Entrepreneurship programs are the backbone of our economy. They provide critical early stage mentorship and capital for diverse entrepreneurs. Through her experiences building and leading 15+ entrepreneurship programs for 600+ diverse founders and 400+ mentors, with 95+ investments, Marcia shares codes for how to build ecosystems that center people and the planet.

The vision is for audience members (1) to see themselves as an important part of entrepreneurship ecosystems, (2) to hear of new and current approaches in entrepreneurship programming for diverse folx, and (3) to engage as participants and/or as funders of entrepreneurial ecosystems that align with their values.

We all hold different aspects to ourselves. I'm an immigrant, first gen, Latina, eldest daughter, multicultural and multiracial. How do I deal with being almost non-existent in the venture and social impact fields? I’m a Latina in fields where less than 1% are Latinas. I did not go to an Ivy-league institution in a field where 40% have gone to either Harvard or Stanford. I’m an Ecuadorian in a culture where Ecuadorians are often unseen in conversations of Latinidad. I’m a Director when 4.4% of Latinas are managers and 1.6% of Latinas are senior executives in our economy.

At the same time, how do I hold space as an immigrant in fields where 55% of companies valued over $1 billion are founded by immigrants? How do I hold space for the wisdom from my ancestors held in centering nature and community care?

The vision is for audience members (1) to feel seen in their nuanced experiences, (2) to see the power in their complex identities, (3) and to see themselves as a part of systems change in their workplaces, communities, and daily spaces.

The world is constantly evolving with new technology solutions, yet capital innovation lags behind. Through her experiences building the world’s first Social Impact Bonds in different social impact areas, leading a Fintech Practice using peer-selection investment models, and then seeing the challenges of venture capital, Marcia shares newer models of innovative capital and where the future of finance is headed.

The vision is for audience members (1) to see themselves as stakeholders in driving social impact in our financial systems, (2) to hear of new and current approaches in impact investing and social finance, (3) to be compelled to take action in a way that is digestible for them.

How we define Latinidad and how we label and define ourselves is changing rapidly. 2% of tech are Latinas and 1% of venture are Latinas. She doesn’t have the stats of Latinas in nonprofits nor in impact investing, but she can tell you those numbers are not where they’re supposed to be.

How does Latinidad show up in the fields of entrepreneurship, venture, and impact investing? Who gets to be seen, and how? What are the tension points? How can we redefine Latinidad in the fields we’re in? How can we leverage Latinidad to uplift the fund managers, investors, founders, and ecosystem builders we want to see thrive in our economy?

Marcia shares her experience as a multiracial Latina, the tension points, and her experience over the past 12 years redefining Latinidad within multiple organizations and entrepreneurship programs she has led. Marcia relays her learnings through personal anecdotes and key takeaways.

The vision is for audience members (1) to feel seen, (2) to think critically about ways they are uplifting Latine/x peers and employees within their organizations, and/or the founders, investors, and other types of stakeholders they seek to serve and collaborate with, and (3) to be compelled to take steps towards expanding Latinidad in their daily spaces.