After attending MEX Talks 2024, an annual showcase for Mexican and Mexican American leaders; I met Giovanna González, a first-generation American, entrepreneur, influencer, and author of Cultura and Cash. We were both first-generation American women advocating for wealth management and empowering our communities in economic systems. I connected with her message and bought her book. Cultura and Cash explored financial freedom and raised awareness of different starting points in the race for economic prosperity, prompting me to reflect on my upbringing. As a low-income, first-generation American and the daughter of a single mother, I’ve seen what financial struggle can look like. The day I began dreaming of owning a house after growing up in a basement was when my mission began. I soon realized that buying a home involves more than just money. Finance became a new concept I wanted to master. What’s credit? What’s budgeting? What’s a mortgage? How do I know if I can afford to move out? I had to ask myself these questions as I learned not everyone can buy a house. Throughout my research journey, I found my dream career, being a financial analyst. My Junior year of high school allowed me to make executive decisions toward building the foundation of my professional future. To take full advantage of this era, I have continued to research concentrations: business analytics, finance, data analytics, and accounting to find where I can increase my opportunities to construct my adulthood. I am currently working towards educating high school students about opportunities they can take advantage of to better finance college and grow their careers. As a Chicago Scholar and Genesys Works Young Professional, I have become an advocate for personal development. At my school, I have given presentations about these two programs. As a result, nine juniors at my school have entered the application process for becoming a Chicago Scholar. Being a Scholar will get them ahead on the college application process and teach them crucial professional skills like interviewing, resume building, and networking. Advocating for Genesys Works has helped me introduce corporate careers and internships to younger students. Not knowing about personal finance and growth or the college application process is something I want to address. As an ambassador for incredible programs, I feel like I have become a part of students’ futures and awareness. I’ve utilitzed platforms to share my experiences in life and am excited to share more as I transition into college. I’m working towards becoming a financial analyst. I want to be the key input companies and families need to achieve their financial goals. I plan to build my ethos through education, certifications, and a career with a reputable company before narrowing my focus to helping families reach financial success. As a first-generation college student and American, I aim to help families avoid learning the “hard way” and create more peace of mind.

Being Mexican led me to attend MEX Talks 2024, an annual showcase for Mexican and Mexican American leaders. There, I met Giovanna González, a first-generation American, entrepreneur, influencer, and author of Cultura and Cash. We were both first-generation American women advocating for wealth management and empowering our communities in economic systems. I connected with her message and bought her book. Cultura and Cash explored financial freedom and raised awareness of different starting points in the race for economic prosperity, prompting me to reflect on my upbringing. As a low-income, first-generation American and the daughter of a single mother, I’ve seen what financial struggle can look like. The day I began dreaming of owning a house after growing up in a basement was when my mission began. I realized that buying a home involves more than just money. Finance became a new concept I needed to master. "What’s credit? What’s budgeting? What’s a mortgage? How do I know if I can afford to move out?" I had to ask myself these questions as I learned not everyone can buy a house. As I dove deeper, I understood where my family’s starting line in the race for financial freedom was. Ours was far behind, like many other families. Saving isn’t making money, and remittances aren’t a sustainable option when struggling. My community’s view of financial stability focused only on its physical aspects, not the actions. There’s much to learn in finance, that drives me. Becoming literate in a complex and fluid subject is an honor I want to work towards. Though passion can fuel my drive to success, the affordability of my college education leaves a potential roadblock. I’m working towards becoming a financial analyst. I want to be the key input companies and families need to achieve their financial goals. I plan to build my ethos through education, certifications, and a career with a reputable company before narrowing my focus to helping families reach financial success. As a first-generation college student and American, I aim to help families avoid learning the “hard way” and create more peace. By sharing mission statements with MexiDreams, we can work together to achieve goals and assist others financially.