Her Story
About Nelly
I have dedicated my life to service, specifically public service to others. For over 25 years, I worked in the nonprofit sector, and last year I transitioned that commitment into local government. I continue to focus on social justice and equity for communities of color, ensuring that every individual has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
I am an immigrant from Caracas, Venezuela. When I arrived in the United States, I spoke very little English. I learned the language while working to support my family. My journey has been one of steady growth, both personally and professionally. I did not arrive where I am overnight. I advanced step by step, taking every opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.
I often describe myself as a social justice advocate because everything I do is grounded in one guiding question: How can I help others access the same opportunities? My work is about creating pathways so that individuals and families can build and achieve their own dreams. Whenever I have the opportunity to motivate or empower someone, I consider that part of my responsibility.
One of my most meaningful accomplishments came in 2022, when I led the effort to secure and transform a new community center for a local nonprofit. I successfully raised millions of dollars to ensure the space could operate effectively and sustainably. The work required extensive renovation and redesign, and I collaborated closely with architects and engineers to bring that vision to life.
Today, that center stands as a vital hub for the community. It offers confidential office space for community health workers, a food pantry for families, a bilingual senior center, expanded early learning facilities, and dedicated areas for youth programming. In 2026, it is not just a building. It is one of the most impactful and welcoming spaces in the community, a place where dignity, access, and opportunity come together.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline, purpose, and a deep commitment to service. I approach my work with a mindset of continuous learning and accountability, knowing that trust is built through consistency and follow-through. My journey as an immigrant has also shaped my resilience and perspective. I understand what it means to navigate systems and build a path forward step by step.
Most importantly, I stay grounded in purpose. Everything I do is centered on expanding access and creating opportunities for others. When your work is guided by purpose and strengthened by meaningful relationships, results follow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was simple but powerful: protect your integrity and always keep your word. Skills can be learned and opportunities can come and go, but your reputation is built on trust. I was also reminded early on to stay focused on purpose, not just position. When you do meaningful work with consistency and excellence, the opportunities and recognition will follow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Four principles for long-term success:
First, commit to lifelong learning.
Never stop reading, growing, and staying curious. Everyone you encounter has something to teach you. True leadership requires humility—the ability to listen, to learn, and to evolve. That is what allows you to lead others effectively.
Second, build relationships with intention and integrity.
Seek mentors. Attend events. Connect with professionals—and most importantly, follow through. Your word is your reputation. If you commit to something and fail to deliver, trust is lost. And without trust, leadership is not possible.
Third, pursue work with genuine passion.
If your work is just a job, success will always be limited. It must be something that drives you—something you wake up ready to do each day. Too many people chase money first. In reality, when you commit to meaningful work and do it well, the financial rewards will follow.
Fourth, choose the right partner in life.
This is often overlooked, but it is critical. The person you share your life with will either support your growth or hinder it. A strong, supportive partner can elevate your career; the wrong one can make progress significantly.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field right now is the growing polarization of opinions, values, and beliefs. It is making it increasingly difficult to build consensus and move forward with solutions that serve the broader community. At the same time, how people receive and process information has changed significantly. Misinformation spreads quickly, and individuals often rely on fragmented or biased sources, which affects trust in institutions and in one another.
At the same time, this presents an opportunity. It challenges us to be more intentional, transparent, and consistent in how we communicate, and to meet communities where they are. It requires us to rebuild trust through facts, relationships, and accountability, while continuing to focus on shared values such as safety, opportunity, and dignity for all.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are ethics, honesty, integrity, and respect. These are not just principles I believe in, they are the foundation of how I lead, make decisions, and engage with others. I believe trust is built through consistency and transparency, and that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity. Staying grounded in these values allows me to lead with fairness, remain accountable, and build strong, meaningful relationships that support both people and results.
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