In today’s episode of If Not Now Wen, we’re excited to talk with guest Lourdes Graciela Zuniga, who shares her remarkable journey from Lima, Peru, to the United States with a big dream of making a difference despite facing numerous challenges.
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Lourdes moved to the United States over two decades ago with a journalist visa and a burning desire to explore opportunities beyond her homeland's limitations. She is the founder and executive director of Financial Health Pathways, and on the podcast episode today, Lourdes shares her struggles, her triumphs, and the impact she's making locally in Austin as well as globally.
She candidly recounts her initial struggles, from menial jobs in the hospitality industry to the humbling realization of being a 'nobody' in a foreign land, determined to make it despite the odds. Lourdes discovered her passion for philanthropy and social impact, transitioning from the hospitality sector to championing financial education and reforming the criminal justice system to empower marginalized communities.
In this episode we talk about:
🔹 Resilience and Adaptability: Lourdes embodies resilience and adaptability, demonstrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
🔹 Strength in Diversity: She emphasizes the invaluable contributions of immigrants, highlighting their strong work ethic, drive for improvement, and untapped potential to enrich communities.
🔹 Quiet Leadership: Despite her introverted nature, Lourdes exemplifies quiet leadership, challenging stereotypes and making a profound impact through her actions and advocacy.
🔹 Defining Success: For Lourdes, success lies not only in personal achievements but also in uplifting others and effecting positive change in the world.
🔹 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers: She advises aspiring changemakers to find their passion, focus on making a meaningful impact in their chosen field, and embrace their unique journey rather than trying to emulate others.
Lourdes is such an inspiration, and she has so much wisdom to share. Tune in to the full episode to hear more of her amazing story.
