Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Espinosa.

Hi Claudia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

When I reflect on my journey, it’s truly been a testament to resilience and purpose. I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and in 2000, I made the life-changing decision to move to New York City. Starting over in a new country was both exciting and overwhelming. I didn’t speak much English, and adapting to an entirely different culture was a steep learning curve.

At first, I worked as a personal trainer to support myself while trying to figure out my next steps. But I knew I wanted more for myself and for others like me. In 2004, I reignited my academic journey, building on the psychology studies I had started back in Colombia. Over the years, I earned degrees in Forensic Psychology, Public Administration, and School Leadership, culminating in a Doctorate in Education from NYU Steinhardt.

While my education opened doors, my experiences as an immigrant shaped my perspective. I deeply understood what it felt like to navigate a world where you feel out of place, and I wanted to create a space where young Latinas could thrive despite the odds. That desire led me to found L.O.V.E. Mentoring, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina youth and diverse young women. Today, I have the privilege of leading this organization and seeing its impact on countless lives.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road has been anything but smooth. As an immigrant, I faced the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar culture while being separated from my family. There were moments of doubt and feelings of isolation, but I kept reminding myself why I was here and what I wanted to achieve.

Balancing work and school was another challenge. As a personal trainer, I often had early mornings and late nights, all while managing the demands of rigorous academic programs. Financial hardships were a constant reality, but they also taught me resilience.

Even after founding L.O.V.E. Mentoring, there were hurdles in building a nonprofit from the ground up—securing funding, building a network, and convincing others of the value of our mission. But every obstacle taught me something, and each step forward reminded me why this work matters.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As the Founder and Executive Director of L.O.V.E. Mentoring, I lead an organization dedicated to empowering young Latinas and diverse women in New York City. Our work focuses on mentorship, education, and health-centered programs designed to improve high school graduation rates, college enrollment, and overall well-being.

What sets us apart is the lived experience we bring to our work. My own journey informs the programs we create—whether it’s addressing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating systemic barriers, or building resilience. I am incredibly proud of the young women we’ve supported. Seeing their transformation—watching them graduate, pursue higher education, and return to mentor others—reminds me that this work is making a difference.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that perseverance is everything. Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define you. Instead, they’re opportunities for growth. Moving to New York, learning a new language, and building a life here taught me that you don’t have to have all the answers right away. What matters is showing up every day with determination and purpose.

Through L.O.V.E., I’ve also learned the power of community. None of us achieve success alone. Mentorship and connection are transformative forces, and they’ve been central to my life and career. I hope to instill this belief in the young women we serve—showing them that their dreams are not only valid but entirely possible with perseverance and support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovementoring.org/
• Instagram: @lovementoring // @loveclaudia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiapespinosa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovementoring

Image Credits

Photographer: Angela Ixim