Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Ana María López Caldwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dr. Ana María , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Throughout my career, I’ve experienced both incredible mentorship and deep feelings of isolation. At times, I felt supported and uplifted by a community that believed in me; other times, I felt disempowered and like I didn’t belong. I’ve learned firsthand that having a support system makes all the difference, which is why I’m committed to being that champion for other Latino leaders. As a coach, I root for their success, empowering them to lead authentically and achieve their fullest potential in every leadership space.
My purpose also grew from over 15 years of leadership roles across the nonprofit, corporate, and education sectors, where I saw the underrepresentation of Latinos at every level. These disparities fueled my drive to create change. I’ve had the privilege of being guided by exceptional mentors, coaches, and supporters throughout my journey, and I strive to be that source of guidance for other Latinos who may feel isolated while navigating leadership challenges.
A key part of my purpose comes from my strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. For a long time, I assumed everyone naturally possessed these abilities, but over time, I realized they were a superpower of mine. Being a sounding board and guiding others through complex leadership dynamics has become central to my coaching practice.
After earning a business degree, I further developed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills by pursuing an MA and PhD in Latin American Studies from Tulane University, one of the top programs in the country. This transformative experience helped me reconnect with my Latin American roots while exploring the politics, culture, and sociology of our people. I learned Portuguese, spent a summer in Bahia, Brazil, and conducted research at La Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, interviewing citizens from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The hundreds of books I read during this time deepened my understanding of Latin America’s rich diversity and how its history intersects with the Latino and immigrant experience in the U.S., as well as issues of leadership and representation.
After serving as Executive Director of an early college program in New Orleans for four years, I took a leap of faith. My husband and I moved to Washington, D.C., welcomed our first child, and I launched Dr. Ana María Consulting. My purpose? To empower Latinos and bridge the representation gap in leadership by fostering authentic leadership and empowerment. Through cultural competence, leadership insights, and a deep connection to both U.S.-born and immigrant experiences, I amplify Latino voices and support leaders in driving impactful change for their communities. My ultimate goal is to build a future where Latino leaders shape decisions that enhance the well-being of all.
And the rest is history!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Dr. Ana María, and I coach high-achieving Latinos to:
Build unshakable confidence
Break through limiting beliefs
Strengthen leadership skills
Transform uncertainty into strategic clarity for lasting impact and sustainable work-life balance.
I’m originally from Colombia and came to the U.S. at 13 from a loving middle-class family. My mom has been one of the biggest influences in shaping my confidence and self-assurance. She always told me I could do anything (except sing—she once advised me not to try out for my high school musical, haha). Her unwavering belief in me has been pivotal. When I decided to start my own consultancy, she was my biggest cheerleader, reminding me of my potential during moments of self-doubt.
My dad is a dreamer and a “yes man.” He taught me to believe anything is possible, instilling in me the courage to think big, take risks, and embrace creativity.
I have a deep passion for international travel and cultural learning. My husband and I have been fortunate to explore much of the world together, and more recently, our two-year-old son has joined us! One of the recent highlights from our travels was last summer when we biked 25 miles from Italy to Austria—downhill, of course! We met up with our son’s guncles from New Orleans and Spain for that trip, and it was so fun! These experiences have reinforced how much community—whether family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues—matters to my happiness and success. I firmly believe that strong relationships and shared support are essential to personal and professional growth.
Through my culturally rooted leadership coaching and strategic guidance, I support Latino leaders in reclaiming their voice, expanding their influence, and leading authentically—so they can break barriers, inspire change, and thrive in leadership spaces where they belong.
What Makes My Work Special?
The most rewarding part of my work is guiding clients through transformative growth journeys. I’ve helped leaders land significant promotions, transition into roles better aligned with their values, and strengthen their team cultures by navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. Witnessing these breakthroughs is incredibly fulfilling.
