✨ Turning 50 Years Young: A Journey of Growth, Purpose, and Living in the Moment ✨

As I approach my 50th birthday on August 20th, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been anything but ordinary. From humble beginnings, working odd jobs at the age of 11 to a fulfilling career and entrepreneurial ventures, my path has been shaped by the lessons I’ve learned and the purpose that has driven me.

Growing up in a close-knit community and a middle-class family, I was fortunate to have a childhood filled with wonderful friendships. From Kindergarten through Senior High, my life was enriched by the bonds I formed with friends who became like family. We shared countless adventures, laughter, and life lessons that have stayed with me throughout the years. These early relationships taught me the value of connection, loyalty, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we care about. They also helped shape my purpose: to live a life full of meaningful connections and to appreciate the present moment.

At 11, I started washing my neighbors' cars on the weekends, and when my mother went to the supermarket, I would fill bags for customers, making sure they were safe to carry, earning a few extra dollars—and having fun while doing it! These early experiences were defining moments for my Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding one’s purpose. They sparked a passion in me for entrepreneurship and helping others—a passion that has guided my decisions and actions throughout my life.

Every job I’ve had has been an opportunity to discover my "why." In the hospitality industry, where I served at prestigious hotels and restaurants, my purpose was to serve others with dedication, teamwork, and a genuine desire to make their experiences memorable. These roles taught me that true fulfillment comes from giving your best and finding joy in the act of service.

A pivotal moment came when I took a leap of faith and moved to Houston, TX, where I stepped into an Operations Management role. My "why" in this position was to delve deeper into industry processes and to continuously seek growth—not just for myself, but for the teams I led. This role ignited a passion for leadership and the desire to create environments where others could thrive.

Returning to Puerto Rico later in my career, I embraced new challenges in the aviation industry, advancing from a cross-trained team member to a leadership role. My purpose here was twofold: to contribute to the efficiency and safety of operations and to foster a culture of learning and development. During this time, I pursued higher education, earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, reinforcing my commitment to lifelong learning. My "why" became clear: to continually grow and to help others do the same.

My entrepreneurial spirit has always driven me forward. In the mid-2000s, I founded a marketing and promotions business with the purpose of helping organizations achieve their goals through creative solutions. Later, I joined an investors group, where I had the honor of leading a company to profitability and record success over a decade. My "why" in these ventures was to create value, not just in terms of profit, but in making a positive impact on the clients and communities we served.

In recent years, I returned to Houston and took on new responsibilities as a leader in operations and compliance, where I successfully navigated the challenges of industry certifications and standards. My purpose in these roles has been to ensure quality, integrity, and continuous improvement, always striving to leave things better than I found them.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that life is about prioritizing what truly matters. For me, family always comes first, and everything else is secondary. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance and always give the best version of who you are, no matter the situation. Strive to be the best version of yourself, continually thriving for excellence. Living in the here and now means embracing each moment, finding joy in the present, and knowing that every experience, every decision, is part of a larger purpose.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that if a decision doesn’t bring you peace, it’s not meant for you. When something is truly right, it flows naturally without resistance. I encourage everyone to learn from their mistakes, be honest with themselves, and embrace the journey of continuous learning.

As I enter this new chapter of my life, I’m focused on doing my best with the knowledge I have today while striving for the wisdom that tomorrow brings. Life is too short to live with regrets or negativity. Be humble, lead by example, and share your knowledge to elevate others. The new generation is watching—they are the future leaders, and it’s our responsibility to guide them the right way.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, especially my family and friends who have been there from the beginning, the mentors who have guided me, and those who have shared in my purpose. Let’s continue to live in the moment, learn, grow, and succeed together.

Here’s to the next 50 years! ✨