comprende 044: How Dr. Ana María Consulting Empowers Leaders, Juan Soto’s Record $765M Deal, and the Triumph of Cien Años de Soledad

BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 44th edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we spotlight Dr. Ana María López Caldwell, founder of Dr. Ana María Consulting, whose work is empowering Latine professionals to lead authentically while breaking barriers in the consulting world.

• Next, we celebrate the historic signing of Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, a groundbreaking moment for Latinos in sports and a reflection of our community’s immense talent.

• Finally, we dive into Netflix’s Cien Años de Soledad, the much-anticipated adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece, which has captivated audiences and critics alike while showcasing the beauty and depth of Latin American storytelling.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Leadership with Purpose: Dr. Ana María Consulting’s Impact on Latine Communities

For Dr. Ana María López Caldwell, founder of Dr. Ana María Consulting, her journey from Colombia to the U.S. at age 13 laid the foundation for her life’s work. “Coming from a relatively privileged background, I had to confront significant changes upon arriving here: not speaking English, being an immigrant, and suddenly being defined as a person of color,” she recalls. Watching her parents adapt—her mother cleaning houses and her father shoveling snow—shaped her mission to create equitable opportunities for others.

Dr. Ana María Consulting specializes in coaching, consulting, and training at the intersection of Latinidad and leadership. Through offerings like 1:1 coaching, group workshops, and consulting on cultural humility and leadership support, the business empowers Latine professionals to lead authentically. “Our services go beyond traditional coaching; we bring a unique approach that recognizes the challenges and strengths of Latine professionals, encouraging them to embrace their heritage as an asset in leadership,” she explains.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a Latina consultant, earning credibility often demands more effort. “I’ve had to establish highly structured systems…addressing situations where some feel comfortable canceling meetings at the last minute or voiding signed contracts,” she shares. Despite this, she remains inspired by the transformative outcomes she sees in her clients. “My proudest moments are seeing clients transform—watching them gain confidence, advocate for themselves, and reach leadership roles where they can make a meaningful difference.”

Looking ahead, she is excited to expand her group coaching program for Latino ERGs in 2025, empowering more Latinos to thrive at the intersection of identity and leadership. If you’d like to learn more about bringing this group coaching offering to your ERG, feel free to book a discovery call with Dr. Ana Maria here: Book a Call.

Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs? “Embrace your cultural heritage as a strength...your experiences and identity bring value to your business.” With a deep commitment to cultural humility, Dr. Ana María Consulting is paving the way for Latine professionals to lead confidently and authentically.

Dr. Ana Maria is also offering a special end-of-year price on her 10-session packages for Comprende readers. From early career professionals to executives, reach out to Dr. Ana Maria below to learn more and book a 20-minute discovery call.

A Triumph of Latinidad: Netflix’s Cien Años de Soledad Captivates the World

At comprende, we’ve been tracking the release of Netflix’s adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude) since its announcement. Now that it’s here, it’s safe to say the series is a monumental success, earning acclaim from viewers, critics, and the Latino community alike. A perfect blend of art and storytelling, it’s being hailed as a triumph of Latin American representation in global media.

The series faithfully brings the magic of Márquez’s iconic novel to life, chronicling the generations of the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo. Filmed entirely in Colombia, it’s rooted in cultural authenticity, featuring local talent and stunning backdrops that breathe life into the story. Critics have praised the series for its meticulous cinematography and the care taken to honor every detail of Márquez’s vision, with glowing reviews and even a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes on the day of its release.

The impact of Cien Años de Soledad extends far beyond entertainment. It has sparked conversations about the power of storytelling in showcasing Latin American history, culture, and artistry on a global scale. For many Latinos, it’s a source of pride—a rare and powerful moment when one of our most beloved works is shared authentically with the world.

If you haven’t watched yet, this is a series worth your time. As Latinos, supporting Cien Años de Soledad is an opportunity to celebrate and amplify our stories on a global scale. It’s a masterful adaptation that highlights the richness of Latin American culture, bringing one of our most treasured narratives to life with care and authenticity.

Juan Soto’s Historic Contract: A Monumental Moment for Latinos in Sports

Dominican-born baseball superstar Juan Soto has shattered records and rewritten the narrative of professional sports with his groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This deal, the largest in sports history, underscores not only Soto’s exceptional talent but also the growing influence of Latino athletes in professional sports.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Soto honed his skills from an early age, overcoming challenges and channeling his determination into an extraordinary career. By the time he was 16, the Washington Nationals recognized his potential, signing him with a $1.5 million bonus. Since then, Soto’s meteoric rise has been marked by numerous accolades, including World Series MVP honors, batting titles, and comparisons to legends like Ted Williams.

Soto’s move to the Mets marks a new chapter—not only for his career but also for the representation of Latinos in sports. Historically, Latino athletes have faced barriers to recognition and fair compensation despite their significant contributions to baseball, a sport with deep roots in Latino culture. Soto’s deal symbolizes progress, highlighting the growing appreciation for the impact and marketability of Latino athletes.

