BEYOND BARRIERS

Do you have a hard time saying no to people for fear of letting them down? Do you find yourself seeking the approval of others? Are you driven to seek validation and avoid rejection? In this episode, we discuss the negative impact of people-pleasing on your career and share three simple principles you can apply to overcome approval addiction. Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you'll find show notes for this episode.  Subscribe to get new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.    Highlights: [00:47] What is approval addiction [03:36] Impact of approval addiction [04:53] The value of being a contrarian [06:19] Leaders need to be decisive [08:07] The halo effect [11:19] Stop being a people-pleaser   Quotes: “When you have absolute certainty and conviction in your beliefs, you will care less about people-pleasing.” – Nikki Barua “You can’t be influential if you are afraid to put your own point of view out there.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

We all have a superpower, but we don’t always know what it is, how to use it, or even when to use it. But when you get this right, and learn to harness your superpower, your impact becomes exponential. Meet Fran Maier, serial entrepreneur, known for growing iconic businesses like TRUSTe and Match.com.  Fran shares how her superpower as a brand builder made her such a huge success and helped her create global impact. Fran is now the CEO of BabyQuip and her superpower as a brand builder has already made the company the leading baby gear rental service for traveling families. Fran is a legendary entrepreneur and has won numerous awards and accolades. She was honored by the Stanford Graduate School of Business with the Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award, named one of “100 Most Influential Women in Technology” by Hot Topics. San Francisco Business Times named Fran among the 150 Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business and AlwaysOn named her among the Top 25 Women in Tech to Watch in Silicon Valley. In this episode, Fran shares why it’s important to know your strengths and take ownership of what’s in your control. She also reveals the lessons she has learned in her career and the principles she follows as a leader. Fran is applying all of these principles as she leads BabyQuip in changing lives and improving the way families travel.   Highlights: [02:47] Fran’s superpower [05:54] The story of Match.com [09:04] Keeping brand values in alignment with business decisions [10:40] Defining company culture [13:07] Biggest lessons learned [18:39] The pros and cons of being early to market [20:23] How does BabyQuip serve the community [30:47] The effects of the pandemic on BabyQuip [33:41] Empowering women as independent business owners [37:17] Who should female entrepreneurs listen to for advice [41:20] Lesson learned from working with investors [42:38] Taking ownership of what’s in our control [46:35] Vision for BabyQuip [48:02] The question brand builders should be asking   Quotes: “Be confident and allow yourself to be vulnerable and ask for help.” – Fran Maier  “Always be open to listening to everyone’s advice, but have the conviction to decide for yourself.” – Fran Maier   About Fran Maier: Fran Maier is CEO and Founder of BabyQuip, the leading baby gear rental service for traveling families and now offering local cleaning services too. She is a serial entrepreneur and brand builder with over 25 years experience in B2C and B2B internet businesses. She is best known for her 10+ years leading TRUSTe (now TrustArc), the leading privacy trustmark and compliance provider, and as Co-Founder and first General Manager of Match.com. Fran speaks widely on several topics relating to women in business, including opportunities for women in the collaborative economy, addressing the lucrative family travel segment, women in entrepreneurship and on boards. She serves as an advisor to many start-ups including Portfolia, Women’s Start-up Lab, Sign-up.com, Kango, and Dabbl. Fran is featured as an expert in the documentary film about entrepreneurship entitled “She Started It.” With Emmy Award winning journalist Kym McNicholas, she hosted a radio show/podcast called "Female Seeking Start-up" which featured interviews with female entrepreneurs. In 2016, Fran was honored by the Stanford Graduate School of Business with the Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award. In 2015, she was named one of “100 Most Influential Women in Technology” by Hot Topics. In 2011, San Francisco Business Times named Fran among the 150 Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business and in 2010, AlwaysOn named her among the Top 25 Women in Tech to Watch in Silicon Valley.  She served on the board of GE Capital Bank until it was sold in 2016. In addition, she is a Member of Women Corporate Directors and is former Chair of the Steering Committee for Stanford Women on Boards. In 2012, Fran completed the Stanford Rock Center for Corporate Governance Director's College. Fran holds a BA and MBA from Stanford University. She lives in San Francisco and Santa Fe and is the mother of two grown sons. Links: Website: https://www.babyquip.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmaier/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/franmaier  

