a love for problem-solving through econometrics—a mix of economics and statistics. Her passion for analyzing complex systems carried her into a thriving corporate career at PepsiCo and Molson Coors, where she honed her skills in sales and strategy. But what truly set her apart was her ability to cultivate relationships. “Cheerleaders are everything,” she says. “Focus on the people rooting for you, and don’t waste energy trying to win over the naysayers.”

Despite her success in the corporate world, Nallely always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2019, she launched two businesses simultaneously: a consulting firm and a trucking company. “I was scared one of them might fail, so I started both,” she admits. While the consulting business allowed her to focus on leadership development, the trucking company thrived during the pandemic, employing over 130 people at its peak. “One of my proudest moments was helping my team support their families during such a challenging time,” she says. The experience taught her flexibility, grit, and the importance of asking for help when needed.

The idea for Drop Needle Drinks emerged from a collaboration with four former colleagues from her time at Molson Coors. While Nallely joined the team last, she quickly became integral to the brand’s success, leading sales and market strategies. “We all have our silos of expertise, and we respect each other’s strengths,” she says. Drop Needle Drinks stands out with its wine-based cocktails made from natural ingredients sourced from a family vineyard in Paso Robles, California. The flavors—crafted with real juices—are a reflection of the team’s commitment to quality.

Entering a crowded market didn’t faze Nallely. “It’s crowded because there’s demand,” she explains. “If you believe in your product and know what makes it unique, go for it.” She emphasizes the importance of differentiation, pointing out that the ready-to-drink cocktail market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry. “Our goal was to create something that feels fresh, approachable, and delicious, and I think we’ve done that.”

For Nallely, working with her co-founders has been a masterclass in teamwork. “You have to have clear expectations and hold each other accountable,” she says. “We’re all betting big on this, so respect and trust are key.” She believes that successful partnerships stem from understanding and appreciating each person’s role. “I don’t try to micromanage the creative aspects because that’s not my area of expertise. I focus on what I’m good at and trust my team to do the...

In a recent episode of The Face of Latina Professionals, hosted by the vibrant Abby Torres, listeners were treated to an inspiring conversation with Rosie Gonzalez, Brookfield’s number one real estate broker. Rosie's journey is not just a story of professional success but a beacon of personal triumph, resilience, and the power of faith.

Abby, known for her ability to draw out the profound and personal from her guests, navigated the conversation through Rosie's remarkable life and career. Rosie’s narrative is a testament to the belief that with determination, learning, and a bit of help from above, anything is possible.

Rosie’s entry into real estate was born from necessity—a "desperate moment" as she calls it, which led her to sell her own home and quickly become busy with clients. Her story resonates with many who find their calling in unexpected circumstances. "I became a real estate agent in a desperate moment... I sold my house and immediately I got busy right away," Rosie shares, highlighting the serendipity in her path to becoming a realtor.

What sets Rosie apart is not just her success but her approach to business and life. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, a strategy that propelled her to the top of her field within three years. But it's her focus on relationships, trust, and treating clients like family that truly defines her success. "I'm friends with all of my clients," Rosie remarks, underlining the depth of her connections.

Abby expertly extracts lessons from Rosie's experiences, making it clear that success in real estate—or any field—goes beyond just transactions. It's about creating genuine relationships, understanding the needs of those you serve, and always striving to provide value.

One of the most poignant moments in their conversation comes when Rosie discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, especially as a mother.

She speaks candidly about the necessity of delegation and trust in God's plan, offering a powerful message for anyone striving to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. "God always has a plan... I'm a warrior," Rosie admits, sharing her internal battles and the solace she finds in faith.

Abby and Rosie's dialogue transcends the specifics of real estate, touching on universal themes of hard work, family, faith, and the journey toward fulfilling one's potential. Through Abby's skillful interviewing, listeners gain insights into not only becoming successful in their careers but also in leading a balanced, meaningful life.

The essence of Rosie and Abby's conversation is a reminder that your path may be fraught with challenges, but with determination, faith, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you too can achieve greatness. Let their discussion inspire you to pursue your passions, value your relationships, and never underestimate the power of a positive mindset and a supportive community.