What inspired your journey as a founder and leader in this space?

My connection to the mission of New Women New Yorkers is personal. I am an immigrant and come from a family of strong women who pursued paths that weren’t obvious or easy for them. Growing up hearing migrant stories from my grandparents, I realized the complexities and resilience required to build a new life in a new place. This led me to study law with the vision of working with asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. Although founding my own organization wasn’t the initial plan, after moving to New York and looking for a job, I wanted to do something meaningful. So, I started thinking about building my own project, which culminated in New Women New Yorkers.

As a woman, what does leadership mean to you? How would you describe your leadership style and approach?

Transparency is important to me as a leader. I make sure to involve my team in all discussions, embracing diverse perspectives that may reinforce or challenge my own. I strive to understand each team member's aspirations and ensure they feel professionally fulfilled. Caring about the people on my team as more than just employees, nurturing a sense of community, and empowering their growth are essential elements to my leadership. 

Also, immigrant women make unique leaders. There is something entrepreneurial about the immigrant experience – you have to rebuild, be resourceful and a risk taker. Your cultural upbringing influences the frame in which you see things, allowing you to have a nuanced perspective on issues. And as women, we carry a lot on our shoulders, so leadership is inherent to being a woman.

What piece of advice would you give to women and girls aspiring to leadership roles?

Build a community that uplifts you. It’s so important to surround yourself with those who will not only cheer for you but also challenge you constructively. Seek role models, particularly strong women from whom you can learn. Don’t let imposter syndrome deter you; no leader starts off knowing everything. When I found New Women New Yorkers, I knew absolutely nothing about fundraising but knew it would be an essential part of my work. And I remember having this voice in my head saying “Are you crazy? You don’t know anything about this.” So, it is really important to remind yourself that is okay to not know everything. You learn so much along the way by just doing.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to achieve through your work with your organization?

I hope to continue supporting immigrant women in New York to secure jobs. And not just any jobs, but jobs of the future that enable them to have a significant impact in traditionally male-dominated industries. I want to empower immigrant women of all education and English proficiency levels. Long term, I wish to influence how workforce development is approached for immigrant women and vulnerable populations, moving from immediate job placement to supporting long-term professional aspirations. Ultimately, I’d like New Women New Yorkers to serve as a replicable model for workforce development and integration, potentially expanding beyond New York to other cities in the U.S. and across the globe.