Imagine you’re at an event or in an elevator, and you get introduced to a VIP that you’re honored to meet. Then they ask that dreaded question: Tell me about yourself. The typical default is to respond with your name, title, employer and work focus, right? Imagine you no longer have that job or title. How would you tell your story? When we’re asked to introduce ourselves, we often miss the opportunity to share our story in a powerful way that makes us stand out and highlights our unique value proposition. Instead, we respond to that question with our work history that explains our WHAT but not our WHY. In this episode, you’ll meet Lisa Gates, a leadership and career story coach, and founder of Story Happens Here, a practice focused on helping women master their brand stories, control their narratives, and rise up. Lisa is committed to helping women be seen, heard, promoted—and rewarded—as the agents of change the workplace and the world is dying to see. Lisa stresses the importance of being able to morph your story for any situation that you are in. And how your story isn’t a one-time thing but rather a living breathing story that can always change. Lisa has also authored several online courses available at LinkedIn Learning, including Asking for a Raise, Negotiation Foundations, Conflict Resolution Foundations, Coaching and Developing Employees, and Coaching for Results.   Highlights: [02:50] Lisa’s story [09:21] The key to building your story [12:57] Techniques for overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [19:46] Overcoming failures and setbacks [24:23] Making decisions with confidence [27:46] Gaining access to influential leaders [30:00] Lisa’s daily success habits [33:48] Advice on staying ahead of the curve   Quotes: “Confidence comes from repetition, practice, and advocating for yourself and others.” – Lisa Gates  “Be diligent about spending time every week cultivating your influence.” - Lisa Gates  “If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not going to happen.” – Lisa Gates  “You will forget something you learn in about three days if you don’t start to implement it.” – Lisa Gates    About Lisa Gates: Lisa is a leadership and career story coach, and founder of Story Happens Here, a practice focused on helping women master their brand stories, control their narratives, and rise up. Lisa is committed to helping women be seen, heard, promoted—and rewarded—as the agents of change the workplace and the world is dying to see. She is a certified co-active coach with training in mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and Strength Finders. Prior to launching Story Happens Here in 2019, she was co-founder of the negotiation consultancy She Negotiates, which she ran for 10 years. In addition to her work in marketing and public relations, Lisa holds a degree in theatre and a minor in journalism and has performed in countless plays, torn up the boards in several improv troupes, and participated in storytelling events for over 40 years. Lisa has authored several online courses available at LinkedIn Learning, including Asking for a Raise, Negotiation Foundations, Conflict Resolution Foundations, Coaching and Developing Employees, and Coaching for Results.   Links: Website: https://www.storyhappenshere.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagates/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaGates1  

Is self-doubt preventing you from following your dreams? Are you a high-achiever who struggles with feelings of inadequacy? In the 1970s, two researchers, Dr. Suzanne Imes and Dr. Pauline Rose Clance, embarked on researching the characteristics of high-achieving women. What they found was that despite all of these women’s accomplishments, all of their achievements, there was this level of self-doubt. This became known as Imposter Syndrome, which affects 70% of all people. Following in their footsteps, Dr. Valerie Young, expanded on their research and introduced 5 Archetypes of Imposter Syndrome and how they present. In this episode, we'll share how you can discover your imposter syndrome archetype, what you must do to boost your confidence, and why imposter syndrome can be a career killer. Subscribe to get new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you'll find show notes and links, including the best way to connect with our guests.   Highlights: [00:41] Beyond Barriers Mission [01:17] About Monica Marquez [03:28] About Nikki Barua [06:21] What is imposter syndrome [09:42] What the research has taught us [12:22] 5 archetypes of imposter syndrome [24:18] Mindset affects propensity to experience imposter syndrome [25:33] Strategies for each archetype [27:27] Tools for overcoming imposter syndrome   Quotes: “Be aware that by simply change your physical stance and changing your state, you actually show up more confident even if you're not feeling it in that moment.” – Nikki Barua “If someone pays you a compliment, write it down and add it to an ongoing list over time.” – Nikki Barua “In this digital age of technology, realize that you're not going to know everything and be committed to constantly evolving and always learning.” – Monica Marquez “When you find yourself procrastinating, pause, and take a moment to ask yourself, are you pushing something out that you don’t want to deal with?” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

