Recap: Motivating Through Mentors Panel featuring Diane Guerro

Actress Diane Guerrero, center left, poses with panelists Janet Jones, founder of Vixen Workout, Raquel Sofía, singer and songwriter, Emmelie De La Cruz, personal branding expert, Denise Soler Cox, filmmaker and founder of Project Enye, and Eliana Murillo, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Google, left to right, at P&G’s Orgullosa #LivingFabulosa event, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in New York.

“I removed everyone from my life that did not contribute to my dreams.”

This snippet of advice from Janet Jones, creator of Vixen workout, captures the inspiring conversation that took place at the annual Orgullosa #LivingFabulosa event.

The event took place on February 23 at The Paley Center for Media in New York City. SAG Award-winning actress Diane Guerrero moderated a panel of powerhouse of Latina trendsetters called “Motivating Through Mentors.” The panel highlighted the need to have more Latina role models and mentors to inspire and guide young Latinas. Panelists included singer Raquel Sofia, Janet Jones the founder of Vixen Workout, Denise Soler Cox the founder of Project Enye and personal branding expert Emmelie De La Cruz (who happens to be a member of our premium user community #theAgenda, do join), and the head of multicultural marketing for Google, Eliana Murillo.

With more than 300 attendees, notable guests included Guerrero’s fellow cast members on “Orange is the New Black,” Karina Ortiz, Jackie Cruz and Berto Colon, JW Cortes from Fox’s “Gotham” and Team U.S.A. Fencer, Natalie Vie.

Actress Diane Guerrero, center, moderates a panel of Latina trendsetters, Janet Jones, founder of Vixen Workout, Denise Soler Cox, filmmaker and founder of Project Enye, Raquel Sofía, singer and songwriter, Eliana Murillo, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Google, and Emmelie De La Cruz, personal branding expert, left to right, at at P&G’s Orgullosa #LivingFabulosa event,Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in New York

This panel felt more like an intimate gathering of girlfriends, and less like a formal discussion led by an award winning actress. This was not an air of pomp, in fact the vulnerability among the panelist was palpable. There were moments of laughter, tears, and most importantly inspiration as each panelist shared life lessons on mentorship and overcoming adversity.

While this was an event aimed at Latinas, there were great takeaways for all young women regardless of ethnicity. It is difficult to be the first to do something, but Diane Guerrero reminded the audience “Something may have been done, but it hasn’t been done by YOU,” sage advice when everyone is trying to be an original.

An emphatic Emmelie De La Cruz encouraged attendees to keep pushing forward in our purpose by stating “whatever you do, do it unapologetically.”

Championing the utmost importance of networking Eliana Murillo told the audience “You’re the average of the 5 incredible and successful people you surround yourself with.” All in all it was an evening that propelled attendees forward into a life of living fabulously.

“Live your dream,” shared Emmelie. “As a culture, as women, we need to stop waiting for permission to do what we want.”