Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lily Alvarado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lily, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem by equipping myself with tools that support my growth and learning from the experiences I’ve encountered throughout my life. I continue to work on myself every single day. For example, I prioritize discipline by waking up at 5 AM to work out Monday through Friday. This routine helps me maintain a clear mind and feel good both mentally and physically.
In my professional life as a business coach and small business consultant, I’ve built confidence by helping clients overcome barriers they encounter in their entrepreneurial journeys. Guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes has reinforced my belief in my own abilities while reminding me of the importance of continuous growth and dedication.
I’m also an eternal learner. I enjoy reading self-help books that help me become a better person and pursuing online training on emerging topics like AI and new programs that are shaping the future. Staying curious and committed to learning keeps me inspired and ensures that I’m always prepared to adapt and thrive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Program Manager for Bilingual Education and Outreach at WWBIC (The Wisconsin Women’s Initiative Corp), a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development. When I joined WWBIC over 10 years ago, the organization very limited programs or resources available in Spanish. I was initially hired to conduct outreach with the Latino community, but I quickly transitioned into a small business consultant role, where I identified significant needs within the community. Recognizing these gaps, I worked to develop and implement bilingual curriculum and programming to better serve Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. Today, WWBIC offers comprehensive classes in Spanish, led by a dedicated Latino team, empowering entrepreneurs who face barriers such as limited access to capital to develop and grow their businesses.
In my current role, I coordinate the statewide expansion of WWBIC’s small business loan and education programs for Hispanic entrepreneurs in Wisconsin. I assess client needs, provide business advice through one-on-one consultations or small group counseling sessions, and assist clients in securing new loans. Additionally, I monitor each client’s progress, offering in-depth reviews of their business plans, marketing strategies, and financial goals to ensure their success.
Under my leadership, the number of classes taught in Spanish for the Latino community has grown significantly, creating more opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs to thrive.
I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Alverno College and completed the Latino Fund Nonprofit Leadership Program through UWM-Milwaukee in 2015. In 2023, I earned certification as a Financial Health Counselor from the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors.
My efforts have been recognized through several awards, including the 2016 Small Business Administration (SBA) Women in Business Champion Award for helping small business owners across Wisconsin start or expand their ventures. In 2019, I received the Women of the Year award from UMOS for my dedication to supporting Latinos in starting and growing successful businesses through consultations, workshops, and career guidance.
My commitment to lifelong learning drives my passion for serving the Latino community. I continue to lead with purpose, equipping others with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
These are the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey.
1. Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
• Very early on, I had to learn how to adapt. When I came to this country as an adult, I didn’t know English and didn’t have an education. I embraced the challenges and put myself through school as an adult. It took me eight years to earn my bachelor’s degree, but that experience taught me resilience and the importance of staying focused on long-term goals.
• In my professional life, I recognized that WWBIC lacked resources in Spanish for the Latino community, so I took the initiative to create bilingual programs and curriculum. This adaptability and problem-solving mindset have been pivotal in overcoming personal and professional barriers.
2. Commitment to Lifelong Learning:
• My journey has been shaped by a commitment to continuous self-improvement. Beyond earning my degree, I’ve pursued professional development opportunities, including the Latino Nonprofit Leadership Program and becoming a certified Financial Health Counselor.
• I also stay informed about new topics like AI and other emerging tools through online training and self-help books. This drive to keep learning has allowed me to provide relevant, impactful guidance to my clients and stay competitive in my field.
3. Strong Communication and Outreach Skills:
• When I first began my career, I recognized the importance of surrounding myself with mentors, peers, and friends who could support and guide me. They helped me strengthen my communication skills and grow as a leader.
• Over time, I’ve learned how to connect with diverse audiences, especially the Latino community, by understanding their unique needs and perspectives. This skill has allowed me to build trust, guide entrepreneurs through challenges, and create programs that truly resonate with their goals.
• For example, conducting outreach and consultations with WWBIC clients required me to be an active listener and a clear communicator, ensuring that I could guide them effectively while empowering them to take charge of their businesses.
By leaning into these skills and qualities, I’ve been able to navigate challenges and create opportunities—not just for myself, but for others as well.
My advise to the younger generations
1. Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. When faced with a problem, focus on understanding the root cause and brainstorming creative solutions. Don’t be afraid to take initiative. Identify gaps or unmet needs in your field, and work to address them proactively. This will help you stand out and make a meaningful impact.
2. Commitment to Lifelong Learning:
Stay curious and open to new knowledge. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to build your expertise in areas that align with your goals. Keep up with emerging trends in your industry, whether it’s new technology, business practices, or tools, so you can stay ahead and remain relevant.
3. Strong Communication and Outreach Skills:
Focus on building authentic relationships. Listen actively and show genuine interest in others’ needs, challenges, and goals.
Practice expressing your ideas clearly and confidently, whether in writing or speaking. Joining groups like Toastmasters or taking communication workshops can help improve this skill.
Learn how to connect with diverse audiences by understanding their unique perspectives and cultural nuances.
Ultimately, be patient with yourself and embrace growth as a journey. Seek feedback from those around you, celebrate small wins, and always strive to become the best version of yourself.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played an impactful role in my development is On the Edge by Alison Levine. The book tells the story of a climber attempting to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. To prepare for the final climb to the top, she had to repeatedly climb up three steps and then descend five steps to allow her body to adjust to the air and conditions.
This concept resonated deeply with me, as I see it as a metaphor for life and our careers. Often, we find ourselves making progress, reaching a certain level of success, only to face setbacks that force us to step back. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves in those moments, feeling like we’ve failed or fallen short. However, this book taught me that these setbacks aren’t failures; they’re part of the preparation to climb higher.
The most valuable nugget of wisdom from the book is the importance of embracing the process and recognizing that progress isn’t always linear. Every step back can be a lesson, an opportunity to strengthen ourselves, and a necessary preparation for the next stage. This perspective has helped me approach challenges with resilience and optimism, knowing that each experience is part of my journey toward growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wwbic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.alvarado.731
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-alvarado-a672672/
Image Credits
WWBIC
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