Today we’d like to introduce you to Mauricio Cabrera-Salazar.
Hi Mauricio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Journey: From Bogotá to Miami, Building Bridges in Business and Innovation
Hello, I’m excited to share my story with the VoyageMia community. As an accomplished marketing and brand strategist, my journey has been one of constant growth, exploration, and building meaningful relationships. It’s a story that spans continents, industries, and a deep passion for creating opportunities—both for myself and others.
My early days started in Bogotá, where I earned my undergraduate degree at Universidad del Rosario. During those years, I was elected President of the Student Council, an experience that truly ignited my passion for marketing, leadership, teamwork, and making a positive impact. I learned firsthand how motivated individuals can work together to achieve great things, and that belief has stayed with me ever since.
Eager to expand my horizons, I pursued advanced studies abroad, earning an MBA and a Master’s in Disruptive Innovation from Hult International Business School in Dubai, Boston, and San Francisco. Living and studying in these diverse environments exposed me to the unparalleled power of innovation and adaptability, and the power of understanding and embracing cultural differences to achieve amazing results. These experiences not only sharpened my strategic thinking but also strengthened my ability to lead and inspire in multicultural settings.
Early in my career, I had the privilege to work with global brands such as Ford Motor Company, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Gulf Oil, and Bosch Power Tools. My role at Bosch culminated in a proud achievement: winning the World Prize for the World’s Best Marketing Campaign in 2011—an internal competition that recognized creativity, strategic insight, and execution. That award fueled my drive to craft impactful brands and communicate stories that resonate, also the importance of fostering relationships with all stakeholders. Over the years, I’ve built my reputation on developing impactful marketing strategies, launching successful campaigns, and leading teams through periods of transformation and growth. Beyond the corporate impact, I have also been internationally recognized for my contributions in the marketing field. While completing my MBA studies in Dubai, I was awarded the Global Marketing and Innovation Leader Award, granted by Edutrex International for “Exceptional Performance and Contribution to the field of Marketing and Innovation”.
Living in different cities— Bogotá, Boston, San Francisco, Dubai, and now Miami—has enriched my perspective and deepened my understanding of various markets and cultures. What attracted me to Miami was its vibrant energy, creative spirit, and its strategic position as a connector between the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Since moving here in October 2021, I’ve seen firsthand how Miami’s unique blend of opportunity, diversity, and innovation makes it the ideal environment for turning ideas into reality.
What truly matters to me—beyond strategies and campaigns—is the relationships I’ve built along the way. Mentors, clients, friends, and colleagues have all played a part in this journey. I believe genuine connections are the foundation of success and fulfillment—personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, my goal is to position Miami as a leading hub for global entrepreneurs and companies. I see this city, with its diverse opportunities and dynamic energy, becoming one of the main gateways for business growth in the next decade. My mission is to help others realize their dreams in this incredible city that I now proudly call home.
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?
The United States —and especially Florida— is an incredible place to build a career and grow a business. Still, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. As an international student —and later as a young professional and entrepreneur— one of my biggest challenges was adapting to how things work here. From understanding how companies attract and retain talent to realizing the power of building a strong network, every step required learning, adjusting, being creative, and expanding my comfort zone.
Another major hurdle was navigating the long list of permits, licenses, and compliance requirements needed to operate. Even something as simple as opening a bank account can become complicated when you’re unfamiliar with the system. But once you understand how the system works, things begin to flow, and the opportunities become endless. Sometimes you get so many opportunities to interact and to work with amazing people or in incredible teams that time becomes your main problem, because there are only 24 hours in a day. It´s simply amazing
What I appreciate most about these challenges is the perspective they’ve given me. They taught me the importance of staying compliant, being both proactive and flexible, and understanding that mistakes —while costly in time and money— are also invaluable learning opportunities. I’m grateful for the lessons, for the growth, and for the few mistakes I made along the way, because each one shaped the professional I am today.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about YWC Holdings LLC?
Today, I’m proud to be the founder and CEO of YWC Holdings, LLC, a company dedicated to helping businesses grow and succeed in the U.S. Through this platform, I provide strategic advisory, business development guidance, and operational support for entrepreneurs and companies eager to establish themselves in this dynamic market.
Our first exciting venture is MACSTRANSLATE, a language services company specializing in translating medical records for insurance companies, legal documents for law firms, and immigration paperwork for individuals. For over seven years, we’ve served clients across the U.S. and Latin America, which recently led us to move our operations from Boston to Miami—again, driven by the city’s vibrant international outlook and business opportunities. With operational and sales support now based in Bogotá as well, MACSTRANSLATE continues to grow as a trusted partner in the legal, healthcare, and immigration sectors.
