Juntas Somos Más: An Inspiring Recap of IGA's Hispanic Heritage Celebration
The International Girls Academy (IGA) recently hosted its inaugural Juntas Somos Más Celebration—a dynamic hybrid event that powerfully highlighted the strength of empowerment and the power of unity during Hispanic Heritage Month. The phrase Juntas Somos Más (Together We Are More) truly defined the spirit of the day, as women and students connected both online and in person through music, dance, and meaningful conversation.
The celebration was dedicated to honoring remarkable women for their exceptional community leadership and inspiring journeys.
Honoring Latina Excellence Across Fields
The event showcased powerful examples of Latina excellence, demonstrating leadership across various professional fields. The honorees shared vital insights, motivating both students and professionals alike.
● Giselle Francisco: An ERG leader at Olo, Giselle's career in hospitality technology highlights the cultural and political importance of food and food access. She is on the front lines, making careers in STEM accessible to communities that remain underrepresented.
● Melinda Cora: As VP and Head of US Product Implementation at PGIM (Prudential's global asset management business), Melinda emphasized the value of having advocates throughout your career. She shared how staying true to purpose empowers us to overcome challenges on non-traditional career paths.
● Yolanda Alonzo: Through her L.O.V.E. organization, Yolanda serves as a beacon of hope, addressing the needs of neglected communities facing crises like youth domestic violence and drug addiction. Her work is a powerful testament to the importance of visible and accessible community leadership.
● Paulaska Ramirez: As the founder of Generation Fearless, Paulaska empowers first-generation individuals and women of color to navigate new spaces with confidence and purpose. Her core message is to embrace and leverage the cultural identities we’ve often been told do not "fit the mold."
Virtual Tributes: Recognizing Leaders Across Generations
The event also featured special virtual honors, recognizing Latina influence and impact across industries and time.
● April Lugo: Currently the Talent Manager of McCormick Talent and Acquisition Manager, April Lugo is a champion for creating equitable and inclusive environments,
driven by her Puerto Rican heritage and experience as a first-generation college student. She actively serves on several boards and runs a LinkedIn blog called The Corporate Latina.
● Zoradia Estrella: A Product Management Consultant II who spent eight years growing her career at Allstate, Zoradia Estrella is a passionate, results-driven professional. She transitioned from customer service to leading frontline teams and serving as Vice Chair of the Connect and Belong Employee Impact Group (EIG). Zoradia is most proud of creating impact through people by building structure out of chaos, sharpening her confidence and public speaking skills, and using her leadership to help others see their own potential.
The collective wisdom shared by all of the honorees underscored the central theme: the power we gain when we come together and support one another's ascent.
A Future Leader Takes the Stage
The IGA community was incredibly proud of our panel moderator, Alyssa Nazario, a freshman at Caldwell College. Alyssa led the conversation with such impressive poise and confidence, thoroughly impressing every seasoned professional in the room. Her presence was a clear reminder that the next generation of leaders is already here and ready to take the stage.
Juntas Somos Más was a profound affirmation that by sharing our heritage, celebrating our successes, and uniting our voices, we can achieve more. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this momentous inaugural event
