Nallely Suárez Gass has spent her life challenging norms, embracing opportunities, and building meaningful connections. Raised in Chicago to Mexican parents, Nallely grew up understanding the importance of adaptability and resilience. Her journey, from the west side of Chicago to co-founding Drop Needle Drinks, is a story of determination, cultural pride, and fearless ambition. Today, her wine-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand is redefining what’s possible in a competitive market, all while staying rooted in quality and authenticity.

Growing up in Chicago’s vibrant cultural mosaic, Nallely’s early years were filled with family gatherings and rich traditions. Everything changed when her family moved to a predominantly white neighborhood during her childhood. This shift made her hyper-aware of her identity as a Latina, shaping how she navigated the world. In high school at Lane Tech, she found a sense of belonging through cultural clubs like Hola and Aspira, which celebrated the diversity within diversity. "Chicago is a bubble of diversity," she says. "You don’t realize how special it is until you leave." These formative experiences laid the foundation for her confidence and cultural pride.

While pursuing her degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Nallely discovered a love for problem-solving through econometrics—a mix of economics and statistics. Her passion for analyzing complex systems carried her into a thriving corporate career at PepsiCo and Molson Coors, where she honed her skills in sales and strategy. But what truly set her apart was her ability to cultivate relationships. “Cheerleaders are everything,” she says. “Focus on the people rooting for you, and don’t waste energy trying to win over the naysayers.”

Despite her success in the corporate world, Nallely always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2019, she launched two businesses simultaneously: a consulting firm and a trucking company. “I was scared one of them might fail, so I started both,” she admits. While the consulting business allowed her to focus on leadership development, the trucking company thrived during the pandemic, employing over 130 people at its peak. “One of my proudest moments was helping my team support their families during such a challenging time,” she says. The experience taught her flexibility, grit, and the importance of asking for help when needed.

The idea for Drop Needle Drinks emerged from a collaboration with four former colleagues from her time at Molson Coors. While Nallely joined the team last, she quickly became integral to the brand’s success, leading sales and market strategies. “We all have our silos of expertise, and we respect each other’s strengths,” she says. Drop Needle Drinks stands out with its wine-based cocktails made from natural ingredients sourced from a family vineyard in Paso Robles, California. The flavors—crafted with real juices—are a reflection of the team’s commitment to quality.

Entering a crowded market didn’t faze Nallely. “It’s crowded because there’s demand,” she explains. “If you believe in your product and know what makes it unique, go for it.” She emphasizes the importance of differentiation, pointing out that the ready-to-drink cocktail market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry. “Our goal was to create something that feels fresh, approachable, and delicious, and I think we’ve done that.”

For Nallely, working with her co-founders has been a masterclass in teamwork. “You have to have clear expectations and hold each other accountable,” she says. “We’re all betting big on this, so respect and trust are key.” She believes that successful partnerships stem from understanding and appreciating each person’s role. “I don’t try to micromanage the creative aspects because that’s not my area of expertise. I focus on what I’m good at and trust my team to do the...

In a recent episode of The Face of Latina Professionals, hosted by the vibrant Abby Torres, listeners were treated to an inspiring conversation with Rosie Gonzalez, Brookfield’s number one real estate broker. Rosie's journey is not just a story of professional success but a beacon of personal triumph, resilience, and the power of faith.

Abby, known for her ability to draw out the profound and personal from her guests, navigated the conversation through Rosie's remarkable life and career. Rosie’s narrative is a testament to the belief that with determination, learning, and a bit of help from above, anything is possible.

Rosie’s entry into real estate was born from necessity—a "desperate moment" as she calls it, which led her to sell her own home and quickly become busy with clients. Her story resonates with many who find their calling in unexpected circumstances. "I became a real estate agent in a desperate moment... I sold my house and immediately I got busy right away," Rosie shares, highlighting the serendipity in her path to becoming a realtor.

What sets Rosie apart is not just her success but her approach to business and life. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, a strategy that propelled her to the top of her field within three years. But it's her focus on relationships, trust, and treating clients like family that truly defines her success. "I'm friends with all of my clients," Rosie remarks, underlining the depth of her connections.

Abby expertly extracts lessons from Rosie's experiences, making it clear that success in real estate—or any field—goes beyond just transactions. It's about creating genuine relationships, understanding the needs of those you serve, and always striving to provide value.

One of the most poignant moments in their conversation comes when Rosie discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, especially as a mother.

She speaks candidly about the necessity of delegation and trust in God's plan, offering a powerful message for anyone striving to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. "God always has a plan... I'm a warrior," Rosie admits, sharing her internal battles and the solace she finds in faith.

Abby and Rosie's dialogue transcends the specifics of real estate, touching on universal themes of hard work, family, faith, and the journey toward fulfilling one's potential. Through Abby's skillful interviewing, listeners gain insights into not only becoming successful in their careers but also in leading a balanced, meaningful life.

The essence of Rosie and Abby's conversation is a reminder that your path may be fraught with challenges, but with determination, faith, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you too can achieve greatness. Let their discussion inspire you to pursue your passions, value your relationships, and never underestimate the power of a positive mindset and a supportive community.

In the latest episode of "The Face of Latina Professionals," Jasmine Hernandez, the CEO and founder of Ubuntu Strategies, captivates listeners with her journey from a Chicago neighborhood to the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success. Her story, infused with wisdom, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, offers profound insights and inspiration.

Raised in Chicago’s diverse landscapes, Jasmine's roots in Hermosa and Humboldt Park shaped her early worldview. Her academic journey at NOBLE, a network of charter schools, laid the foundation for her commitment to education and mentorship. "They supported my transition from high school to college, being first-generation... ensuring I was provided the most opportunities," Jasmine recalls. This support system played a critical role in her pursuit of higher education, studying biology and environmental studies with a focus on education.

Her career began with a focus on educational support for students like herself, evolving into roles like assistant dean and alumni counselor. Jasmine’s reflection on her identity also played a pivotal role. "I've actually felt almost this disconnect with being Latina and being able to identify as Puerto Rican," she shares. This personal exploration of cultural identity and heritage is a testament to the complex nature of self-identification many Latinas navigate.

Transitioning from education to entrepreneurship, Jasmine’s path was anything but linear. Facing challenges head-on, she embraced each obstacle as a learning opportunity. "I think the biggest thing...is to bet on your life's work," she advises. This mindset shift is vital for anyone considering entrepreneurship, especially for those in the Latina community, often grappling with traditional expectations and fear of the unknown.

Jasmine's story is a beacon for embracing one's identity, culture, and personal aspirations. Her experience in Guatemala, learning Spanish and immersing herself in a different Latino culture, was transformative. "It allowed me to tap into the Spanish I wanted to learn and really tighten it up," she reflects.

Her entrepreneurial journey with Ubuntu Strategies symbolizes her belief in human connection over labels. The name 'Ubuntu', embodying community and mutual support, mirrors Jasmine's philosophy in business and life.

Throughout the podcast, Jasmine offers invaluable advice for aspiring Latina professionals. Emphasizing the importance of mentorship, she shares, "It's really just sharing your experience and then allowing them to take what they see as valuable." This approach highlights the significance of learning from others' experiences, a crucial element for personal and professional growth.

Jasmine Hernandez's journey is more than an entrepreneurial success story; it's a narrative of identity, resilience, and empowerment. Her experiences, insights, and advice serve as a guiding light for anyone aspiring to make a mark in their field, particularly for those in the Latina community.