We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edgar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edgar below.
Hi Edgar, 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?
How Did I Find My Purpose? A Story of Resilience and Vision
By Edgar Bernal, Founder of Revista Latina
My name is Edgar Bernal, and if someone asked me today how I found my purpose, I wouldn’t talk about a sudden moment of revelation. Instead, I’d speak of a path built with effort, conviction, and, often, uncertainty. Revista Latina, founded in 2018, is a reflection of that journey. Behind every article, project, or festival is a story of struggle, community, and deep love for our roots.
When I first arrived in North Carolina, like many immigrants, I felt a sense of disconnection. We were present, but not visible. We existed, but we weren’t represented. That absence of spaces to express and celebrate our cultures sparked in me the need to create something bigger than myself—a platform to give voice, unity, and empowerment to our Latino community.
That’s how Revista Latina was born—not as a business, but as a mission. In the beginning, we were just a digital platform sharing articles on culture and art. But behind the scenes were sleepless nights, personal sacrifices, and an unshakable belief: if we didn’t do it, who would?
The journey has been anything but easy. One of the toughest challenges came during the pandemic. The events that gave us life—festivals, exhibitions, community gatherings—were suddenly put on hold. It was a hard hit. We lost the human connection that fueled our cause.
But instead of giving up, we adapted. After every cancellation, we looked for alternatives. That’s how our 3D virtual galleries were born, along with live streamed festivals, online Independence Day celebrations, and eventually, the development of a mobile app and streaming platform with educational and cultural content.
Technology—once cold and distant—became our bridge. We learned, improvised, and with every step, we proved that purpose isn’t something you find. It’s something you build—with resilience.
In 2022, we received the Ohtli Award, one of the highest honors granted by the Mexican government abroad. It was an emotional moment—confirmation that we were on the right path. But beyond the recognition, the most powerful thing was looking back and seeing how we had turned obstacles into opportunities.
Revista Latina stopped being just a magazine. Today, we are a cultural bridge, a platform for entrepreneurs, a publishing house, a support network for thousands of people who, like me, once searched for a place to feel seen and valued.
How did I find my purpose?
I found it in the face of every child proudly representing their culture. I found it in the joy of an artist seeing their work displayed in a virtual gallery for the first time. I found it in the thank-you messages from mothers, entrepreneurs, and young people who discovered a voice and a community through Revista Latina.
My purpose wasn’t a destination. It was the result of listening to my community, responding with action, and refusing to give up in the face of adversity. Because when you work from love for your culture and commitment to your people, your purpose becomes clear: to serve, to inspire, and to leave a legacy.
Today, I look ahead with the same passion I had on day one. Revista Latina is my purpose made real—and there’s still so much more to build.
Revista Latina
“The place where we discover many cultures—but the pride of belonging to each one brings us together.”
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?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey and what I do. I’m the founder of Revista Latina, a multicultural platform born from a deep desire to celebrate, empower, and unite the Latin American community. Established in 2018, Revista Latina is built on the principles of “See, Do, and Let Do”—a philosophy that drives our work through empowerment, collaboration, and meaningful action.
What began as a digital magazine has grown into a dynamic organization that champions cultural, educational, social, and entrepreneurial initiatives. We specialize in promoting the richness of Mexican and Latin American heritage through festivals, community events, virtual experiences, publishing, and media. Our mission is to create opportunities for connection, representation, and growth—especially for immigrants and first-generation Latin Americans navigating life far from their home countries.
What excites me most is how we’ve embraced innovation to stay connected with our audience. From 3D virtual galleries and livestreamed cultural events, to our mobile app and Revista Latina Stream, our own streaming platform, we’re constantly evolving to make Latin American voices visible on a global scale. Through Revista Latina Editorial, we also publish books that share the stories and legacies of remarkable individuals from our community—ensuring that our history is preserved and celebrated.
What truly sets us apart is our inclusive approach. We are not just a magazine—we’re a movement. A space where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and dreamers can find community, recognition, and support. Our work is fueled by a shared purpose: to be a beacon of unity, pride, and cultural strength.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our reach—both through technology and through in-person events that bring people together. We invite readers, creators, and allies to be part of this journey. Revista Latina is a space where culture thrives, stories matter, and the Latin American spirit shines—locally and globally.
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?
Looking back on my journey as the founder of Revista Latina, I would say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my path were adaptability, purpose-driven resilience, and the ability to build community.
Adaptability
As an immigrant, adapting to a new culture, language, and environment wasn’t easy—but it became one of my greatest strengths. I learned to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to grow. For those just starting out, I encourage you to be open to learning, unlearning, and evolving. Don’t fear what’s unfamiliar—instead, lean into it with curiosity and courage.
Purpose-Driven Resilience
There were moments when giving up seemed easier, especially in the face of financial challenges, limited resources, or lack of representation. What kept me going was a clear sense of why I started—my passion for uplifting my culture and community. That purpose became my anchor. My advice: stay connected to your “why.” Let it guide you through the difficult moments and remind you that your work matters.
Building Community and Relationships
Success is not a solo journey. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of connection. Whether it’s collaborating with local artists, working with small businesses, or engaging volunteers, building strong relationships has been crucial. For anyone starting out: seek out mentors, allies, and people who share your values. Surround yourself with those who believe in your vision—you’ll go further, and you won’t have to go alone.
If I could share one more piece of advice, it would be this: be patient, stay persistent, and celebrate the small victories. Progress may come slowly at first, but every step forward counts. With resilience, creativity, and community, you can turn challenges into opportunities and build something truly meaningful.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Without a doubt, the most important force in overcoming challenges and developing the skills and knowledge I needed has been the community itself—the very people we aim to serve through Revista Latina.
From the beginning, it has been the collective participation of artists, entrepreneurs, educators, parents, and volunteers that has given life to our mission of celebrating and uplifting Latin American culture. Their trust, collaboration, and unwavering support have not only inspired me, but have also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and purpose.
Our work is not done in isolation—it’s deeply rooted in community. Every festival we organize, every article we publish, and every virtual or in-person initiative we launch is a reflection of a shared effort. The community has been my mirror and my guide, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Equally essential has been the unwavering support of my wife, Citlalitl Ceballos, and our children, who have always been a fundamental part of this journey. Their love, patience, and involvement have grounded me and reminded me why this work matters. Their belief in this mission, even during the most challenging moments, has strengthened my resolve and given deeper meaning to everything we do. They are not just supporters, but co-creators of this dream, and their presence continues to be a source of motivation and strength in every step forward.
Revista Latina serves as a beacon for many immigrants seeking guidance, connection, and opportunity. But that light is only possible because of the people behind it—the families who share their stories, the youth who bring fresh energy, and the cultural leaders who remind us of our roots. They’ve not only helped me face challenges, but have also empowered me to develop the very skills that sustain this project.
In short, my success has never been mine alone—it’s the result of a community that believed in the vision and worked alongside me to make it real. That’s the true power of representation and cultural unity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://revistalatinanc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revistalatinanc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revistalatinanc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revistalatinanc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/revistalatinanc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/revistalatinanc
Image Credits
Edgar Bernal, Revista Latina
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