Meet Sophia Zarate | Founder & Chief Executive Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Zarate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to start Corporate Pero Latinos (CPL) stemmed from a deeply personal and passionate commitment to addressing unmet needs within the Latinx community. I understand the challenges and barriers faced by individuals navigating the complexities of corporate America while striving for professional growth and success.

Witnessing firsthand the resilience and untapped potential within our community fueled my determination to create a space that not only provided an opportunity for building a professional network but also celebrated the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage. CPL was born out of a vision to foster a sense of belonging, empower individuals, and inspire collective action towards positive social change.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when creating a Non-Profit Organization, but the whole process has taught me so much about what it means to be a good leader and teammate.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets CPL apart is that our members come from all different backgrounds and industries, allowing for intersectional community impact. As well as our unwavering commitment to serving underserved and underrepresented members of our community, particularly DACA recipients, undocumented students, and immigrant workers, through our programs and initiatives. From providing scholarships to DACA recipients and undocumented students to offering tailored ESL classes for hospitality workers, every initiative we undertake is rooted in the belief that education and community support are key to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.

Getting to where we are today has been anything but easy. Like any journey, there have been challenges along the way – from securing funding and navigating the complexities of nonprofit regulations to overcoming logistical hurdles and expanding our reach. However, through perseverance, collaboration, and a relentless dedication to our mission, we’ve been able to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would suggest visiting NYC in the spring or fall when the weather is not too extreme. Some of the locations I would make sure to take them to would include the following: NYC Bagel & Coffee House, Central Park, one of the many rooftops where you get a beautiful view of the skyline, and La Contenta Oeste for good food, cocktails, and vibes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, everyone who has been a part of CPL, whether as a member, volunteer, Board member, or all of the above, has been the driving force behind our organization’s success. Each person plays a vital role in advancing our mission and they deserve the credit and recognition as well.

I am also deeply grateful to Yannick Benjamin and Amanda Victoria for their mentorship and guidance throughout my journey as the founder and CEO of CPL. Their wisdom, support, and encouragement have been invaluable in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Furthermore, I want to recognize organizations like SOMOS.tech and Wine on Wheels for their commitment to embracing the power of community and collaboration. Their collaborative spirit and shared commitment to social impact have been instrumental in advancing our collective mission and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within our communities.

Website: www.corporateperolatinos.org

Instagram: @sophiealamexicana ; @corporateperolatinos

Image Credits
Alan Joseph, Mikhail Lipyanskiy, Fernanda Garcia Marco