Meet Lia Cortes

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

Lia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Growing up as a low income first-generation Mexican-American in Silicon Valley, I learned early on that I would often be the only one in the room who looked like me, sounded like me, or came from where I came from. At first, that realization felt isolating especially when walking into college classrooms, tech offices, or corporate meetings where no one else shared my lived experience. But over time, I realized that being the “only one” could also be my superpower.
I carry generations of resilience with me. My grandmother, who never learned to read or write, raised ten children as a single mother in Mexico. My mom and dad, who worked tirelessly to give me and my sibling a better future. And my tío Nano, who I admire deeply, showed me that there is beauty in the small things in life. Their sacrifices are my foundation and their strength is what keeps me grounded when I walk into rooms where I don’t often fit the mold.
Embracing what sets me apart rather than trying to blend in has helped me be more effective. I speak up with confidence, not despite my background, but because of it. I understand people. I know what it is like to have to figure things out on your own. And I lead with authenticity, humility, and a mindset rooted in service.; all traits passed down by my family. That is something no title or degree can teach and it has helped me connect with people across all walks of life.
Being the only one in the room is not easy, but I have learned it is not a burden; it is a responsibility. I am not just there for me. I am there for every single first-gen student, every Latina trying to break into business, every young person who has been told to “tone it down.” And if my presence can open the door for someone else, then every uncomfortable moment has been worth it for me.

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?

I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American and an MBA grad who started at community college. Professionally, I work as an Operations Strategist where I focus on improving internal processes, solving complex problems, and helping teams run more efficiently. I love working in strategy and operations because it allows me to be both analytical and creative. I get to take a step back, see the bigger picture, and figure out what needs to happen to move things forward.
What makes my journey special is that I have had to figure out so much of it on my own. I did not grow up around corporate professionals or have access to career coaches. I learned by asking questions, failing forward, and most importantly, staying curious. That experience shaped how I show up today. Not just in the workplace, but also in the way I use my voice in every single room I enter.
Outside of my career, I am focused on growing my personal brand where I create content that empowers young professionals, especially first-gen students, to navigate college, career, and finances with more confidence. I share tips on everything from building credit, to writing resumes, because I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel when you are trying to figure it all out alone. My goal is to be the kind of resource I wish I had when I was just starting out.
Right now, I am focused on continuing to grow my career in strategy and operations while building a platform that makes education and empowerment more accessible for underrepresented communities. Whether it is through a 60-second TikTok or one-on-one mentorship, I am committed to helping others believe in themselves and take that next step; even if they are the first to do it in their family.

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 would say the three most impactful things in my journey have been resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.
Resilience was key because, as a first-gen student and professional, there were plenty of moments when I doubted myself or did not know what came next. I have had to bounce back from setbacks, rejections, uncertainty, and even self doubt. Growing up with a low self esteem will do that. But a small piece of me always got up and kept going. I always reminded myself who I was doing this for: my family, my community, and the younger version of me who dreamed of more. My advice for anyone starting out is to expect challenges, but don’t let them define you. Learn to pause, regroup, and keep moving. Be kind to yourself, I am still learning to master this.
Resourcefulness helped me fill in the gaps when I did not have guidance. I did not grow up around people who could explain the importance of pursuing higher education, job interviews, or financial literacy. I had to do the research, ask questions, and teach myself as I went. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend being curious and unafraid to look things up, try, and fail. You do not need to know everything, you just need to be willing to figure it out.
Relationship-building made all the difference. I learned and practiced this later in my life. Every opportunity I have had was connected to someone who saw potential in me. It is not about networking in a formal sense, it is about showing up, being kind, and building genuine connections. Talk to people. Share your story. Uplift others. You never know who is watching or who you might inspire just by being yourself.
These three things, not a perfect GPA or a fancy title, have carried me through every chapter of my journey.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

There is not just one person really, it takes a village. But when I think about who has helped me overcome challenges and develop the qualities that shaped me, it always comes back to my family.
I definitely got my consistency and resilience from my dad. He is one of the most hard working men I will ever know. He has been working since he was a child, and his formal education ended in the fifth grade when he had to start helping his family in the fields. Growing up in a family of 12 siblings, being one of the eldest, meant he had to grow up fast. A lot of responsibility was placed on his shoulders at a very young age; ten years old to be exact. He has carried the weight of supporting others for most of his life, and he has done it without complaint, without any rest, and without recognition.
His work ethic is not just about showing up every day. It is about surviving, providing, and doing whatever it takes to make sure his family is taken care of. He does not expect praise or attention. He does it because that is who he is; Selfless, dependable, and unwavering. I admire him deeply for that. His quiet strength and consistency have shaped how I move in my life. When things get hard, I think of him, and I keep going. How dare I give up?
My mom taught me how to be compassionate with every single person I come across, no matter their background or story. She also passed down her incredible work ethic. Anything she sets her mind to, she learns and masters. She has worked so many different jobs. From being a mover, a cook, a housekeeper, a costurera in a warehouse sewing clothes, and she’s excelled in every single one of them. Her adaptability is something I will always admire and try to emulate in my own journey.
My tío Nano has also played a huge role in my life. He was studying to become a veterinarian in Mexico before coming to the U.S. in search of a better life. When he arrived, he did not speak, read, or write English, but he tried his best. He would walk to the local community college and take night classes while working his landscaping job during the day. Eventually, the language barrier became too difficult and he had to let go of that dream. But he did not stop there, he later built his own business in landscaping with his husband. His determination, humility, and perseverance continue to inspire me. He is someone who has taught me to see the beauty in the small things.
And do not get me started on my grandma. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known. She raised 10 children in Mexico all on her own after two of them sadly passed away. She became a mother at just 13 years old and never had the chance to go to school. To this day, she is illiterate and does not know how to read or write, yet she managed to keep her family afloat through unimaginable hardship. My mom was raised by her, in poverty, and also endured the trauma of growing up with an abusive father. So when I say I am proud to be first-gen, it is because I know I come from a line of women and men who have survived so much more than I have had to. I have faced challenges, but the people before me faced lifetimes of them.
Their strength is my reason. Their sacrifices built the foundation I now stand on. Everything I have learned, every skill I have developed, has been layered on top of the lessons they lived every single day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _Liacortes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liacortes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_Liacortes

Image Credits

professional photography by @Jennybphotos on Instagram