Her Story
About Patty
I wear different hats in my professional life. Currently, I work for NC State University as an ethnic educator, where I've been for 3 years, educating people about eating better and teaching curriculum about cooking and nutrition. But my true passion is being a community leader, which I've been doing for 6-7 years. I'm the founder of Empodera Te Latina, a group of females where we uplift each other and help women overcome domestic violence and challenges as immigrants. We have monthly meetings where we talk about books and personal growth. Inside the group, we run a yearly pageant that's not about beauty but about growth, teaching women to speak fluently in front of people, walk in high heels, and transform themselves with proper hair and makeup. We also take a yearly trip together, and we help women with groceries, mental health support, and professional coaching through our partnership with the International Federation of Coaching. I'm an inspirational speaker working towards that goal, and I published my memoir 'Dream Without Borders' in 2020 during the pandemic. The book tells my story of crossing the desert pregnant and building a better life here. I'm Mexican, bilingual, and I'm passionate about awakening women and giving them hope. I also have a project with Elon University and do podcasts, radio, and public speaking, telling people if I can do it, you can too.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patty
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it even if you don't know what you're doing. Follow your passion and think about what you really like, because you're going to get paid for what you do. I tell women to dream about their passion, not just what they studied or what they are. For example, I worked with a doctor from Mexico who loved to bake, and now she has a successful cake business. I like to talk and say wonderful things to people to give them hope and inspire them. I tell them if that person can do it, I can do it too. If you see somebody's success in something that you want to do, chase that person, become her friend, follow that person. And find women who are not selfish and want to help other women, because that's what I'm looking for. I want to help other women achieve things. That is my business. I love it.
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