For the Mets, the contract is a bold statement of their commitment to building a championship-caliber team, with Soto as the cornerstone. For the Latino community, it’s a proud moment—a testament to hard work, perseverance, and breaking through ceilings that once seemed unyielding. Soto’s success inspires a new generation of Latino athletes to dream big and aim higher.

How Sunthetics raised over $4 Million in Their Seed Round, U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $600k in Puerto Rico for Small Business Growth, plus upcoming opportunities

Breaking Down a Venture Deal: How Sunthetics raised over $4 Million in Their Seed Round

This week we’re highlighting Sunthetics, a Latina-founded startup transforming the manufacturing industry with AI-powered solutions that make chemical production more sustainable and efficient. They’ve recently raised a seed round led by L’ATTITUDE Ventures, a $100 million AUM venture fund dedicated to investing in game-changing U.S. Latino founders.

Founded by Daniela Blanco, Sunthetics emerged from a passion for addressing the environmental challenges of traditional manufacturing. Using artificial intelligence, Sunthetics optimizes chemical processes to reduce waste and energy consumption, revolutionizing an industry notorious for its environmental impact. Their pioneering approach integrates sustainability with cutting-edge technology, offering a path for manufacturers to adopt greener practices.

Sunthetics operates within the large $5 trillion global chemical manufacturing market, and exists in a sector primed to undergo significant change and disruption from innovation. Here are a few additional reasons why Sunthetics stood out as a company to invest in:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Sunthetics’ proprietary AI models are designed to make industrial chemical production more energy efficient while also reducing raw material waste.

• Validated Market Fit: The company has already collaborated with top players in the manufacturing sector, demonstrating the scalability and impact of their solutions.

• Strong Leadership and Vision: Daniela Blanco brings a deep level of technical knowledge in her field, having earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU. 

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $600k in Puerto Rico for Small Business Growth

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $600,000 grant to Friends of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Fiona. Matched by $150,000 in local funds, the grant will fund a program providing training, education, and funding access to help entrepreneurs rebuild and grow.

“This investment will help foster entrepreneurial innovation and small business development in Puerto Rico, creating economic resiliency in the region,” said Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities:

• FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program | Apply by December 13

  • For small business owners, 12 week accelerator

• Prose x Black Unicorn Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant | Apply by December 25

  • For emerging founders, $10k grant

• SECRETSOS Small Business Grant | Apply by December 31

  • Small business owners, $2,500 grant

• BIPOC Small Business Accelerator | Apply by January 3, 2025

  • Low-income area businesses in Texas, up to $5k grant

La Esquinita is written by Comprende Collaborator, Adriana Román. Learn more about Adriana or connect with her on LinkedIn here

FOUNDERS:

If you’re a founder who wants to get further connected and learn more about Comprende, be featured in our newsletter or marketplace, or inquire about our creative and strategy agency services, please fill out this form:

How to Make: Paraguayan Bori Bori

When it comes to comfort food, Paraguay’s Bori Bori delivers a warm hug in every bite. This hearty soup combines tender chicken or beef, fresh vegetables, and delightful cornmeal dumplings that make it a true celebration of flavor and tradition..

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 whole chicken (or 1 lb beef), cut into pieces

• 8 cups chicken or beef broth

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 potatoes, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

For the Dumplings (Bori Bori):

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1/2 cup grated cheese (Paraguayan cheese or Parmesan)

• 2 tbsp butter, softened

• 1 egg

• 2–3 tbsp water or milk (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soup Base:

   • Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion, garlic, and tomato until softened.

   • Add chicken or beef and cook until browned.

   • Pour in broth, then add carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

2. Make the Dumplings:

   • Mix cornmeal, cheese, butter, and egg in a bowl. Add water or milk gradually until dough holds together. Shape into 1-inch balls.

3. Cook the Dumplings:

   • Drop dumplings into the simmering soup. Cook for 10–15 minutes until firm.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and enjoy warm.

Enjoy this bowl of Bori Bori goodness and let it transport you straight to the heart of Paraguay! Because honestly, who doesn’t need more dumplings in their life?

Last week, we asked: Which Latin American country produces the most coffee in the world?

The right answer was: Brazil

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world and dominates Latin America’s coffee industry, accounting for about 40% of global production. Its vast coffee farms, primarily located in regions like Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraná, benefit from ideal soil and climate conditions.

Known for producing high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans, Brazil has been a leader in the coffee trade since the 18th century, with production deeply rooted in its economy and culture. The country’s coffee is celebrated for its variety, from rich, chocolatey flavors to mild, nutty profiles, making it a favorite worldwide. Brazil’s coffee legacy not only fuels global demand but also represents the strength and tradition of Latin America’s agricultural heritage.

Question:  What is the highest capital city in the world, located in Latin America?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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