Meet Edna Mancia

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

Edna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose by looking back at who I have always been. From a very young age, I have had a heart for helping people, whether it was offering support, listening, or simply trying to make someone’s day a little brighter. That desire to make the world even a little better has always been a constant in my life. Over time, I realized that this was not just something I liked doing; it was something I was meant to do. My purpose grew naturally out of that lifelong drive to uplift others and create positive change, no matter how small.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing for the nonprofit Friends of El Salvador. In my role, I have the opportunity to amplify stories, connect communities, and help bring visibility to meaningful work that directly impacts people’s lives. What excites me most is knowing that the messages I share can inspire action, build support, and create real change for communities in El Salvador. It is extraordinary to use storytelling, strategy, and creativity to uplift a mission I deeply believe in. Above all, I want people to know that our work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are compassion, communication, and resilience.

Compassion has guided everything I do. Having a genuine heart for people helped me stay grounded in my purpose and make decisions that reflect the values I care about most. For anyone early in their journey, I encourage you to stay connected to what moves you. The more you understand the “why” behind your work, the more meaningful and fulfilling your path becomes.

Communication has also been essential. Being able to tell stories, build relationships, and convey a message clearly has opened doors and allowed me to make a bigger impact. To develop this skill, practice intentional listening as much as speaking. Understanding people is the foundation of communicating well.

Lastly, resilience has played a huge role. The journey is not always easy, and staying committed even when things are challenging is what helps you grow. For those just starting, do not be afraid of obstacles. Treat them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and become stronger.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is The 5 Truths for Transformational Leaders. It offered me practical guidance for leading with purpose and integrity, while also highlighting the importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership. Some of the most valuable insights I took away include the power of listening deeply to others, the importance of leading by example, and the necessity of staying true to your values even in challenging situations. This book reinforced that transformational leadership is less about authority and more about inspiring, empowering, and uplifting the people around you.

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