From Cuba to Corporate America: One Latina’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience & Reinvention
An inspiring story about Marie Quintana a Latina entrepreneur who reinvented herself
I recently, had the privilege of interviewing Marie Quintana, a trailblazing entrepreneur, author and corporate executive whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Marie’s story begins in Cuba, a land she and her family were forced to leave in 1961 during the rise of Fidel Castro. Imagine, as a young girl, saying goodbye to your relatives and your grandfather taking you to the airport knowing that you may never see any of your relatives or your home country again. That’s the powerful image that stays with Marie, a stark reminder of the sacrifices her family made for a chance at a better life.
Arriving in New Orleans, a city vastly different from her home in Cuba, Marie along with her parents and 2 younger brothers faced the daunting task of starting over. As the eldest child but still a young girl, she became the translator and guide for her parents, navigating the complexities of a new culture and new language. She helped her parents understand their new surroundings and get them set up with everyday tasks we take for granted like getting a phone line connected and opening a bank account.
Despite these challenges as a young girl, Marie’s determination came through. She eventually built an impressive career, climbing the corporate ladder and holding leadership roles at giants like IBM, PepsiCo, and Tenet Healthcare. She also went on to found and lead her own successful startups.
Marie’s story isn’t just about professional success. It’s also about embracing her roots and sharing her authentic journey. In 2012, she returned to Cuba with her mother, a moving experience that sparked the writing of her memoir, “Last Flight from Havana”. She recognized the importance of preserving her family’s history, of sharing the economic, social, and cultural struggles they faced, and of celebrating the resilience that defines her and her family. She also credits the writing process as a healing journey towards embracing her Cuban identity.
Her book is a testament to the immigrant experience, highlighting the challenges of leaving everything behind and building a new life in the United States. She speaks candidly about the struggle to blend in, to navigate a world where being Latino was still a rarity. She also emphasizes the strength she gained from her heritage and the importance of embracing her Cuban identity.
Marie’s path wasn’t always clear-cut. Like many of us, she faced cultural expectations that didn’t quite align with her ambitions. Her Cuban immigrant parents, understandably, wanted her to stay close to home. But Marie yearned for more. Her parents wanted her to attend a college that was down the street from their home. She “fought” to attend Louisiana State University, which was only an hour away from home, but a pivotal moment she describes as the emergence of her “independent and risk-taking spirit.” Many of us have navigated those delicate conversations between family traditions and personal aspirations.
She earned a B.A. in psychology from LSU. She then earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Tulane University and did some counseling work. She didn’t feel that this was the right fit for her and decided instead to enter the business world. At that time, IBM was looking for people with liberal arts background to train in computer science and systems engineering. With a willingness to embrace new opportunities, she seized the chance to join IBM, where she underwent 18 months of rigorous training in computer science and systems engineering. This experience became the launching pad for a successful career managing large-scale technology infrastructures and systems.
She loves being able to blend both the creative and analytical aspects of marketing to better understand the consumer. She understands the importance of not just building great products, but also connecting with people on a human level. This is a skill that resonates deeply within the Latin community, where relationships and connection are paramount.
Marie credits her resilience and willingness to “start over” many times in her life as key to her achievements, but her story isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. She also emphasizes the importance of living an authentic life, building bridges and empowering the next generation of Latinas.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I asked Marie for some advice on empowering Latinas in the workplace
Empowering Latinas, Marie’s Actionable Advice:
- Sharing Your Story Authentically: Marie understands the power of storytelling. She encourages Latinas to share their experiences, to own their narratives, and to feel proud of who they are. This is about giving each other “permission to tell their story and feel good about who they are.”
- Navigating “Unspoken Rules”: This is a critical point. Marie recognizes that the corporate world often operates on unspoken rules, norms that can be challenging for Latinas to navigate. She advocates for providing guidance and mentorship, helping Latinas become active participants, not just passive observers, in meetings and at the table.
- Promoting Financial Literacy: Marie highlights the importance of financial education, an area where she feels her own family lacked knowledge. She believes empowering young Latinas with financial literacy is essential for building economic independence and long-term success.
- Lifting and Supporting Other Women: This is the cornerstone of Marie’s philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of women advocating for each other, both those above and below them. She encourages women to find ways to highlight the accomplishments of other women in their workplaces and communities.
Marie Quintana’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering commitment to lifting others up. She reminds us that our journeys, while unique, are interconnected. By sharing our stories, supporting each other, and breaking down barriers, we can create a more equitable and inclusive business world for all Latinas.
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