Another powerful aspect of my work is the community I’m constantly surrounded by—Latino professionals breaking barriers and making influential decisions. I have the privilege of connecting with these brilliant minds, sharing in their journeys, and learning alongside them.
What I’m Offering This Year:
I’m committed to serving the Latino community through:
1:1 Coaching
Group Coaching
Speaking Engagements
All of this is driven by my core vision: Empowering Latinos to lead authentically and achieve their fullest potential in every leadership space.
Book a discovery call today to explore these opportunities, and sign up for my newsletter to stay connected!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Discipline/Hard Work: I wouldn’t be where I am today without hard work and discipline. Moving to the U.S. at 13 without speaking English was a defining challenge. It tested my character and sense of worth, requiring significant unlearning and learning. Moments like these can shape a young person’s life profoundly, and I committed to working relentlessly to overcome the challenges I encountered. During my PhD, that same relentless work ethic kept me pushing through challenges and striving for excellence. Owning my business while being a mother is a new life challenge. It requires me to wake up early every morning, be structured and organized, and remain disciplined to achieve my goals and serve my clients. Having discipline is important, but only if it serves a greater purpose—only if I am aligned with my values and the vision I want to build for my future. This is the very thing I help clients with: to get clear on who they are, where they want to go, and how they need to apply themselves to get there.
Advice: Start by embracing discomfort and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. Invest time and energy in getting organized, reflecting deeply on your goals, and building systems that will help you get there. Develop a mindset where persistence becomes part of your identity and keep showing up for yourself even when progress feels slow.
Authenticity: During my PhD and many of my leadership roles, I often felt out of place among peers from elite educational backgrounds who had better financial resources, social capital, and understood better than I did at the time how power moves (often in unofficial ways). It was intimidating. However, I realized that my unique perspective was valuable. My immigrant story and unique experiences allowed me to think outside the box, approach problems with a refreshing perspective, and maintain a positive attitude about finding solutions. I didn’t lose sight of the privilege I had in those spaces and kept a well-rounded perspective while providing solutions. Staying authentic and letting my voice shine was not only empowering but essential to making a meaningful impact on a large scale.
Advice: Trust your unique experiences—they are your strength. Oftentimes, the very things about yourself you feel compelled to hide because they make you different are the very things that give you an edge. Your different way of approaching a project is your gift. Recognize it as such! Work on self-awareness and regularly reflect on what makes you distinct. Staying true to yourself adds irreplaceable value to any space you occupy. When you are able to lead authentically, you break through barriers you never imagined possible.
Community: Community has been central to my success. In moments of self-doubt, isolation, or when I needed resources and guidance, my community lifted me. It helped me develop thick skin and feel a sense of belonging. Community let me embrace my authenticity while offering the strength to pursue difficult challenges.
Advice: Be intentional about building a support network. Seek people who share your values but also welcome diverse perspectives. Surround yourself with high-achievers who will pull you up. True community is built on trust, collaboration, and shared growth. Prioritize relationships that inspire and uplift you while doing the same for others.
Ultimately, these three qualities—hard work, authenticity, and community—have been the foundation of my growth and leadership. Embracing them has allowed me to break barriers and empower others along the way.
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?
Are you a high-achieving Latino looking to stand in your power and be confident in every leadership space you enter? I specialize in coaching high-achieving Latinos to build unshakable confidence, break through limiting beliefs, strengthen leadership skills, and transform uncertainty into strategic clarity for lasting impact and sustainable work-life balance.
Imagine having a crystal-clear roadmap for your professional growth—where you’re not working harder but working smarter, aligning your career with your core values while achieving sustainable success. Picture leading with authenticity, influencing key decisions, and being recognized as a standout leader, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing your well-being.
If this resonates with you or if you lead an organization/department committed to supporting your Latino employees, let’s connect.
Book a discovery call today and sign up for my newsletter (www.anamarialc.com).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anamarialc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.anamarialc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamarialopezcaldwell/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dr.anamariaconsulting?si=yeTI6DoaIqWGLc8M
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