Meet Griselda De Leon

We were lucky to catch up with Griselda De Leon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Griselda, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t easy, especially being a Latina in the financial industry. I didn’t want people to assume I was a scam or that I didn’t belong. I wanted to show that I was here to genuinely help and make a difference. At first, I kept questioning if I was really qualified to teach people about finances, especially since my background was in respiratory therapy and not traditional finance.

But as I kept going, I realized that my unique journey gave me a different perspective—one that allows me to connect with people in a real, relatable way. I don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect; what matters is that I’m helping others take control of their financial future.

What really pushed me to overcome my doubts was seeing how being genuine and sharing my story—my passion, my struggles, and my triumphs—resonated with others. When people believed in me and poured into me, offering me support and opportunities, it gave me the confidence to be unapologetically myself. The encouragement I’ve received from people I’ve met along the way has been invaluable, and it’s a big reason why I’m able to keep pushing forward. Now, I embrace the fact that my story is exactly what makes me unique, and I’m proud to bring that authenticity to everything I do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Honduran financial educator and licensed financial professional, and I’m all about empowering people, especially women and the Latino community, to take charge of their financial futures. Raised in Puerto Rico but now living in the Big Apple, where the opportunities are endless, I’ve built my business with a focus on making financial literacy easy and actionable for everyone. What I love most about my work is seeing that “aha” moment when someone realizes they can actually change their financial future. Watching people go from feeling confused about money to being confident about their decisions is such an amazing feeling.

What makes my approach unique is how personal it is. I’ve been in the shoes of so many of the people I work with, especially those in underrepresented communities, so I get it. That’s why I meet people exactly where they are and offer tools and strategies that fit their specific needs. Whether it’s showing someone how to save, invest, or build a solid financial plan, my goal is to help them create long-term wealth and true freedom.

What I’m most proud of with my brand is the sense of connection and empowerment it brings. It’s not just about teaching financial stuff, it’s about shifting mindsets, building confidence, and helping people unlock opportunities. I truly believe in the power of education and execution, and I’m always focused on supporting others to reach their goals.

Right now, I’m also expanding my team across the country, bringing together other passionate people who want to grow and create financial freedom. We’re building a community of individuals who are ready to “make copies of the keys so others can open a door”, it’s all about helping each other out and opening up new possibilities.

I’ve got an exciting event coming up on January 25th here in NYC, it’s a brunch and learn seminar with a vision board-making session! It’s a great way to kick off the year with some clarity and intention. I also have a lot of in-person financial workshops coming up around NYC, so definitely follow me to stay in the loop! And if you’re looking to collaborate or just want to chat, I’m always open to new opportunities!

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities for me have been resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn.
1.Resilience: There were definitely moments when it felt like the road ahead was tough, but I pushed through. Life’s challenges are inevitable, and being able to bounce back after setbacks has been crucial. The key is to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. The tough times build strength, and you’ll look back at them as lessons, not losses.
2.Self-awareness: Knowing myself—what I’m good at and where I need to improve—has been vital. I had to reflect a lot on my strengths and weaknesses, especially early in my journey. Understanding your own value and the areas where you need growth will guide you toward making decisions that align with your goals. Self-reflection is a powerful tool, and it helps you stay true to who you are.
3.Willingness to learn: This is a big one. I’ve always been curious and willing to learn, whether it’s gaining new financial knowledge, improving my leadership skills, or exploring different ways to reach my audience. Don’t be afraid to learn from others and seek out mentorship. There’s always room to grow, and the more knowledge you gain, the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenges.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to start with a growth mindset, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn along the way. Take time to understand yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek help or mentorship from others. And most importantly, keep pushing forward, even when it feels hard. Each step you take is progress!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with passionate, like-minded individuals and organizations who share a vision of empowerment, growth, and financial freedom. Whether you’re in the finance space, wellness, community-building, or just want to support and uplift others, there’s room to work together!

I’m especially looking for people who are excited to make an impact, whether it’s through educational events, workshops, or community-driven initiatives. If you’re someone who believes in the power of financial literacy, self-growth, and helping others unlock their potential, I’d love to connect with you!

If you’re interested in collaborating or partnering, feel free to reach out to me directly via Instagram DM @themoneygeenie or email (themoneygeenie@gmail.com). Let’s chat about how we can work together to create meaningful change and empower others to take control of their financial futures!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @themoneygeenie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15uTVPsEqG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griselda-white-b26ba8158?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: @griseldadq_