Meet Janibell Suero

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janibell Suero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Janibell, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience really comes from my upbringing. I’m an immigrant, and when we came to the U.S., my mom raised three kids completely on her own. There wasn’t a safety net. She worked multiple jobs at the same time, constantly juggling responsibilities, and failure just wasn’t an option because she had us depending on her.

Watching that shaped me early. I learned that resilience isn’t about being fearless or never struggling — it’s about showing up every day even when you’re exhausted, even when things feel overwhelming. My mom didn’t complain or wait for the perfect circumstances. She did what needed to be done.

That mindset stayed with me. I grew up knowing I didn’t really have the option to quit or fold when things got hard. If something mattered, I had to figure it out. That’s where my resilience comes from — seeing firsthand what it looks like to keep going, not because it’s easy, but because you have a responsibility to yourself and the people counting on you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and head coach of Fuerza Training Systems. At my core, I’m a coach — but just as importantly, I’m a mentor. What I do goes far beyond training people physically. I’m focused on helping people become stronger leaders in their own lives.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role is that I don’t just lead a community — I lead leaders. I work closely with my coaching team and our members to help them grow into the people they want to be, not just in the gym, but in their futures. Strength, discipline, and confidence carry into every part of life, and that’s what excites me most about this work.

Fuerza has become a key part of the Ridgewood community. As a queer Latina business owner in the neighborhood, I take that responsibility seriously. I believe in showing up, using my voice, and creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

My goal with Fuerza has always been bigger than fitness. It’s about uplifting the community, developing strong humans, and building something that helps people believe in themselves — both inside and outside the gym.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are empathy, humility, and staying true to myself.

First, caring deeply and leading with empathy has shaped everything I do. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or running a business, people want to feel seen and understood. Being empathetic has allowed me to build trust, create real connection, and lead in a way that puts people first — and that’s been foundational throughout my life.

Second, humility. I’ve learned to appreciate what I have and never assume I’m above learning or growth. Staying humble keeps you grounded. It reminds you that success isn’t something you’re entitled to — it’s something you earn every day, and something you should be grateful for.

Lastly, being true to myself. That’s been non-negotiable. When things get hard or unclear, I’ve always come back to that principle. Staying aligned with who I am and what I believe in has helped me make decisions I can stand behind, even when they weren’t the easiest ones.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I’d change nothing and work harder — just with more intention. I’d keep building, keep showing up, and make sure the people I love are taken care of long after I’m gone.

But I’d also be more present. I’d spend that decade fully invested in my family, my community, and the work that matters most to me. For me, legacy isn’t just what you leave behind — it’s how you show up every day for the people you’re doing it all for.

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