My work also involves guiding companies aiming to expand into the U.S. market. Over the years, I’ve partnered with remarkable firms and media in Miami and the Americas, such as CEO Advisors, the Ballestas Group, The Council, Vida y Exito Magazine, and ACJ Enterprises to provide marketing studies, commercial representation, and key industry connections that help bridge their entry into the U.S.—ensuring they navigate the complexities with confidence. We have also recently entered Miami’s luxury and leisure market, offering VIP services that facilitate high-net-worth individuals’ access to luxury properties, exclusive experiences, top-tier transportation services, and access to an exclusive network of contacts for business meetings—further establishing Miami as a hub for upscale living and networking.
One of my proudest recent achievements has been my partnership with 3C Emeralds Colombia Green Glow LLC, one of the top exporters of Colombian emeralds, renowned for their access to the world’s most exclusive precious stones, some of which have reached the private collections of billionaires worldwide and have been included in the most astonishing pieces of jewelry created by the most exclusive luxury brands around the globe.
We started this journey with 3C Colombian Emeralds together in December 2024, and since then, our collaboration has been highly fruitful. Through YWC, I provided strategic marketing and business development support, helping them secure relationships with top jewelry manufacturers and gemstone dealers in Miami and New York, and we also launched a new jewelry brand: “Green Glow by 3C”. Within our first year of partnership, we achieved approximately $1 million in sales, setting a strong foundation for future growth. Our joint vision is to expand into Asian and Middle Eastern markets, tapping into the growing demand for Colombian emeralds in luxury jewelry and investments.
Most recently, I’ve also begun advising and partnering with a Colombian-based BPO called ALM, which specializes in providing legal and immigration advisory services for individuals with pending processes in the U.S. My role involves operational, sales, and documentation support—further expanding my footprint within Miami’s innovative, service-oriented environment.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“Absolutely! I’m a huge enthusiast when it comes to anything with an engine — cars, planes, motorcycles, you name it. I love being in control, so you’ll usually find me behind the wheel. Road trips are my happy place: discovering new destinations, tasting local food, and checking out the must-see spots in every city I visit. I did SkyDiving in Dubai, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I certainly will do it again wherever I have the chance. Miami is not checked yet, so coming soon…!
I’m also a big foodie at heart — Peruvian, Mexican, Thai, Italian, and of course Colombian cuisine are at the top of my list. I enjoy good wine and spirits (Tequila and Whiskey are my go-tos), and I’m all about simple Friday-night pleasures like a classic New York–style pizza or a handcrafted burger with a cold beer. And as a proud Colombian, I like to think I’m a pretty solid salsa dancer — definitely someone you’d want at a party to enjoy great music, great people, and great moments.
I’m also working on carving out the time to pursue a long-time dream of becoming a pilot. And on the other end of the spectrum, I have a deep interest in law — legal dramas and courtroom movies are my ultimate comfort watch. I’ve even toyed with the idea of studying law someday… but I think I’ve got enough on my plate for now!”
I’d also love to share a bit about my family, because they remain the heartbeat of who I am—personally and professionally. My parents still live in Bogotá, where they created a home filled with love, structure, and purpose. I’m the middle child between two incredible siblings: my older brother in Boston, contributing to the pharmaceutical world as an executive scientist, and my younger sister in Mexico City, building an inspiring career with Toyota Financial Services.
Even though we now live in three different countries, the bond we share has never loosened. We grew up extremely close, and the memories of our childhood—road trips, laughter around the dinner table, celebrating small victories—continue to guide me. We talk almost every day, sharing our joys and challenges like little reminders that no matter where we are, we’re still side by side.
That closeness is one of the reasons I chose Miami. Being here keeps me only a 3.5-hour flight away from each of them, which brings an incredible sense of peace. Even across the miles, they feel within reach. There’s something powerful about feeling connected to the people you love, no matter the distance. In that way, Miami doesn’t just feel like where I live—it feels like home.
Thanks for taking the time to explore my story. I’d love to connect—whether it’s to exchange ideas, collaborate on new ventures, or simply share a conversation. Feel free to reach out!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcabrerasalazar/
Instagram: @mcabrerasalazar @greenglowby3c
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mauricio.cabrera.90260
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcabrerasalazar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mauricio.cabrera.90260
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcabrerasalazar/
