BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! After some time off, we’re back! This marks our 50th edition of Comprende, and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us.

With International Women’s Day tomorrow and Women’s History Month in full swing, we’re reminded of Comprende’s motto: "Our Heritage Doesn’t End with a Month."

Latinas are breaking barriers every day, and their achievements deserve recognition year-round. So, while we honor their impact this month, let’s keep celebrating, uplifting, and supporting Latinas in business, culture, and beyond–all year long.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we spotlight Grace Chadwick and her journey to the C-Suite, leading Crumbl, one of the fastest-growing brands.

• Next, we celebrate Zoe Saldaña’s historic Oscar win, making her the first Dominican to take home an Academy Award and a trailblazer for Afro-Latina representation.

• Finally, we share a must-listen list of 28 Latina anthems that Billboard just dropped.

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

The Latina Powering Crumbl’s Success: Meet COO Grace Chadwick

A while back, last year, I had the chance to connect with Grace Chadwick, and I’ve been eagerly waiting to share her story. While Crumbl isn’t Latino-owned, we’re diving into Grace's incredible journey as a Latina rising to the top and the lessons from her career along the way.

Graciela (Grace) Chadwick never imagined she’d one day be in the C-Suite, helping lead one of America’s fastest-growing brands. As a child in Mexico City, she dreamed of being an FBI agent or a gymnast, inspired by TV shows full of action and mystery. But life had other plans.

Chadwick started by studying hospitality and later switched to finance in college, hoping to land a job on “Mexico’s version of Wall Street.” While studying, she worked at an American Express call center, unknowingly setting the stage for a corporate career.

After graduation, she joined KPMG, expecting a finance role (she laughed as she recounted), only to discover she was in consulting. But she went for it. On her first major project, she met American experts brought on as advisors and recognized an opportunity to learn from them. She maneuvered onto another project that provided hands-on mentorship, an early lesson in initiative and networking.

A three-month training program in Virginia brought her to the U.S. for the first time. She initially planned to transfer to Belgium, but another opportunity kept her in the States–after a six-month immigration process. What was meant to be a one-year stint turned into several years at KPMG in Philadelphia, where she became an expert in streamlining business operations.

She eventually took that expertise to Burger King Corporation in Miami, where she played a key role in overhauling the back-office systems for 600+ corporate-owned restaurants. Over time, she transitioned into operations, implementing strategic initiatives that improved efficiency across the company.

Her career continued evolving, and after moving to Atlanta, she became an independent consultant before joining Chick-fil-A –despite never having eaten there before. What started as a part-time role ended up turning into a nearly 14-year tenure with the company.

She loved what she was doing at Chick-fil-A and was in the process of starting a business with a friend in Mexico when Crumbl's cofounder, Jason McGowan, reached out. He wanted her at Crumbl to take the company’s growth operationally to the next level. She wasn’t ready to leave, but his persistence paid off.

Today, as COO of Crumbl, she’s helping the brand fulfill its mission of bringing people together over cookies. Since she joined in November of 2022, Crumbl has opened around 400+ new stores and has over 1000+ locations open today.

Chadwick’s journey is a testament to resilience and seizing unexpected opportunities. For Latinas and our community pursuing ambitious careers or building a business, she offered this advice:

• Be resourceful and adaptable; success comes from navigating change with creativity.

• Believe in yourself. Give yourself credit for your skills and potential.

• Take on challenges with fearlessness, as the right mindset can open doors you never imagined.

Her story is proof that when Latinas take bold chances, they can and will rise to the top.

Billboard Puts Out a List of the 28 Best Latina Anthems

From Selena to Shakira, Ivy Queen to Karol G, Latina artists have shaped the Latin music industry, creating timeless anthems of empowerment, resilience, and self-love. Now, Billboard has dropped a must-listen list of the 28 best Latina anthems, a perfect way to celebrate Women’s History Month.

These songs transcend genres and generations. You’ve got música mexicana classics like Jenni Rivera’s "Ovarios", which boldly claims space in a male-dominated genre, and Alicia Villarreal’s "Te Quedó Grande la Yegua," a ranchera about knowing your worth. Reggaetón powerhouses like Ivy Queen’s "Quiero Bailar" demand respect, while Tokischa and Rosalía’s "Linda" is a playful tribute to friendship.

Whether you need a confidence boost, a reminder of your strength, or just great music, this list is a testament to Latinas dominating the charts. Just in time for the weekend, if you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time.

Zoe Saldaña Makes History as the First Dominican to Win an Oscar

Zoe Saldaña has made history. On Sunday night, she became the first Dominican to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez.

Her win marks a historic moment for Afro-Latinas and the Dominican community, showcasing the undeniable impact of Latino talent on Hollywood’s biggest stage.

During her acceptance, Saldaña, visibly emotional, dedicated her win to her family, particularly her late grandmother, who migrated to the U.S. in 1961. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents–with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands,” she said. “The fact that I am receiving an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted.”

Her career-defining performance in Emilia Pérez has sparked conversations. The film, a Spanish-language musical, has faced some controversy, particularly regarding its depiction of Mexico and its lead actor’s past remarks. While opinions on the film may differ, Saldaña’s achievement stands on its own.

Moments like this remind us of the power of Latino representation. Regardless of the debates surrounding the film, Saldaña’s win should be a moment of pride and inspiration for our community.

How to Make: Payaguá Mascada (or Lampreado)

Payaguá Mascada also known as Lampreado is a traditional Paraguayan dish made with cassava (yuca) and ground beef, resulting in deliciously crispy fritters. It's a popular street food, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Ingredients (Makes about 10 fritters)

• 1 lb (450g) cassava (yuca), peeled and cut into chunks

• ½ lb (225g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 egg

• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Boil the Cassava

   • In a large pot, boil the cassava in salted water until soft (about 20-25 minutes).

   • Drain and mash until smooth. Remove any tough fibers.

2. Cook the Beef

   • In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

   • Add the ground beef, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned. Let it cool slightly.

3. Form the Dough

   • In a bowl, mix the mashed cassava, cooked beef, and egg until a dough forms.

4. Shape the Fritters

   • Take a small portion of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and flatten it into a thick patty.

5. Fry Until Golden

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

In our last edition, we asked: What is the name of Mexico’s most famous lucha libre wrestler, known for always wearing a silver mask?

The right answer was: El Santo

Mexico’s most famous lucha libre wrestler, known for always wearing a silver mask, is El Santo. His real name was Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, and he became a cultural icon in Mexico. El Santo’s career spanned five decades, during which he never removed his mask in public. Beyond wrestling, he starred in films and comic books, cementing his legendary status. Even in death, he was buried wearing his silver mask, preserving his mysterious persona.

Question:  In which Latin American country is there a unique natural phenomenon where fish allegedly rain from the sky at least once a year?

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

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