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

Gina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Our society is evolving rapidly, and the changes are deeply reflected in our workforce—how people learn, operate, and connect with one another. As a business owner who has successfully led multiple teams and internship cohorts, I’ve learned that prioritizing people is the key to creating a thriving workplace. Understanding how they learn, why they’re here, and who or what inspires them makes all a difference.

The most successful workplaces are those led by leaders who genuinely invest in their people and take the time to ask these important questions. When we create safe and supportive environments where individuals feel valued, they go above and beyond, respect boundaries, and truly want to be there. On the flip side, when employees don’t feel valued, they disengage, often quietly seeking opportunities elsewhere.

This is why I see the silent quitting phenomenon—not just as a trend but as a wake-up call. It has highlighted the barriers and toxic work environments that still exist in too many organizations. My solution is straightforward: hire leaders who care.

True leadership is about more than overseeing tasks. It’s about cultivating positive, inclusive workplaces, ensuring the well-being of team members, and connecting people with the tools and relationships they need to succeed. Leaders who care create teams that thrive—and that’s the foundation for a stronger, more connected workforce.

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

I’m Gina Torres, a proud Albany native and the first in my family to graduate college. My career journey started in law enforcement, where I worked as a Transportation Security Officer at Albany International Airport while pursuing my degree in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland, & Cyber Security at The State University of New York at Albany. After graduation, I served as a Police Officer with the Albany Police Department for five years. Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons about workplace culture and quickly realized what I didn’t want in a career.

After exploring over 30 different roles, I decided to start my own business. In 2022, I founded Get Local, a company born from my passion for helping small businesses succeed. My journey began by hosting vendor fairs to help my mom’s small business grow. I quickly became the go-to resource for entrepreneurs in the Capital District, offering advice, leadership, and support. In my first three months, I bartered my services in exchange for products and services, and what started as event hosting evolved into mentorship and consulting.

What I’m most proud of is that I recognized when something wasn’t right, and instead of staying in an unhappy career, I took the chance on myself. I did the hard work to uncover what I truly wanted, and with just my heart, internal drive, and guidance from the universe, I built something meaningful. Many people stay in situations that make them miserable or hold onto careers where they no longer belong, but I chose to create something that aligned with my true calling.

To date, I’ve worked with over 175 entrepreneurs, organized more than 250 networking events, and helped license 30 LLCs. I’ve taught business and entrepreneurship to over 100 students through Youth and Workforce Development programs, mentored young women, and employed 8 students through the City of Albany’s summer youth program. I’m also proud to serve on two boards.

Today, I focus on a lot of RFPs and corporate contracts to ensure my prices remain competitive and affordable for small businesses. I’ve also made the decision to transition to a referral-only company. This means that to work with us, you’ll need to be connected to one of our current or past clients, or a team member.

Why the change? To me- it’s all about the butterfly effect. Instead of relying heavily on social media or paid ads, my team & I prioritize creating deep, meaningful connections, one person at a time.

This approach demonstrates to our clients how committed we are to their success and encourages them to share our work with others who could benefit. It’s about creating a ripple effect—helping one person leads to helping the next, and so on.

My team of 8 and I provide business coaching, website design, marketing, and professional elevation services for entrepreneurs, focusing on those in their first two years of business. This year, we’re also launching our second internship cohort with students at the State University at Albany. We’re offering business development guidance in a co-op environment, where students get hands-on experience running a well-oiled business. After two weeks of learning about business fundamentals, they’ll choose a department to manage—whether it’s finance, community outreach, marketing, or another area—and take charge of that department during their internship.

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

I’ve had to unlearn many lessons, but the most impactful and valuable lesson has been stepping away from the hustle culture mentality. I’ve learned to listen to what my body truly needs, spend time in nature, and embrace rest. In doing so, I’ve aligned myself more effectively with opportunities because I’ve become clearer, more direct, and positioned myself to receive. For years, I woke up at 4 am, following the routines of the millionaires I once admired. But my life and mindset have since shifted to slow mornings centered on alignment and peace. By prioritizing myself, I’ve found that I’m now in the best possible position to receive.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe my whole life has been about pivoting, and that’s exactly what we’re meant to do. From growing up with a father, only to lose him as a teenager to violence and greed, my entire world shifted. That day changed my life in ways I will never even understand, but it has also shaped me into the leader and the entrepreneur I am today. Life is all about pivoting—we learn, evolve, and grow through each change. Many people view pivots and hurdles as negative, but I see them as opportunities for learning. Life is really like a big game, where we celebrate the victories, embrace the challenges, and continue to evolve. I find this to be one of the most beautiful aspects of life, and it’s a skill that’s essential in any career, especially in entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://torressocial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torressocial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gtorres518/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatorres518/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Theginaapproach

Image Credits

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