Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Sanchez

Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Lima, Peru, wasn’t always the vibrant city it is today. Growing up, the glow of my childhood came not just from my loving family – a former model mom, a supportive dad at El Comercio (South America’s biggest newspaper), and a little sister – but also from the flickering flames of candles. Terrorism cast long shadows in those days, with bomb attacks disrupting the very light that powered our lives. Yet, even by candlelight, I thrived as a student, my thirst for knowledge undimmed.

My creative spirit burned bright too. While my father envisioned a future in architecture, I aced the entrance exam for graphic design at the prestigious Toulouse-Lautrec institute. Awards followed, national and international, a testament to the career path I’d chosen against the grain. But life, like design, has unexpected turns. When my mother passed away in 2006, a deep shift took hold. In 2009, I took a leap of faith, leaving behind family, friends, and everything familiar in Peru, to build a new life with my American husband in the United States.

Starting from scratch in a new country, even with fluent English, wasn’t easy. My first job? Bilingual sales associate at Victoria’s Secret. It wasn’t the design career I envisioned, but resilience, a core value in my Peruvian DNA, propelled me forward. I was determined to learn and overcome the challenges faced by many skilled immigrants – a lack of US experience and professional networks.

The climb was steady. From Victoria’s Secret, I moved to the most prestigious back in USA, JP Morgan Chase, utilizing my design skills and bilingualism. I progressed from graphic designer to campaign manager within the Digital Payments team, eventually landing in marketing for Aston Martin Financial Services at Chase Auto. Today, as Strategy Manager for Diverse Segments at Home Lending, I’ve found my true calling: empowering Black, Hispanic/Latino, and other underserved communities. Also, due to my volunteer work as mentor, 2 of my mentees and JPMC employees, nominated me to the Association of Latino Professionals of America – Mentor of the year award. I won!

Leaving everything behind was a risk, but it led me to chase and capture the life, and career, of my dreams. My story is a testament to the unwavering human spirit, the resilience that burns even brighter in the face of adversity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Success wasn’t a straight line for me. Although I came to the US with a strong background – I was a seasoned, award-winning graphic designer in Peru – starting over in a new country was anything but smooth.

English fluency wasn’t enough. The lack of US experience and professional networks hit me hard. I had to rebuild my resume from scratch, navigate certifications, and forge entirely new connections. It was a steep climb, but one many skilled immigrants face.

But resilience is a muscle I’d been strengthening my whole life. I was determined to learn and overcome these challenges. That’s what took me from a starting point of bilingual sales associate at Victoria’s Secret to where I am today: Strategy Manager for Diverse Segments at JPMorgan Chase Home Lending, where I use my skills to empower Black, Hispanic/Latino, and underserved communities. Plus, I have my own small business, as career coach for women and immigrants.

My journey is a testament to the grit it takes to build a new life, and a reminder that even the most accomplished professionals can find themselves starting over. But with hard work and determination, those dreams can still be achieved.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Career Sisterhood?

The Career Sisterhood isn’t just a community or a career coaching service – it’s your one-stop shop for success in Corporate America, especially if you’re a woman, working mother, or immigrant.

Here’s what sets us apart:

My Story, Your Guide: I’m a Latina immigrant who’s navigated the challenges and triumphs of climbing the ladder in a Fortune 500 company. My experience becomes your roadmap, with real-world insights and actionable strategies.

Personalized Approach: Forget cookie-cutter advice. I offer customized coaching programs tailored to your unique goals and background – in English or Spanish, your choice!

Holistic Support: From resume and LinkedIn makeovers to interview prep and career transition guidance, we cover everything you need to thrive.

Diversity & Inclusion Expertise: Navigating the corporate landscape as a minority? I’ll equip you with the tools to excel in a diverse environment.

A Supportive Community: The Career Sisterhood is more than just coaching. It’s a network of empowered women cheering you on every step of the way.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

The Career Sisterhood is more than just coaching. It’s a network of empowered women cheering you on every step of the way. Here are few ways you can connect with me:

Support: If you want to support our mission, you can follow our IG and Threads @TheCareerSisterhood accounts. You’ll also find bite-sized career tips with a fun twist on our social media. If you are in LinkedIn, find my professional profile here: linkedin.com/in/monicapsanchez. I promise you great insights and posts there!

Collaborate: I love collaborations like this one with CanvasRebel! I participated as panelist and guest speaker for conferences and podcasts. If you want me to inspire others in your next event, connect with me.

Work with me: Ready to unlock your potential? Connect with me today thecareersisterhood@gmail.com or DM me. Let’s take your career to the next level!

Pricing:

• Hourly 1:1 starting at $60
• Packages starting at $500

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thecareersisterhood
• Other: Threads: @thecareersisterhood

Image Credits
Photos: Portraits by Nicole Marie and other personal images.