In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, technology is not just a tool — it’s a driving force behind every strategic decision. As Adela Cepeda puts it, “There’s no business that I’m involved in that isn’t deeply affected by technology.”

In this episode, Adela shares her remarkable journey — from growing up as an immigrant facing early challenges, to rising as a respected Corporate Board Director at BMO Financial Corp. and Co-Founder of Ángeles Investors, an organization that funds and grows Hispanic and Latinx ventures. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep understanding of how technology and finance must work hand in hand at the highest levels of leadership.

Adela also reminds us that success in today’s market requires more than just innovation — it requires inclusion:

“I don’t think you really can succeed where there isn’t diversity because you are going to lack in terms of understanding markets and areas that are important for the board to be leading on, and instead, you are behind.”

In This Episode:

1. Adela’s insights on the role technology plays in today’s Finance Landscape

2. How Adela became a Finance expert and now serves on Boards of publicly traded companies

3. Insights on maintaining cybersecurity and understanding tech risks within financial institutions

4. Strategies Adela used to develop resilience and perseverance, even in the face of personal tragedy

5. The importance of diversity in the boardroom and how it enriches discussions on technology and market understanding

6. How she's paying it forward by helping other Latinos start and grow successful businesses

Tune in to explore how effective leadership in the finance sector requires embracing technology, empowering diverse voices, and adapting to new challenges in the boardroom

Y mucho Más!

Connect with Adela Cepeda:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adela-cepeda

Connect with Monica Hernandez:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamhernandez

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monicahernandezzulu

Connect with MAS Global:

Website: www.masglobalconsulting.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masglobalco

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@masglobal6827

Embracing cultural differences can help you succeed internationally, and you can also turn obstacles into opportunities to allow experiences to shape your path. But how can you do it?

This episode explores the career journey of Lee Henderson, Americas EY Private Leader who has championed diversity and inclusion throughout his career. Lee shares lessons learned from both challenges and successes along the way.

Lee highlights the vital role of AI in today's leadership landscape. He emphasizes the need for leaders to acquire a foundational understanding of AI, emphasizing its transformative potential. Lee discusses the challenges presented by generative AI and advocates for diverse perspectives in technology discussions. This conversation underscores the urgency of AI education and preparation to equip leaders for the evolving tech-driven world.

Lee and Monica discuss how EY programs are helping level the playing field for women and other entrepreneurs from traditionally under-resourced communities. They also examine the business case for diversity and inclusion.

Thanks to this conversation, you will get actionable advice on finding mentors who believe in your potential and can help advance your career beyond what you can do alone. You can also learn how underrepresented groups can take advantage of new technologies.

Tune in to hear Lee Henderson's engaging story of perseverance. You will learn lessons to help you navigate your own career journey with empathy, awareness, and impact.

In This Episode:

- Developing resilience and strength through life challenges

- Diversity and leadership in the workplace

- Advice to become a successful leader

- How to leverage AI in business

- How can underrepresented talent take advantage of AI?

- Why is diversity important?

- Lessons on success, failure and resilience

Y mucho MAS!

Connect with Lee Henderson:

EY Website - https://www.ey.com/en_us/people/lee-henderson

Connect with Monica Hernandez:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamhernandez

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/monicahernandezzulu

Connect with MAS Global:

Website: www.masglobalconsulting.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masglobalco

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@masglobal6827

We all need inspiration to pursue our dreams no matter the obstacles. And this conversation will surely give you the pep talk you need to keep going.

Monica’s guest this week is Sara Rengifo, a materials engineer at NASA who has come a long way from her hometown of Colombia.

Sara Rengifo is making significant contributions at NASA, where she is involved in cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of innovation. Her work focuses on areas like construction, communication, and robotics, all of which are crucial in the aerospace industry.

Sara is part of a community of experts at NASA who are dedicated to solving complex problems and exploring uncharted territories. Her role at NASA involves not only technical expertise but also a commitment to teamwork, communication, and a culture of inclusivity, where every individual's input is valued.

Sara's experience highlights the importance of diversity and collaboration in tackling the unique challenges faced by NASA, and her journey from Colombia to NASA serves as an inspiring example of determination and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Despite facing rejection and doubts, Sara had a vision for her life and was determined to make it a reality.

In this episode, Sara shares the pivotal moments that helped shape her journey: from struggling to validate her engineering degree abroad to landing an internship that changed everything.

You'll be motivated by Sara's story and walk away with practical tips for overcoming obstacles.

Discover how to turn your biggest goals into a step-by-step plan through passion and perseverance.

Tune in to hear Sara's message of hope and learn from her journey to the stars.

In This Episode:

- How Sara Rengifo developed the mindset to believe in herself and pursue her dreams despite facing rejection

- Strategies for validating your international education and experience in a new country

- The importance of cultivating mentors who believe in you and how one mentorship changed Sara's life

- Tactics for overcoming language and cultural barriers to achieve your career goals

- How to turn failures and setbacks into opportunities for growth and learning from NASA's culture of collaboration

- Engineer at NASA with a focus on innovative projects.

- Expertise in construction, communication, and robotics within the aerospace industry.

- Emphasizes teamwork and inclusivity in her role.

- Inspiring journey from Colombia to NASA showcasing determination and diversity

Resources mentioned:

Book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. S. Dweck - https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322

Connect with Sara Rengifo:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-rengifo-493078b2

Connect with Monica Hernandez:

LinkedIn -