Have you ever felt stuck in a career but didn’t know how to make a change? Do you wonder how to position yourself effectively for a future role? Our guest, Janet Van Huysse, SVP, Chief People Officer at Cloudflare, shares how she changed careers by leveraging transferrable skills and how you can do the same. Janet started out as a school teacher in Illinois with a dream to move to California. But when she finally got there, she realized that she couldn’t afford the cost of living as a teacher and had to work nights and weekends at a small internet company. She needed a long-term sustainable solution and after exploring her options, she decided to pursue a career in HR. Her only challenge? She had no training or experience in the field! In this episode, you’ll learn the steps that Janet took to make a career change and how it helped her achieve her dreams and accelerate success. Today, Janet leads the HR function at Cloudflare, including recruiting efforts. A veteran HR leader with over twenty years of experience in technology, Janet was the first VP of HR at Twitter, as well as the company's VP of Diversity & Inclusion. Janet is also the co-founder of TendLab, a venture seeking to transform the workplace by unleashing the power and potential of working parents.   Highlights: [02:24] Janet’s journey [09:26] Overcoming setbacks [11:43] Identifying your transferrable skills [15:16] Overcoming your fears and limiting beliefs [20:43] The importance of Employee Resource Groups [26:35] Tips on executing effectively [30:39] Janet’s daily success habits [33:30] What holds women back [36:01] Accelerating success in the digital age   Quotes: “Call out that inner critic that is sabotaging you.” – Janet Van Huysse “When presenting something or a new proposal, make sure that 60 to 80% of the people in that room have seen it beforehand.” – Janet Van Huysse “Ask yourself what are the three most important things that you need to do today and focus on those.” - Janet Van Huysse “It is important to tell people where you want to go.” – Janet Van Huysse   About Janet Van Huysse: Janet Van Huysse is the Head of People at Cloudflare, where she leads the HR function, including recruiting efforts. A veteran HR leader with over twenty years of experience in technology, Janet was the first VP of HR at Twitter, as well as the company's VP of Diversity & Inclusion. Janet is also the co-founder of TendLab, a venture seeking to transform the workplace by unleashing the power and potential of working parents.   Links: Website: https://www.cloudflare.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetvh/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/janetvh  

Is the glass half full or half empty? Based on your answer, you are assessed as either an optimist or a pessimist, revealing your level of “happiness”. In this episode, Silvia Garcia, former International Marketing Director and President of the Happiness Institute of Coca-Cola, challenges us that both answers are wrong. The glass is refillable! And anyone can refill their own glass if they focus on the 8 pillars that science attributes to happiness. As the former President of the Happiness Institute at Coca-Cola, Silvia has studied how positive and negative emotions influence consumer and employees’ decisions. Using the first scientific index of happiness at work, Silvia proves the impact of increasing employees’ happiness at work on business results. She is one of the top worldwide leaders on happiness at work and is invited every year by the United Nations to discuss the state of happiness in the world.   Highlights: [02:24] Silvia’s journey [06:41] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [09:32] Happiness and success go hand in hand [11:18] Tips for happiness [15:58] 8 pillars that science attributes to happiness [24:13] Celebrating yourself [26:03] Have your network of cheerleaders [29:13] Overcoming failures and setbacks [31:52] Silvia’s daily success habits [34:53] Staying ahead of the curve   Quotes: “When you avoid the things that are causing you pain, you are also avoiding the path to feeling well.” – Silvia Garcia  “Happiness is always more than one person, whether you are feeling good or feeling bad, you need to share with others.” - Silvia Garcia  “Remind yourself that failures are lessons for the future.” – Silvia Garcia  “If you don’t have challenges that are bigger than you, then there will be no learning.” – Silvia Garcia    About Silvia Garcia: As former International Marketing Director and President of the Happiness Institute of Coca-Cola, Silvia studied how positive and negative emotions influence consumer and employees’ decisions. Silvia has inspired millions of people to do what it takes to increase sales, attract and keep more customers, build longer-lasting, healthier relationships, strengthen their leadership skills and become more profitable, happier and successful than they ever thought possible. Using the first scientific index of happiness at work, Silvia proves the impact of increasing employees' happiness at work on business results and creates new brands and products that gain immediate consumer love. Highly demanded by companies all around the world, her speeches have been said to change “​lives and companies​”.  Silvia is one of the top worldwide leaders on happiness at work and, as such, she is annually invited by the United Nations to discuss the estate of happiness in the world. She is a foresighted and humorous storyteller who enjoys simplifying big, complex ideas to make them actionable for a wide range of audiences. She is known for her keynotes given in companies around the world. She is described by clients from sectors like banking, food, sharing economy, media, and various universities and business schools as a “standout favorite for audiences”, with a “rare and visionary intellect”. Links: Website: https://www.happiestplacestowork.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvia-garcia-barnechea/  

