A Latina Trailblazer’s Secrets to Business Success

For as long as she can remember, Alma Guajardo-Crossley’s sueño has been to help the Latino community, particularly in the area of education. We caught up with Alma for tips on how focusing, getting through school and working hard can yield a rewarding life.

You're a big advocate for education, why do you think it’s so important for Latinos? What would you say to someone who is thinking about skipping college and heading straight to the workforce?

Alma Guajardo-Crossley: Given the current demographics of the country, the future of the nation depends on the success of our Latino youth (with one out of every four teens under the age of 18 being Latino). That is why they must prepare themselves for the opportunities that will be available to them. The price of entry for a good job is a college degree; especially at the rate technology is expanding. At times, circumstances do not allow for immediate access in to the college world, but I would challenge our youth to pursue the dream. There are many people willing to help and organizations that offer scholarships. Ultimately, it is up to the student to research and connect with those people. Almost nothing worth having comes easy.

What are the secrets to your success?    

 

A.G.C: Perseverance, hard work, passion and confidence.

Why is giving back to the Latino community so important to you?  

A.G.C: I understand how difficult it can be for a Hispanic with a humble background to achieve a certain level of success. The help I received from people, no matter how big or small, meant so much to me. We need Latinos to succeed and I am happy to play a role in whatever way I can.  

You've worked for GM for over 25 years, what do you think about this young generation who wants everything (success/fame) so fast?

 

A.G.C: Knowledge is gained through people and experiences, and the road to success provides you with many encounters and opportunities. You must appreciate every station given to you in life no matter how big or small; never think you are bigger than the job. The foundation you build and the tools you carry with you in life will be much stronger and broader the more time you take to cultivate them.  

What are the three words that describe you?

 

A.G.C: Dreamer, believer and achiever.

What was the most important piece of advice you've ever received?  

A.G.C: Eliminate negative energy in your life. You will come across many people and often times there will be some who bring you down, discourage or distract you from your dream. You must be strong enough to let them go. In order for one to be successful and happy, you must surround yourself with people that believe in you and support your dreams. Do not let someone change who you are or the dreams you have.  

Chisme: Can it Boost Your Mental Health?

There's no doubt that chisme is frowned upon. But new findings may have you thinking twice the next time your girlfriends spill the beans.  Research suggests that gossiping can actually have physical and mental health benefits -- when done without bad intentions.

"Gossiping is a way of passing along social norms," says Dr. Ana Nogales, a clinical psychologist and founder of Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc. in Los Angeles. "It’s a way of connecting and relieving anxiety."

Dr. Nogales is not alone in her thinking. According to a 2009 University of Michigan study, “gossiping” can make you feel emotionally close to a friend. It turns out that sharing a secret increases your levels of the hormone progesterone, which boosts your wellbeing and reduces stress and anxiety.

Some gossip can even act as a cautionary tale by repressing bad behaviors. “We control our behavior because we're afraid of what people will say," says Dr. Nogales. For instance, if you hear a story of someone who cheated on their spouse or was arrested for drinking while intoxicated, and the feedback from the group is negative, it can help you resist those same temptations.

Gossiping may also increase your imagination and perspective. Say there’s something that you want, like a new baby, gossiping can help you realize your dreams and inspire you to action.

There is a difference between negative and positive gossiping, or gossiping sin maldad, explains Dr. Nogales. When you "gossip" about someone getting a raise, or getting engaged, it actually makes you feel good, because you're passing on happy information. Just make sure your gossip has a positive spin, like telling a co-worker you heard bonuses would be back in effect this year. “Positivity is infectious,” she says. And that’s news worth sharing.

Belleza Trailblazer: Stephanie Flor

One look at Stephanie Flor’s schedule and it’s apparent that she is a mujer on the go. If the 25-year-old celebrity makeup artist isn’t en Nueva York, Los Angeles, or Miami, then she may be backstage at fashion weeks around the world or on photo shoots with the likes of Mariah Carey and Kathy Griffin. Her work has appeared in Latina, InStyle and Glamour, and she documents it all on her popular website, Around the World Beauty, where she dispenses everything from makeup tips to documentaries about beauty ideals across the globe.

Women with schedules half as hectic as Stephanie’s find it hard to stay healthy and fit -- so how does Stephanie do it all with her whirlwind schedule?

