We recently connected with Andrea Chaves and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
There have been countless moments in my life—whether as a woman, a Latina in tech spaces, or as the founder of a nonprofit—where I’ve looked around the room and quietly wondered, Do I belong here? That feeling doesn’t disappear just because you achieve more. Sometimes it even gets louder. But instead of letting it shrink me, I’ve used it as fuel to build something different.
That discomfort became clarity: I wanted other young women—especially Latinas—to feel certain that they do belong, no matter what path they choose. That’s how Pineapple Women was born—not just as an organization, but as a movement to rewrite what representation looks like.
I’ve learned to use storytelling as a bridge—a way to help others feel seen, understood, and celebrated. Pineapple Women first began as a blog sharing the stories of Latinas doing incredible things. While we still do that, our mission has expanded as our community has grown. Today, we focus on teaching young women how to tell their own stories—emphasizing the power of narrative, the importance of honoring their journeys early on, and the value of celebrating their achievements from a young age. I’ve also come to see mentorship as a strategy—a way to pass the mic and ensure that no one walks this path alone.
Founding Pineapple Women is my way of making sure the next generation walks into rooms already knowing they belong. Latinas remain one of the most underrepresented groups across leadership, tech, and high-paying industries—facing both a racial and gender gap. According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Lean In’s research, Latinas earn just 52 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, and make up less than 2% of executives in corporate America. These statistics aren’t just numbers—they reflect decades of invisibility.
Every time a girl in our program builds her first website, shares her voice, or interviews a role model who looks like her, I know we’re doing more than creating opportunities—we’re shifting the narrative and showing what’s possible.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder of Pineapple Women, a nonprofit that empowers young women—especially Latinas and other historically underrepresented groups—to understand their value, own their stories, and step confidently into leadership.
We began as a blog sharing the voices of inspiring Latinas and have since evolved into a growing movement. Our flagship program, Pineapple Empower, teaches participants how to build personal websites, craft strong narratives, and connect with mentors who reflect their dreams and identities. We believe storytelling is a form of power—and mentorship ensures no one walks the journey alone.
While our work is rooted in uplifting the Latina experience, we proudly welcome young women from all backgrounds. What makes our approach unique is that we start early—helping participants as young as 13 recognize and celebrate their achievements, often for the first time. In a world where too many girls grow up unseen, unheard, or undervalued, we’re creating a new story.
In the last year, we’ve grown rapidly—expanding our reach with in-person events in Los Angeles, launching bilingual workshops, and building partnerships with companies committed to mentorship, equity, and lasting social impact.
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?
Empathy – So much of my leadership relies on truly listening—to young women, volunteers, donors, and partners. When you lead with empathy, you build trust.
Storytelling – Whether pitching a sponsor, coaching a student, selling, or speaking on a panel, storytelling helps connect the dots between who you are and why it matters.
Adaptability – Starting a nonprofit, building a team, and running a grassroots movement requires flexibility. We just got to remember that hte only constant is change, and not being afraid of it is what will keep moving forward.
For those just starting out: don’t wait to be ready. Take small risks, stay curious, and keep showing up—you’ll build these muscles over time.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, we’re always looking for mission-aligned individuals and organizations to collaborate with—and that includes sponsors of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or part of a larger company, there’s a place for you in our community if you believe in empowering the next generation of young women.
We’re excited to connect with:
Companies and small businesses interested in sponsoring workshops, events, or participant materials
Professionals and creatives who can lead sessions on storytelling, design, or personal branding
Mentors and role models, especially Latinas and women of color
Educators or nonprofit partners who want to bring Pineapple Empower to their students
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, we’d love to connect. You can reach us at pineapplewomen.com, on Instagram @pineapple.women, or simply email us at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pineapplewomen.com/en
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineapple.women/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pineapplewomen/
Image Credits
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