Listeners, we're back this week with Luisa Mendoza.Luisa Mendoza is referred to as an innovative thought leader and disruptor, who has 20+ years of experience in global business development and marketing, with a focus on tourism and sports. Luisa graduated with a BS in Travel and Tourism Management from Florida International University. Because of her innovation and successful track record, Luisa was nominated as an Industry Impactor Honoree of the Microsoft Legacy Project – naming her as one of the most influential, groundbreaking Hispanic changemakers of our time.Mendoza served as BSE Global / Brooklyn Nets Director of Global Tourism Development, making her the first full-time tourism expert hired by a professional sports team in the U.S.A. during her tenure with the organization (2017-2019), she led the tourism marketing and sales initiatives which led for the Brooklyn Nets to more than triple revenue growth in sales from the global travel trade.Luisa’s 20+ years of experience in the tourism industry also included leadership sales and marketing roles at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, Marriott International, Silverstein Properties and NYC & Company, New York City’s Official Marketing & Tourism Office.At just four years-old, Mendoza’s parents sacrificed everything and migrated from Colombia to the United States to give her a better life. Mendoza’s humble beginnings are a constant reminder that no matter your background, race, or socioeconomic status, anything is possible if you have the courage, passion and grit to follow your dreams. Mendoza’s goal is to leave a legacy where she can provide hope and inspiration to women, minorities and children around the world.During our conversation, we talked about:Coming to the United States from ColombiaResponsibilityGoing to collegeCreating her roleReinventing herself during the pandemicRelevant Timestamps:5:30 - Miracle baby9:00 - Her parents' sacrifices & her gift for her mom14:15 - I didn't have other options17:45 - Her parents as her 'why'18:43 - Believing19:30 - Going to college23:10 - Believing in something25:32 - Her professional career39:06 - Re-inventing herself mid pandemicThis episode is brought to you by the Small Biz Sponsorship ProgramAre you a business owner and you'd love to hear the name of your business at Cafe con Pam? Well, your wish has been granted. We have reopened applications to the Small Biz Sponsorship Program which allows small businesses the access to promote their company in this very show you're listening to right now. I wanted to make this accessible to all businesses so you can start promoting your company with $50. I know you're ready, all you have to do is complete the application at smallbizsponsor.com Follow Luisa on all things social:WebsiteLinkedInGlobal Tourism SportsUkonikAJL REPS Follow Cafe con Pam on all things socialInstagramFacebookhttp://cafeconpam.com/Join the FREE Cafe con Pam Challenge If you are a business owner, join us for Aligned MastermindJoin PowerSisters! PowerSisters.ClubSubscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone you love!And don't ever forget to Stay Shining!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cafe-con-pam--6348411/support.