Welcome to Season 2 of the Beyond Barriers podcast! If you are an ambitious woman who wants to advance in leadership, then this podcast is for you.  In each episode, we interview thought leaders, industry influencers and C-level executives from top corporations. Listen to our guests share their perspective on leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, autonomy and authenticity. From inspiring stories to cutting-edge strategies, you’ll learn exactly how our guests made it to the top and the invaluable lessons they have learned in their own journey. This podcast is co-hosted by Nikki Barua - Digital Innovator, Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Speaker. And Monica Marquez - Senior Corporate Leader, ex-Googler, and Diversity Expert. As thought leaders in innovation and inclusion, we bring unique insights on how to develop the skillset, mindset and toolset to get future-ready fast and accelerate your success. Subscribe to get new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Visit iambeyondbarriers.com where you'll find show notes and links, including the best way to connect with our guests. About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is a senior corporate leader, ex-Googler, and diversity expert. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

This is our last podcast episode of the year. We are so grateful, honored and blown away by the amazing podcast guests we've had the opportunity to interview since our launch in February. And what better way to close out the year then to share with you a recap of some of the best and inspirational seeds of wisdom that our guests planted for all of our listeners. In this episode, Nikki and Monica discuss how the Beyond Barriers Podcast came to life, the milestones we’ve reached, and nuggets of wisdom from our most popular guest episodes.  We’d like to wish you a very Happy New Year from Beyond Barriers! Thank you for supporting us and our community of women worldwide.   Highlights: [01:02] Launching a new podcast [02:16] Thank you to our community [03:44] Recap of our most popular podcasts episodes [18:57] Happy New Year from Beyond Barriers   Quotes: “Just by sharing your vision, you may not need to ask for help.” – Ginny Clarke “You can't raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth.” – Audrey Bellis “The life that you want is on the other side of a difficult conversation.” – AmyK Hutchens “It's about talking to the right person at the right time about the right opportunity.” – Sarah Johnston “Figure out what your self-promotional gift is and how it's going to help other people.” – Dr. Nashater Del Solheim “Don't let a crisis pivot you from your true north.” – Carina Edwards “The more you try to fit into a mold that wasn't made for you, the more energy you have to expend.” – Annie Jean-Baptiste “We don't have failures, we have experiences and lessons learned.” – Iliana Quinonez “Talk about your work like you're your own best friend.” – Judith Williams “Sometimes others see something in you that you may not see in yourself, and you need to be open to them.” – Gail Fierstein “It doesn't matter whether you feel confident, it matters what you actually do.” – Kara Goldin “Asking for help allows others to know where they can use their superpowers to help you.” – Tami Rosen “Your ability to have power and influence is limited when no one knows what you've done.” – Mallun Yen “Having courage of voice empowers you when you take ownership of your own ideas.” – Melonie Parker “When someone gives you feedback, make it comfortable for them to give you feedback again.” – Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri “Exceptional leaders do not want to be the smartest person in the room.” – Katie O’Reilly “You can't be every woman every day.” – Gizelle George-Joseph “Put your own comfort aside so that you can create comfort for someone else.” – Daisy Auger-Dominguez “Part of securing the seat at the table is owning the space that you want to create.” – Minda Harts   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

