Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindy Vargas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Cindy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I want my legacy to be one of impact, empowerment, and giving back. I hope to be remembered as a woman who paved the way for others, especially in the Latin community, by creating opportunities and inspiring them to be their best selves. My goal is to uplift and support women through mentorship, events, and spaces where they feel seen and encouraged to grow. Success, to me, is not just about personal achievements but about the doors I can open for others. If my journey inspires even one woman to believe in herself and chase her dreams, then I know I’ve made a difference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Before I turned 30, I had no real discipline and wasn’t sure what my future would look like. At 26, I was laid off during COVID, and that moment forced me to take a deep look at what truly mattered to me. As an abuse survivor, I felt a deep calling to give back to women and girls who had been through similar experiences, which led me to join &Rise as a board member. That experience showed me the power of community and support, but I also realized I needed new friendships, ones that aligned with the woman I was becoming. That’s when I found Amigas Y Mas Social, a nationwide community for Latinas, and soon after, I became the Chicago President.

Through Amigas Y Mas, I discovered my passion for bringing people together. I began planning events that not only connected women but also created opportunities for growth, joy, and empowerment. What started as a way to build community turned into a true calling, and I’ve since partnered with incredible organizations and businesses throughout Chicago to curate unique, meaningful experiences.

At the same time, working as a Project Manager in corporate America, I noticed how few Latinas had access to mentorship or role models who looked like them. That’s why I became involved with Latinas in Tech, where I mentor women navigating their careers. I want to help other Latinas break barriers, step into leadership roles, and see that they belong in these spaces.

Today, I am dedicated to event planning, mentorship, and community building, creating spaces where Latinas can connect, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s social mixers, networking events, or mentorship programs, my goal is to ensure every woman I work with feels empowered and inspired. My journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose, and I hope to show others that it’s never too late to redefine your path and build the life you deserve.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, after being laid off, finding a new job felt impossible. My sister encouraged me to try selling cocoa bombs, which were the TikTok craze at the time. I was scared, but I knew I had to do something. What started as a small idea quickly grew. I began taking custom orders for anything people requested, from bartending services to dessert catering. Eventually, I launched my own business and secured partnerships with Beam Suntory, which helped me cover several months of my mortgage. I even expanded to shipping my Mexican candy nationwide.

That experience changed me. It taught me to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and trust that what’s meant for me will always find me. I stopped being afraid of trying new things and learned to see challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks. The struggles of 2020 prepared me for every win I’ve had since, and now, I move forward knowing that every pivot is just a new opportunity in disguise.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was “Calladita te ves más bonita“ (“You look prettier when you’re quiet.”) This phrase was ingrained in me from a young age, and I know many Latinas can relate. I was raised to be respectful, never talk back, and say yes to everything, which made me hesitant to speak up, even when I was uncomfortable or had a different opinion.

Over time, this mindset followed me into my professional and creative life, making me second-guess my ideas and hold back in rooms where I should have had a voice.

In my 20s, I realized that staying quiet wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to be. I wanted to step into leadership roles, make decisions, and advocate for my vision. Success isn’t about being agreeable, it is about bringing valuable ideas to the table and standing behind them. Unlearning this lesson was a challenge, but it has been key to my growth as both a professional and a creative.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cindyvee_?igsh=MXMyZmp6OHJ4ZXQyNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-vargas-60139?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_cindyvee_?_t=ZT-8uEoaLVhw1D&_r=1