We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Gabriela, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, what’s been bringing me joy outside of work is the discipline of walking regularly and lifting weights. It’s not just about the physical movement—it’s about making good choices every day and being consistent, especially in a very chaotic season. It’s one thing I can control, and that sense of control fuels my strength, both mentally and emotionally.
I also find joy in building authentic connections—whether through mentoring, sharing stories with amigas, or celebrating the small wins of those around me. These moments remind me that joy grows from showing up fully and staying true to our path.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an immigrant from Mexico, entrepreneur, thought leader, and advocate for language access and inclusive economic growth. Through my work as Vice President of Entrepreneurship at Cortex Innovation District and Executive Director of the BALSA Foundation, I support first-time entrepreneurs—especially those from underrepresented communities—helping them build sustainable businesses and stronger communities.
I’m also the co-founder of Latinas Rising, an empowerment initiative that uplifts women’s voices through authorship, mentorship, and community-building. Our projects, like the bestselling anthology Calladitas Rising and our upcoming AMIGAS Rising, celebrate authenticity and determination while creating real opportunities for connection and growth.
What makes my work unique is how deeply personal it is—I draw from my own journey of reinvention, grief, and empowerment to inspire others to claim their power and live intentionally. Right now, I’m focused on expanding Latinas Rising to be more inclusive and launching new projects that amplify diverse stories, foster leadership, and build belonging.
In addition to my leadership work, I’m passionate about sharing stories and insights through podcasting. I co-host Auténtico Podcast and She Led Badass Podcast, platforms where we amplify women leaders’ voices and experiences. Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding my speaking engagements to inspire larger audiences with messages of empowerment, intentional living, and community building.
My work is deeply personal, rooted in my own journey of transformation, and driven by a commitment to create spaces where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious and determined tomboy, full of dreams and unspoken strength. I didn’t yet know the weight of expectations or the barriers I would face, but I carried a fierce desire to create a life of purpose and impact—not just for myself, but for my family and community.
I was someone who believed in the power of connection, language, and wanting something more, long before I could put those words to work. I was learning how to navigate two cultures, two languages, and a world that often tried to define me by limits rather than possibilities.
That early version of me—the one who kept asking, “Why not me?”—remains at the core of everything I do today. She’s the reason I show up as an advocate, and mentor,: to help others break free from the boxes they’re placed in and find their true voice.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have been profound personal losses—the passing of my children, Edward and Marcela. Those losses reshaped my world and challenged me to find new ways to live with grief while still moving forward with purpose. Another wound was the experience of leaving an abusive and toxic relationship, which forced me to confront my own worth and reclaim my power.
Healing has not been a linear path. It’s been through discipline like running, walking, and lifting weights that I found strength in the heartbreak and chaos. Running marathons and building community in St Louis has helped me transform my pain into action and purpose. Writing, mentoring, and creating spaces for others to find their voices have also been deeply healing.
Most importantly, healing came from embracing my story fully, acknowledging the wounds without letting them define me and choosing to live my dash with intention, resilience, and courage. My journey taught me that healing is a lifelong process of reclaiming power and building something meaningful out of hardship.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One cultural value I protect at all costs is solidaridad, the spirit of solidarity and mutual support that calls us to uplift one another and rise together. It’s a belief that our strength grows when we help others succeed, and that true progress is collective, not individual.
This value guides how I lead, mentor, and build community. It inspires me to create spaces where voices are amplified, stories are shared, and opportunities are accessible to everyone. Protecting solidaridad means committing to lift as we climb, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In a world that often celebrates competition, holding onto this value reminds me that our greatest power lies in connection, compassion, and shared success.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! I love what I do every single day. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s my life and my purpose. My work at Cortex Innovation District allows me to live that passion to the fullest by supporting first-time entrepreneurs and building inclusive economic opportunities.
Every day, I get to show up for a mission that’s deeply personal and meaningful—helping others find their voice, create their businesses, and build stronger communities. That blend of impact and authenticity makes me excited to get to work, and I truly feel like I’m living my purpose through what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/gabrielaramirezarellano
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielaramirezarellano/
Image Credits
Jennifer Korman
Carol Lara