It's less than two weeks until the end of the year. We are in the midst of the holiday season – a time for celebration, community, giving, and reflection. It is also a time for planning for success in the new year. In this episode, Nikki reflects back on 2020 and shares memorable moments, new competencies she’d developed over the year, and her lifelong planning rituals that help her reach her goals in the new year. And finally, as the year comes to a close, we would like to thank our listeners for your support and ask you to help us to empower even more women worldwide. Podcast subscriptions and ratings affect the visibility of content on popular platforms, especially on Apple. It takes less than 2 minutes and it’s easy. Please help! Here are 3 simple steps to Subscribe, Rate, and Review. 1. Click here your iPhone or Desktop. 2. Click on “SUBSCRIBE”. 3. Scroll down below ALL episodes and you will see “Ratings and Reviews” on the iPhone.   Click the stars to rate and then write a review. Thank you for your support and for this precious holiday gift to our community!   Highlights: [01:02] Nikki’s reflection on the year [06:50] What Nikki learned this year [14:09] 3 questions Nikki asks herself at year end [18:01] Nikki’s ritual in planning for the new year [25:12] Nikki’s vision for 2021   Quotes: “Within every crisis there is opportunity.” – Nikki Barua “Nothing mobilizes a group of people more than coming together and uniting around a common cause.” – Nikki Barua “You can’t control everything that is coming your way, but you can control your response.” – Nikki Barua “With focus and sustained commitment, anything is possible.” – Nikki Barua   About Nikki Barua: Nikki Barua is a digital innovator, serial entrepreneur, author & speaker. Website: https://www.nikkibarua.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenikkibarua/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenikkibarua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenikkibarua/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiBarua   About Monica Marquez: Monica Marquez is an ex-Googler, diversity expert and senior corporate leader. Website: https://themonicamarquez.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMonicaMarquez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicamarquez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/themmarquez  

Kamala Harris recently shared that her mother always reminded her that, “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last.” Being a pioneer is hard. It means pushing through boundaries and overcoming great challenges, often times alone. In this episode, Ileana Musa, Co-Head of International Wealth Management and the Head of International Banking & Lending at Morgan Stanley, shares what it was like growing up as a young Latina immigrant in a single parent home and how education and a strong work ethic laid the foundation to achieve her career aspirations. Ileana also shares why staying true to yourself and sharing your authentic story leads to awareness and stronger relationships, which ultimately leads to opportunity.   Highlights: [03:30] Ileana’s story [05:16] Decision to pursue a career in financial services [07:40] Ileana’s daily success habits [10:10] Building your personal brand [17:42] Gaining access to influential leaders [23:30] Overcoming fears and limiting beliefs [29:43] Executing on your new opportunity [37:14] Advice on staying ahead of the curve   Quotes: “Sharing your story helps others to share their stories.” – Ileana Musa “It's up to each of us to paint the picture of what the future holds.” – Ileana Musa “When you give back to other employees as it relates to their development, people take notice, and that ultimately gives you access.” – Ileana Musa “Think about what you bring to the table and how you can then build a meaningful connection.” – Ileana Musa “The sooner you fail, the sooner you are going to learn.” – Ileana Musa   About Ileana Musa: Ileana Musa is the Co-Head of International Wealth Management and the Head of International Banking & Lending. In this role she leads the segment and strategy that focuses on Morgan Stanley’s International Client Advisors and international clients to ensure they have access to strategic investment, cash management and lending solutions, services and thought leadership to address both sides of a client’s balance sheet. Ileana is a member of Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Management Committee, Wealth Management Operating Committee, Latin America Management Committee, US Banks Management Committee, and the Bank Leadership Committee. Ileana co-chairs the enterprise Latino Employee Network. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley she was the Global Client Segment and Strategy executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In this capacity, Ileana focused on international financial advisors to ensure the delivery of a consistent, goals-based wealth management experience for international high-net-worth and ultra-high-net worth clients. Prior to this role, Ileana was head of International Credit & Banking within Bank of America’s Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM) Banking group. In this role, she led the teams that supported and delivered integrated liquidity, cash management and lending solutions and services to financial advisors and high-net-worth clients in Latin America, Asia and Europe. Ileana held several leadership roles in the domestic, international and affluent banking platforms at Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, where she lent her talent in growing the cross-border wealth management business. Ileana received her BBA degree, with a concentration in finance, from the University of Miami and an M.B.A. degree in finance from Florida International University. Ileana is fluent in Spanish, is FINRA registered and is Six-Sigma Greenbelt certified. Ileana was recently named to the Girl Scouts National Board (GSUSA) and sits on the Corporate Advisory Boards of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), Florida International University Honors College and the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami. Ileana was named to the ‘Top 100 Most Influential Latinas’ List in 2020 by Latino Leaders. Last year she was recognized to the 2019 MAKERS class of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as well as being recognized by Latino Justice with the 2019 Latina Trailblazer Award honoring her professional and personal achievements in opening doors and new opportunities for other professionals. Additionally, Ileana was named to ALPFA’s 2019 Most Powerful Latinas in corporate America list for a third year in a row as previously featured in Fortune magazine. In 2016 Ileana was awarded the 2015 Top 10 Corporate Executives of the Year by Latina Style magazine. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ileanamusa3