Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Marino.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From the moment I was born, I knew God had a plan, a destiny for which I was committed to navigate, embrace and celebrate. I am the firstborn in my family and love the fact that I get to be a sister, mom, mentor, and bestie to my baby sister. As a total Capricorn Jefa, I have been hustling since I was 15, always attracted to how people make money, how businesses run, and how to provide and be successful. The difference between now and then, is a couple of eye-opening situations, turning and tipping points that have shaped me into the person I am today. A big breakthrough in my life was becoming a mother. Sophia was my firstborn, then came Turner, my lover boy. My motherhood journey allowed me to have a paradigm shift in life and tapping into my emotions allowed me to be aware of feelings and my soft side, knowing I had 2 little ones depending on me, motivated me beyond limits. Let’s take it back to circa “The Great Awakening of 2020” a time where we were all challenged mentally, physically, and professionally, it was a time that called us to unplug and understand what success made me feel like. For me it was understanding how unplugging from the matrix of corporate America could possibly uncover a much more fulfilling and impactful life. However, these thoughts were scary. In April 2020, I had landed an opportunity that changed my career trajectory, mid-pandemic, with a title that made me feel validated, seen, and celebrated. However, I kept having that empty feeling, the one we get when we check off those dreams that we end up knowing aren’t part of our destiny or purpose. Then came my best friend, Lauren Marsicano, a queen, a boss, a lawyer, a networking maven, and a woman determined and driven to test me, to question and to challenge what made me happy. Throughout the pandemic, Lauren was hosting virtual events, and with the flexibility of working from home I started participating and showing up for her, but inadvertently I was showing up for myself and what was to come. At this time, Lauren and I started having conversations where we would make notes, talk about inspirations, dreams, and all things we love. Little did we know that she was “business coaching” me and I was starting to see a light. A light that turned into an escape, a space where I would work late nights and it felt good in my heart, it felt right, and slowly that light became hope. Hope is the certainty that something makes sense. And what made sense to me is The Latina Techie, and to ensure the future of STEM is brilliantly diverse and celebrated.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When you position yourself as community-made, and to serve by providing spaces where I can equip, encourage and empower Latina’s in STEM to realize their full potential and how to claim a seat at the table or create your own table it’s hard to step back and analyze or realize those who are authentic and genuinely are here to support and celebrate with you. Determining which communities truly serve me has been my biggest challenge. Understanding that alignment and necessity are two components that must exist for you to need my services. But one thing is true, and that is that for me Business is personal. So that relationship we are cultivating from the root is with intention, loyalty, and integrity. We are in this together and for the long run.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Latina Techie is rooted in representation, because showing up in spaces where we are seen, heard, and empowered matters. Based on statistics for Latina’s in STEM it is vital that we continue to advocate and provide the tools and resources that can bring visibility, awareness and will equip other fellow Latina’s to create their own identity in the STEM industry. At the core of who I am is also the need for human connection and simply supporting other Latina’s and providing access to my community and network of individuals who can bridge the opportunities as you claim a seat at the table.
The Latina Techie will continue to become the best version of herself on social media, building community, extending and strategizing for LinkedIn, a new network, and another platform to be seen and provide value as we continue to be of service. As I continue to build my portfolio of clients this will evolve into a Consulting Agency where our team would provide all things needed for your internal and external tech solutions. A Seat at Her Table 2.0 will take place early Summer of 2023- look forward to a whole day full of magic for you Techies!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resiliency, advocacy, and representation. As Latinas, we are resilient and perseverant, and we are driven to design a purposeful life that enables us to adapt, thrive, and persist with optimism. I am close to my roots, I am Latina + Proud and forever representing my culture, heritage, and ancestors. Consistently advocating as I continue to build community and lead with impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelatinatechie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelatina.techie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliedragomarino
