Cynthia Encinas Concordia
Cynthia Concordia is the Founder and CEO of Dream to Rise LLC, an award-winning transformational life coach, international speaker, author, and podcast host dedicated to helping individuals rise above adversity and create a life they truly love. After retiring from the World Bank in 2019, where she spent more than two decades in global development, human resources, and organizational impact, she felt a deeper calling to serve others on a more personal level. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming challenges, Cynthia built Dream to Rise to guide individuals out of darkness and into purpose, confidence, and self-worth—empowering them to declare each day, “Life is great!” **Cynthia has since earned national recognition for her exceptional impact, including being named the Best Transformational Life Coach in the USA for 2025 and Local Businessperson of the Year in 2024. Her coaching work is rooted in her certification from the Brave Thinking Institute and strengthened by decades of experience supporting people and organizations through change. Known as a “light warrior,” she is committed to illuminating the path for those navigating difficult chapters in their lives, offering tools, inspiration, and unwavering encouragement. Her message continues to reach a global audience through her speaking engagements and her podcast, Dream to Rise. Beyond her professional mission, Cynthia finds joy in living a life filled with movement, connection, and service. She enjoys going to the gym, Zumba, walking in nature, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is a volunteer Rotarian at the Rotary Club Pasay EDSA in the Philippines, volunteered at the Be-A-Friend Mentorship Program in Fairfax County, Fairfax, VA, sings in her parish choir, volunteers at the Dale City Fire Station and community campaigns, and donates to initiatives supporting children. Guided by gratitude, compassion, and purpose, Cynthia continues to inspire thousands to dream boldly, rise courageously, and step into the fullest expression of who they are meant to be.
• Certified Life Coach
• De La Salle Univeristy, Philippines - AB Psychology & BSC Business Management
• Best Transformational Life Coach for the USA 2025 by Best of the Best
• Local Business Person of the Year 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Alignable
• Dream to Rise: From Darkness into Light - Interational Impact Book Award for 2025
• Dale CP Fire Station
• Rotary Club Pasay EDSA, Philippines
• Be-A--Friend Mentorship Program, Fairfax, VA
• Nativity Parish Traditional Choir
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for inspiring others. As an international motivational speaker and author, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing messages that empower people to pursue their purpose with confidence. Launching my podcast, Dream to Rise, has also allowed me to reach a wider audience and continue uplifting others through meaningful conversations and storytelling.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Taking risks is indeed a vital aspect of building a successful life coaching business. It provides growth opportunities; helps build confidence; innovates you to be unique and set you apart from others in the field; learn from failures; opens doors to new connections and collaborations; pursuing your passions and interests, even if they seem risky and this can lead to a more fulfilling career experience; serves as an inspirational example to others, especially to your clients; and adapting to change.
Taking risks involves uncertainty as it can lead to rewarding experiences and breakthroughs in your life coaching business, providing you with the tools and insights necessary for long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple: follow your dreams with courage and intention. Spread positivity to everyone you meet—your light can create a powerful ripple effect. Remember that you have the power to design a life you truly love. Prioritize your well-being, because when you care for yourself first, everything else in your life aligns and creates a meaningful domino effect.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
• The Business Journey
Building Dream to Rise LLC was far from easy. There were seasons when the business slowed down, and the uncertainties grew louder. But I approached these moments the way I approached life — with creativity and courage.
I refined my niche, invested in new skills, strengthened my digital presence, leveraged testimonials, offered free discovery sessions, and stayed active in multiple communities to build authentic connections.
My guiding philosophy remained simple: Set clear goals. Stay resilient. Keep rising.
• The Coach’s Challenge
As a transformational coach, I often face the hardest human barriers — deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. Yet I meet each client with trust, empathy, and powerful questioning that guides them to discover their own breakthroughs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
As a life coach and in my personal life, I value love, respect, integrity and authenticity. How?
- Integrity: Being honest and adhering to ethical practices is essential for maintaining credibility and fostering lasting relationships.
- Growth and Development: I focus on continuous learning and development.
- Empowerment: Helping clients realize their potential and empowering them to take action towards their goals is central to my coaching philosophy.
- Accountability: Encouraging clients to hold themselves accountable for their actions and decisions fosters responsibility and commitment to change.
I believe in the value of empowerment, trust and continuous growth so you may be able to share this and make an impact on others' lives.