"It sounds clichéd, but it’s all about balance," says Flor. "I’m studying the Indian science of Ayurveda, which promotes balance in all aspects of life, from your beauty routine to your diet.”

Flor's diet is a healthy mix of her favorite comfort foods and healthy juices. And when it comes to staying in shape, Flor is enviably fit. She builds exercise time into her schedule by being "a multi-tasking fiend. I hit the gym three to four times a week, and I always do double-duty,” she says. “So if I'm on the stair climber, I'm also on my iPad reading about India or an exotic beauty ritual."

Motivating Latinas to Start a New Beginning

It’s easy to envy Karen Hoyos. The celebrity life coach and author is a red carpet regular, attending such fantastico events as the Grammys and Oscars. She's stunningly gorgeous and travels the globe on humanitarian missions for the U.N. Plus, as a self-help guru, she has reached over 40 million people through her seminars, TV appearances, articles and products.

But life wasn't always shiny for the Colombiana mom of twin boys. Growing up, her family life was unstable with a physically abusive father. Later, she married a violent man who consistently beat and belittled her. He even threatened to kill her. Karen finally got the courage to leave Colombia and start a new beginning when she found out she was pregnant. Arriving in the U.S. with only her growing belly, Karen leaned on her faith in God that things would get better. And they quickly did. 

One fateful day, she attended a seminar by renowned motivational guru Anthony Robbins. Says Karen, “I heard a voice in my heart that said, ‘Karen, this is what you are going to do for the rest of your life. You will carry a message of transformation, starting with your Latino community and then you will spread it across the world.’”

Karen hit the ground running. Today she shares her inspiring story via global seminars, writings and TV appearances, and through Kids for a New Planet, her foundation for abused children in Latin America and Africa.

Her message is one of forgiveness and service: "Forgive others, because they can only give you what they have. Forgive yourself, because it was all part of a perfect plan for your personal evolution. Help others and accept that you are in this world to be happy.”

Mi Cuerpo, a Winter Wonderland

After Lindsay Lopez, a professional dancer who worked in feature films, injured her back, she discovered Pilates and rehabilitated herself to start a whole new beginning. In time, Lindsay became intrigued by how dramatically the discipline could change bodies. So she studied it and became a certified Pilates instructor.

Today, Lopez is committed to helping Latinas stay positive, healthy and fit, especially during the colder months. Here, she shares easy-to-follow exercise tips -- plus ways to stay motivated.

Be consistent
It’s la llave to staying fit, according to Lopez. "Even a little bit of Pilates is better than none," she says.Sometimes I find myself bagging a workout when I don't have a full hour. While the traditional Pilates session should be 55 minutes, even a good 10 to 15 minutes can make a difference.

“Next time you're strapped for time, just get down on the floor and do these three simple Pilates moves,” Lopez suggests. “You'll stand taller, feel better and be more motivated to work out the next time!"

Lopez recommends these three Pilates moves for getting a leaner, longer body pronto.

  • The Hundred: Lie flat on your back on your mat. Draw your knees to your chest and curl your head, neck and shoulders off the mat. Bring your legs into a 90 degree angle and reach your arms long by your side. With your arms very straight, begin pumping them up and down like wings. Inhale for five pumps, then exhale for five pumps. Ten sets of 10 make the 100 from this move’s name. The whole time pull your abs in and up. Want even more of a challenge? Extend your legs 45 degrees or lower.
  • The Spine Stretch Forward: Sit with your legs extended out in front of you just wider than the width of your mat. Flex your feet and bend your knees until you can feel your Sitz bones on the mat. Reach your arms out in front of you and inhale to sit tall. Then exhale as you articulate your spine forward one vertebrae at a time until your head reaches between your knees and your arms reach toward your toes. Then inhale to return your spine upright and repeat four more times.

  • Standing Chest Expansion: Standing upright, bring your feet together (either parallel or with your heels together and your toes two fingers apart). Make sure your shoulders are stacked over your ribs, and ribs over hips. Reach your arms out front and, as you inhale, reach them behind your back, fingertips pointing towards the floor behind your heels. Look to the right, to the left, then center, exhaling as you return your arms out front. Repeat, looking left first then right. Do two sets total. Remember to keep your abs pulled in and up and open your collarbone wide.

Photo: Corbis Images