Nathalie Quezada Warren
Nathalie Quezada Warren is an entrepreneur and real estate investor.
She tells us that, “My career includes small business ownership, systems development, and program management, as well as community-based work focused on social, educational, and economic equity and justice.
I’ve dedicated my career to helping people maximize their potential and build capacity. I love to help individuals set meaningful goals and overcome obstacles. In my consultation sessions and workshop training, I empower entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies they need to launch their businesses. I’m also a professional speaker. Through my story, I speak about the transformative power of a growth mindset to empower audiences to identify their strengths, approach challenges from a new perspective, and build resilience.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was born in Puerto Rico to Dominican parents and was raised in New York City. My nuclear family isn’t very large, it’s only my parents, and my younger brother and I, but I have a large extended family with many cousins. We all settled in different parts of New York City. I didn’t have a lot of resources as a child growing up in the South Bronx but there was a lot of love and support and I was determined. I pushed myself to build a future through education. When I mention education, I mean both formal and informal education. I earned a top-tier education at a private university in New York but I also graduated in the middle of the economic recession of 2008 and had no idea what I was going to do next. I just knew I had to make money. My parents had moved to Florida and, like many other people in this country, had just lost their house so I knew I couldn’t depend on my parents to provide for me.
Throughout my years in college, I was a hustler, a go-getter, and had a bunch of side gigs, like styling hair, that helped me supplement my student loans. Although my entrepreneurship journey really started then, this is where the rubber met the road and I had to find creative solutions to the challenge before me. Since then, I have sold everything from knives to men’s suits and have taught myself many things from how to build a website to how to perform a break-even analysis.
Eventually, through a lot of personal capacity-building, I began to invest in real estate. I now own 5 properties, including multi-family properties, and continue to look for opportunities. In the middle of all this, and building a family (I have 3 young children), I became a business consultant for entrepreneurs.
I have taken my formal education and what I have learned from my own entrepreneurial self-education and experience to teach others how to take advantage of the opportunities before them via consultations, workshops, training, and as a professional speaker.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I truly believe in the human capacity for creativity and ingenuity. I learned early on that entrepreneurship exists in many ways and that innovation, when paired with preparation, often leads to progress.
I began providing training and workshops in all sorts of communities, from inner city community centers to suburban churches, and quickly realized there was a great need for capacity-building. People wanted to learn how to better themselves. People wanted to feel empowered. People wanted to contribute to their families and communities. And I could offer a way to do this that made people feel galvanized to take control of their futures. I remember thinking to myself, “there is a real market for this” so I started providing consultations and helping entrepreneurs and others overcome obstacles
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I’d love to see more women in leadership pull other women up with them. This means creating a culture of mentorship and support where established women leaders actively seek out and nurture the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Imagine a world where every successful woman makes it her mission to mentor at least one other woman, to share her knowledge, experiences, and connections. This ripple effect could transform industries, break down barriers, and ensure that more women have the resources and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. By lifting each other up, we can create a powerful network of women who support and inspire one another, fostering a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. In essence, the change I envision is a world where women’s leadership is synonymous with solidarity, empowerment, and shared success.
So here’s my message to young women entrepreneurs: Make it your goal to reach the top AND bring other women with you, and ensure that the path to leadership is more accessible to other women and more visible to young girls with a dream.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women in leadership today are significantly transforming workplaces and industries across the globe. Our increasing presence in leadership roles is reshaping organizational cultures, driving innovation, and contributing to more inclusive and equitable work environments. As women, we bring diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, decision-making, and management, which can lead to more creative solutions and better overall performance for companies and organizations.
Let’s not forget the impact of our presence, particularly for women of color like myself. Growing up, I never saw or knew of Latina entrepreneurs. Mainstream media rarely depicted images of strong or powerful Latinas or Latinas. Instead, I saw Latinas portrayed as exotic and oversexualized or as housekeepers and cooks. As a woman of color, I feel I have the responsibility to serve as a role model, normalize the idea of women in leadership, and encourage young women to pursue ambitious career goals.
I also believe it is imperative that we shift the way we think about effective leadership and voice it loudly, particularly to young women. Historically, leadership has often been associated with traits considered masculine, such as assertiveness, competitiveness, and decisiveness. As women, we tend to emphasize collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence. These are qualities that are increasingly valued in today’s complex and rapidly changing world and that are also crucial for navigating modern challenges.
I believe a balanced approach that incorporates all of these traits is what ultimately leads to successful leadership.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
I have three. They are:
# 1 – Think differently about challenges
Have a growth mindset. Instead of saying, ‘I can’t afford it’ or ‘I don’t have anyone to help me’, say ‘How can I afford it?’ or ‘How can I acquire the help I need?’ In doing this, you are actively shifting your thinking to a problem-solving mindset, which challenges your status quo to seek further improvement.
#2 – Recognize your strengths
We all have weaknesses, but, more importantly, we all have strengths. What often happens is we focus too much on our weaknesses, what we’re not good at, what we don’t have. And this is a missed opportunity that prevents us from truly owning our individual greatness and building a life that is fulfilling. Recognize your strengths and then look for people who can help you along your path and challenge you to improve.
#3 – Answer the “Why”
Grit has been a constant companion throughout my life. There have been tough times, moments when it seemed like the obstacles were insurmountable but through perseverance and determination, I pushed through those challenges and came out stronger on the other side. It’s because I had answered the “why”. Why did I choose this advanced class? Why did I choose to lead this meeting? Whatever it is, having clarity in your purpose, answering your “why”, will give you the mental toughness you need to persist in the face of adversity and bring success to bear on your work.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Believe in yourself. Confidence is your most powerful asset. Trust in your abilities, embrace your unique perspectives, and know that you are capable of achieving great things. Your belief in yourself will fuel your determination and drive.
Seek mentors and allies. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who believe in your potential. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate through difficult times. Building a strong support network is crucial.
Continuously learn. The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Be curious, seek knowledge, and be open to new ideas. Lifelong learning is key to staying relevant and innovative.
Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Every achievement is a testament to your hard work and perseverance. Celebrating these moments keeps you motivated and focused.
Aim to make a difference. Leadership is not just about personal success; it’s about making a positive impact. Use your platform to uplift others, advocate for change, and contribute to your community. Your leadership can inspire and empower others to follow their dreams.