The school years…

I was the typical good student with straight As (or the equivalent of 100 points / 5 points in my school system).

I was one of the best students in the top high school in Havana, and graduated with honors from the Computer Science Bachelor’s program at the University of Havana.

I was a “success” by all academic measures. I was able to meet and exceed every test and challenge. Yet my lack of self-confidence and stress was really high. It felt like a hamster wheel of “perfectly” meeting everyone’s expectations.

My parents, family, and teachers were really proud of me. The pressure to not let them down was increasingly growing, while my “track record” accumulated more high grades.

Once the school years were over, my life totally changed overnight.

Coming to the US

The same year of my College graduation I left my family behind in Cuba and came to the United States (Atlanta, GA), at 23 years old. What a journey it has been since then!

Navigating the roller coaster of work permits, learning English, learning to drive, adjusting to a new culture, helping my family back home, and charting a path for myself, have been filled with tears, celebrations, and a lot of growth.

My technical background and further experiences in Data & Analytics, especially during my years in the Consulting industry, gave me a lot of opportunities that I am beyond grateful for.

I raised my hand over and over, pushed my comfort zone, and took on more challenges and responsibilities. I continued to be a “success” story with awards and recognition, earning 6 figures, and buying a great house.

The roller coaster of wins, defeats, and learning has been intense. Every immigrant story can be quite different because our backgrounds, cultures, and dreams are unique. Getting involved, volunteering, and co-leading the Hispanic group at my former employer exposed me to humbling experiences, realizing my own privileges.

Many Hispanics struggle in low-paying jobs despite their shiny degrees and others can’t even get high education. Many immigrants struggle with their documents, work permits, or extremely long citizenship paths.

Even though our stories and privileges differ, we can relate to our shared struggles… The language barrier, supporting our families, starting from scratch in a new country, handling stress or depression, and our unique ways of defining and pursuing success.

In my quest for career achievements, I collected great bonuses and raises. However, even though my confidence improved, the pressure of high performance kept me on a constant hamster wheel feeling burnout and stressed most days.

I was lucky though. I have met every opportunity with lots of effort, but I acknowledge my own luck. Especially how lucky I have been, to share this journey with the most special person.

My love story

It was a rainy afternoon at the end of the summer in 2009. Two college students were looking at each other on a bench underneath a beautiful tree at the University of Havana. There he was, seeing that this girl seemed to be falling for him, after a few weeks of dating.

He couldn’t stand not telling the truth, and this seem as appropriate a moment as any other. Then he said… “my family and I are going to the U.S. soon”.

Just like that, the promising love story of the first summer in College had to face the reality. He was leaving. They didn’t know when, but it was a matter of time. It was right then, while tears poured down their faces as heavy as the rain itself, that they also said to each other, for the first time, “I love you”.

The bittersweet moment turned into weeks, then months, while she realized that no matter how long it lasted, it was worth it. They waited, loved each other, and enjoyed the time as much as they could. Immigration delays worked in their favor, and the months turned into a few years. Years of love, studying really hard for College classes and growing a strong relationship.

When the dreaded moment of his departure came, she was as prepared as she could, which didn’t make it any easier. She poured all the grief into his final year of College, keeping herself busy.

Long distance relationship? Will they be able to meet again? What if she losses her “best” years in the uncertain future with him?

She did. She remind herself that no matter how long it lasted, it was worth it then, and that’s all that mattered.

When the impossible happened and they hugged each other again, new tears poured down their faces. The bittersweet started all over again, now in a new country, missing her family deeply, and betting on a love story that has totally paid off.

It has been over 14 years since that first “I love you”, growing together, dreaming, and building a family. Now you know my love story… the relationship I have invested the most in, and I will be forever grateful, no matter how long it lasts…

The turning point

I have been extremely lucky to have Eduar by my side, supporting me in my own dreams. He has ridden the roller coaster with me, trying his best to understand and help, especially in my low burnout moments.

There was a point where I got truly exhausted from the hamster wheel, giving my all in every project at work and feeling depleted. Even though the next steps for promotion were somehow clear, I didn’t have the energy to pursue them. My mind and soul were somewhere else…

I wanted to become a mom, and from the moment of that decision, my life transformed in many different ways:

• I started a quest for self-discovery, healing, and deep inner work through personal development, therapy, and working with coaches

• I stopped chasing the “traditional success path” at work and started to find what I really wanted for myself

• I focused more on happiness, spirituality, and self-care, while also earning good money

• I continued building my own career and dreams, besides motherhood

• I continue learning every day how to be the best mom I can be

I have learned that the more I work on myself, the happier I am, the best results I achieve, and my family benefits the most.

What catapulted all of those changes was when I discovered coaching and went through the certification program at IPEC. It helped me leave my stressful consulting job, take a different position in a smaller company that has been very worthwhile, and become a Life & Career Coach.

Coaching has truly transformed my life inside and out, and I am excited to share that gift with all my clients, community, and women in general.

Every story is unique and I am not a unicorn. I just have slowly invested in myself, and I help others do the same and find their own path.

I believe empowered women can have the career they desire, feeling inspired, joyful, and abundant. I believe you can have the family, marriage, and success you want, on your own terms.

The catch

“Wait…”, you may say, “something has to give in… We CAN’T have it ALL”, and to that I say…

I agree 1000%. We certainly can not have it ALL overnight. It can take a lot of patience, work, and help, but IT IS POSSIBLE.

That’s the work I do with my clients, taking them from being overwhelmed and stressed, to create their dream careers without sacrificing their health, family, and happiness.

Will you be next?