We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Alvarez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Hi Cindy, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Absolutely, I’d be happy to. My journey began in 2020 when I noticed a common theme among my first-generation peers – a lack of self-confidence and struggles with values and self-worth in their professional lives. Being a first-generation professional myself, I could relate to these challenges. That realization sparked the idea of creating a supportive community where we could share experiences and empower each other.

In the first year, I committed myself to this vision by starting with Instagram lives. It was an accessible platform where I could engage with my peers and offer guidance on career-related topics. The primary goal was to build a sense of community, a safe space where first-gen women could openly discuss their experiences and challenges.

As the community grew, I noticed a consistent need for more personalized support. That realization marked the beginning of the second year, where I transitioned into coaching clients one-on-one. This allowed me to delve deeper into individual challenges and tailor guidance to their specific needs. Simultaneously, I started hosting monthly webinars to address common themes that emerged within the community.

By the third year, the momentum had grown, and I felt compelled to expand my reach. I ventured into public speaking engagements, reaching a broader audience beyond the online community. These speaking engagements allowed me to share insights, inspire confidence, and connect with a wider range of first-gen professionals.

In summary, my journey evolved from a simple idea in 2020 to creating a thriving online community. The subsequent years saw a progression from community building to individual coaching and eventually to public speaking engagements. Throughout this process, my commitment to helping first-gen women build confidence in their careers has remained steadfast, and the positive impact on the community has been incredibly rewarding.

Cindy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My mission is to empower you to embrace the “Jefa” Mindset and take control of your career path. I offer a range of resources, including webinars, workshops, individualized coaching, and a supportive community to help you on your journey.

I grew up with entrepreneurial parents who taught me the art of business connections, processes and marketing of a small business.

Being a first-generation college student, it was hard to learn how to navigate the corporate work culture, and systemic barriers with lack of mentorship.

I was overworked, undervalued and struggling with understanding my authentic self.

Then I focused on inner healing, living a fulfilled life, and becoming more accountable to myself.

I took my challenges of working in a predominately white field filled with gatekeeping and competition; and refocused my narrative to understand my worth and build my confidence.

By age 32, I reached a 6 FIGURE Salary, mentored over 30 first-generation Latinas recognize their worth, build their confidence, lean into their passions, values, and strengths to be fulfilled with their Jefa goals. I have built a business dedicated to uplifting others to realize their full potential.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most impactful strategy for growing my clientele has undoubtedly been authenticity and the personal touch I bring to my coaching approach. As a first-generation professional, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating the professional world without the guidance that many others may take for granted.

Sharing my personal experiences has been a powerful way to connect with my clients on a deeper level. By being open about my own journey – the struggles, successes, and lessons learned – I create a genuine and relatable connection with those I coach. This transparency helps to break down barriers and fosters a sense of trust, which is crucial in a coaching relationship.

Many of my clients are first-generation professionals themselves, and they often appreciate hearing that they are not alone in their experiences. They find comfort in knowing that I’ve faced similar challenges and have successfully navigated through them. This authenticity not only establishes a strong rapport but also reinforces the fact that building a successful career is a journey, and everyone’s path is unique.

In addition to sharing my experiences, I prioritize active listening and understanding the individual needs of each client. Tailoring my coaching approach to their specific challenges allows for more meaningful and impactful guidance. This client-centered approach, combined with authenticity, has resulted in positive word-of-mouth referrals and a growing clientele.

Ultimately, being true to myself and transparent about my journey as a first-generation professional has not only enhanced the effectiveness of my coaching but has also been a key driver in expanding my clientele. The authenticity I bring to my coaching practice creates a foundation of trust and connection that is invaluable in supporting my clients on their career confidence journeys.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Certainly, I’d be happy to share a story that highlights my resilience on this journey. Early in my career as a first-generation professional and budding career confidence coach, I faced a significant setback that tested my determination.

During the second year of building my community and coaching clients, I encountered a period of self-doubt and questioned whether I was making a meaningful impact. Despite the positive feedback from many clients, I encountered a challenging moment where I faced criticism from a vocal minority. Some individuals questioned my qualifications and ability to guide others, citing the lack of a traditional career counseling background.

Initially, this criticism hit me hard. However, instead of letting it deter me, I chose to view it as an opportunity for growth. I reassessed my approach, sought additional professional development opportunities, and actively worked on enhancing my coaching skills. This experience taught me that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather opportunities to reassess, learn, and adapt.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.careerconfidentmujer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerconfidentmujer/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/careerconfidentmujer
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCYchlQrlrRXzBdVw1udWRCw
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@careerconfidentmujer