We recently connected with Emiliana Guereca and have shared our conversation below.
Emiliana, 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?
Building confidence and self-esteem is a never ending journey, but I’m rooted in my identity as a Mexican immigrant, entrepreneur, and activist—I shape my reality.
Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, being a Mexican meant walking into a room with unwavering confidence; there was no other option. It was a survival strategy, a choice I made early on.
Activism, particularly through the Women’s March Foundation, is not merely a platform—it is creating a future where women have a voice and equal rights. Facing down personal and professional challenges is my daily rebellion. Each triumph, no matter how modest, resonates as a powerful affirmation that women are able to do anything they set their mind to.
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?
About My Work: I am deeply committed to advancing the cause of women’s rights and empowerment through my roles as an entrepreneur and activist. As the founder of the Women’s March Foundation, I’ve dedicated myself to creating a platform that goes beyond advocacy—it’s a movement that amplifies women’s voices and strives for equality and equity.
What Sets My Work Apart:
What makes my work particularly exciting is its power to spark conversations and effect tangible change. The Women’s March Foundation isn’t just an organization; it’s a force that challenges the status quo, demands attention to critical issues, and fosters a sense of unity among women globally. We’re not just talking about change; we’re actively driving it.
What I Want People to Know:
I want people to understand that the fight for women’s rights is not a solitary battle. It’s a collective effort, and every individual has a role.
My work emphasizes the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusion in achieving progress. It’s about empowering women from all walks of life and creating a world where everyone’s voice is respected and valued.
What’s New and Exciting:
Our latest and most thrilling initiative is the Feminist Street Initiative, a nationwide campaign led by the Women’s March Foundation. We’re gearing up to revolutionize our cityscapes by getting more streets named after the incredible women who have shaped history. It’s a bold move to combat the historical invisibility of women and ensure they receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.
The Feminist Street Initiative is not just about naming streets; it’s a powerful statement that challenges the erasure of women from public spaces. Women have made invaluable contributions throughout history, yet their stories often go untold. This initiative is a commitment to rectify that oversight and create a lasting tribute to the trailblazing women who have shaped the ground we walk on.
How You Can Get Involved:
We invite everyone to join us in this transformative endeavor. If you’re passionate about honoring feminist women in your city, town, or state, or if you have a feminist figure in mind who deserves recognition, we want to hear from you. The Feminist Street Initiative is a community-driven project, and we’re actively seeking volunteers to help us make it a reality. www.womensmarchfoundation.org
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
Resilience:
In my journey, resilience has been my unyielding anchor. Bouncing back from setbacks, learning from every stumble, and persisting in facing challenges has been crucial. Life, especially in activism and entrepreneurship, is a constant rollercoaster. Resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about seizing each difficulty as an opportunity to grow fearlessly, refusing to let hardships be anything other than stepping stones to success.
Advice: Embrace challenges as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Each obstacle is a chance to learn and grow stronger. Cultivate a mindset that views setbacks as temporary and surmountable. Surround yourself with a supportive community that understands the value of resilience. It’s not about toxic positivity. It’s about embracing failure as a step in the journey of success.
Empathy:
Empathy has been a driving force in my work, a North Star that guides me. Understanding and connecting with the diverse experiences of others, especially in the trenches of activism, is not just important—it’s everything. It forms the bedrock for crafting robust communities and instigating profound change. Empathy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the key to effective communication, the catalyst for collaboration, ensuring our work is deeply rooted in a genuine understanding of people’s needs.
Advice:
Actively seek to understand the perspectives and experiences of those around you. Listen with an open heart and mind. Engage fearlessly in conversations that challenge your assumptions and broaden your worldview. Empathy is no soft skill; it’s a power that grows with intentional practice and continuous self-reflection.
Courage:
Courage is my engine for transformation. Whether it’s raising my voice on critical issues, taking calculated risks in business, or spearheading societal change, courage is the dynamo driving it all. It’s about willingly stepping into the unknown, challenging the status quo, and ardently advocating for your beliefs, even when uncomfortable.
Advice:
Don’t shy away from bold steps; advocate for yourself unapologetically. Cultivate courage by routinely stepping outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with mentors and role models who embody courage in their actions. Remember, significant change often demands venturing into uncharted territory.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
To those setting foot on this journey, my advice is clear:
Embrace a Learning Mindset: Never stop learning and evolving.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a diverse and supportive network. Collaborate with those who share your values and vision. Ignore the naysayers; they don’t criticize the unsuccessful.
Stay True to Your Purpose: Let your purpose be your guiding light. Identify what inspires and motivates you, and let that be the driving force behind your journey. We all have a purpose.
Don’t Fear Failure: Understand that failures are stepping stones to success. Learn, adapt, and use setbacks as the stones that pave your path to success. Success doesn’t happen without failure, a truth often left unsaid.
Advocate for Yourself: Speak up for your ideas and beliefs. Your voice matters, and advocating for yourself is the foundational step toward achieving your goals. You can’t advocate for others until you learn to advocate for yourself first.
Remember, every journey is unique. The lessons learned are the building blocks of your growth and success. Stay true to your values, push boundaries relentlessly, and don’t hesitate to carve out your path.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me, even though it seemed like unconventional parenting at the time, was giving me the freedom to fail. Their approach was rooted in a deep belief that authentic learning comes from experience, even if that means facing failure head-on. While it might have felt like tough love growing up, it instilled in me a work ethic that has become the cornerstone of my journey.
The lesson in resilience, resourcefulness, and grit was invaluable, shaping who I am today. Growing up in poverty was undoubtedly challenging, but I now realize that everything I have achieved is a direct result of those experiences. My parents’ selflessness still amazes me — they didn’t embark on the journey to the United States for personal riches or luxury. Instead, their decision was an act of profound love and sacrifice, driven solely by the desire to give their children a shot at a better life.
The hardships we faced were not in vain; they were the crucible in which my character was forged. The struggle laid the foundation for my tenacity, my ability to navigate adversity, and my unyielding determination. Looking back, I understand that what seemed like bad parenting at the moment was, in fact, a profound gift — the freedom to stumble, to learn, and ultimately to thrive. My parents’ choice to venture into the unknown for the sake of our future is a testament to their boundless love and unwavering belief in the power of resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.womensmarchfoundation.org
- Instagram: @Emiliana.guereca
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiliana.zeidenfeld/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilianaguereca/
- Twitter: N/A
- Youtube: N/A
- Yelp: N/A
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/zmq2p
Image Credits
Images provided by Women’s March Action and Women’s March Foundation
