In today’s episode, we chat with Valeria Aloe, the author of Uncolonized Latinas; Transforming Our Mindsets And Rising Together. Valeria possesses over 20 years of experience in finance, marketing, and business development, she is also a trainer and public speaker.
Valeria was born in Argentina and after getting her Business degree, she came to the US to get her Masters from Dartmouth University. Her grandmothers are her biggest inspiration because of the sacrifices they made.
According to Valeria, the Latin American countries and Hispanic culture holds limiting beliefs about who they are and what achievements they can get when they go to the US. The thesis of the book is for Latinos to become more aware of limiting cultural beliefs that hold them back, and then letting them go.
In her book, Valeria mentions systemic biases and the best way to overcome them is by working on yourself. Not waiting for the system to change, to become responsible for overcoming those limiting beliefs, not being afraid to speak up and ask for what you need to succeed.
Once you have identified your limiting beliefs, and have started working on yourself, you must take assertive action which involves two steps:
- Learning to create your own brand, to bring your full self to the table. This is about finding your value, understanding what you bring to the table, knowing, knowing what makes you, YOU, and looking to the unique skillset and the values that have to offer.
- Creating and finding Allyship. Latinas need to do more by going out there and connecting with allies, and asking for what they need, whether it's asking for sponsorship, getting mentorship, learning from others, observing what works for those who are non-Latino, navigating the system by learning and expanding your network outside of the Hispanic community.
Valeria’s book writing process was new for her, having corporate background which had taught her to think sequentially but when she started writing her book, the creation process was messy and uncomfortable. She learned that she had to sit and be open to receiving information without trying to put it into categories. Her publishing company gave her a lot of support by giving writing workshops, coaching from other writers.
In conclusion, the advice she would give to creatives is to pay attention to your instincts. Don't try to silence the intuition that you have, follow the intuition in that messy process. It will guide you to the path that is important for people.
As for the allies, offer Latinas help, be willing to lend a hand, to offer guidance, since they don't speak up and ask for what we need.
To other Latina women, her message is to believe in themselves, to realize the power they have individually and collectively as a community, and not be afraid to bring their full selves to the world because what they have to offer is needed. It matters. It makes a difference.
You can connect with Valeria on
LinkedIn: Valeria Aloe
Book: Uncolonized Latinas
Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson