Meet Michal Tapia

We recently connected with Michal Tapia and have shared our conversation below.

Michal , 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?

There have been many times in my career when I looked around and realized I was the only one: the only Latina, the only woman of color, the only first-generation leader, an introvert in spaces that celebrated extroversion, and a mother balancing family while pursuing my doctoral journey. At first, that reality felt heavy. Imposter syndrome would creep in, and I questioned whether I truly belonged.

What shifted for me was learning to reframe what it means to be the only one. Instead of seeing it as isolation, I began to see it as responsibility. Being the only one does not mean being alone. It can mean being the one who opens the door for others. That shift was fueled by resilience I learned from my immigrant parents, empathy shaped by navigating complex systems, and courage built through moments of doubt, career transitions, and setbacks that tested but never broke me.

Those experiences led me to my purpose: creating spaces where people don’t just survive but thrive. It is why I am pursuing my doctorate, researching psychological safety for Latina professionals, and why I founded my consulting practice focused on courageous leadership and inclusive workplaces. Today, when I walk into a room as the only one, I carry my story as a source of strength not just for me but for everyone who has not yet been invited in. Representation is not just about being seen. It is about creating pathways so others can step into their power too.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the Founder of M.Tapia Consulting, where I design and facilitate courageous, inclusive spaces for leaders, teams, and organizations. My work centers on promoting psychological safety so people feel secure enough to bring their whole selves to the table, speak up without fear, and thrive rather than merely survive. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare, higher education, and corporate settings, I have seen how quickly voices can be silenced when people do not feel safe, and how much potential is unlocked when they do. My mission is to create spaces where everyone’s contributions matter.

What excites me most about this work is that it is both personal and purposeful. As a Latina, a first-generation daughter of immigrants, an introvert, and a mother of three, I know what it feels like to navigate spaces where you do not see yourself reflected. Those experiences taught me to notice what others may overlook and to listen for the voices that often go unheard. Representation is not just about being seen. It is about creating pathways so others can step into their power too.

Currently, I am expanding my consulting services, which include organizational assessments, leadership development workshops, and frameworks that help teams rebuild trust, strengthen connection, and foster belonging. I also deliver keynote talks and facilitation sessions that bring these ideas to life in an engaging, accessible way. In addition, I publish a newsletter, The Courage Connection, where I share reflections, tools, and stories to help professionals cultivate courage in their personal and professional lives.

One of my greatest strengths and what I consider my superpower is the ability to turn lived experiences into tools that others can use. I do not just talk about inclusion. I create processes and practices that invite people in and make sure every voice has a place at the table. This year, I am especially excited about upcoming speaking engagements, workshops, and collaborations with organizations ready to move beyond performative gestures and truly invest in building inclusive cultures.

My brand is rooted in courage, connection, and community. My goal is to help more people experience what it feels like to work in a space where they are valued, heard, and able to thrive.

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, three qualities have shaped my journey most: courage, empathy, and connection.

Courage has been the thread running through everything, from being the first in my family to pursue a doctorate, to speaking up in rooms where I was the only Latina, to starting my own consulting business. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the choice to move forward anyway. For those who are figuring out their journey, whether starting something new, navigating a transition, or stepping into the unknown, I recommend beginning with small steps. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to ask for help, to try something new, or to say “no” when something does not align. Those everyday acts build the muscle you will need for the bigger leaps.

Empathy has been crucial in building relationships and fostering inclusive environments. Growing up as the daughter of immigrants and navigating spaces not designed for me taught me to see beyond titles and to connect with people without judgment. When you listen without rushing to fix, you create space for voices that often go unheard. Practicing that has strengthened every relationship and team I have been a part of.

Finally, connection has been transformative. For much of my career, I lacked mentors and sponsors. It was only when I began intentionally building relationships, seeking thought partners, aligning with like-minded peers, and nurturing community, that doors started to open. My advice: do not wait for connections to happen. Be intentional. Reach out, follow up, and invest in relationships. Success is rarely a solo journey. The right connections can make the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am always open to collaborating with people and organizations committed to creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. As the Founder of M.Tapia Consulting and a doctoral candidate researching psychological safety for Latina professionals, my focus is on helping leaders and teams build cultures of courage, connection, and inclusion.

The partners I am most excited to work with are mission-driven organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and leaders who recognize that investing in people is the key to lasting impact. Whether through leadership workshops, keynote talks, facilitation sessions, or organizational assessments, I bring both lived experience and research-based strategies to create meaningful and lasting change. Transformation happens when ideas move beyond inspiration and are translated into action.

If you are interested in collaborating, I would love to connect. You can reach me at [email protected] or on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/michaltapia), where I share tools and insights on building psychologically safe and inclusive environments. Together, we can create workplaces where people are not only present but truly seen, valued, and able to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaltapia
• Other: [email protected]