|
From Corporate Sales to Higher Ed Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation of Workforce Leaders—Meet Lori Marie Huertas
In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to highlight Lori Marie Huertas. Lori Marie Huertas is an award-winning educator, author, and mother. She is Assistant Director of Inclusive Excellence Partnerships and Adjunct Psychology Professor at MSU Denver.
You can meet Lori at the GlobalMindED conference in Denver, June 16-18. GlobalMindEd will be joining Lori Huertas on 3/13/25 at Workplace Equity Summit -Voices of Impact MSU Denver in Tivoli Turnhalle from 10 to 6 p.m., with Dr. Rashad Anderson as the KeyNote speaker.
Tell Us About Your Journey:
My journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to lifting others as I climb. Born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico until I was 15, I experienced firsthand the richness of cultural diversity and the challenges of navigating different worlds. Moving back to the mainland U.S. as a teenager instilled in me the ability to adapt, thrive in new environments, and embrace change with confidence.
As a college sophomore, I took an unexpected but transformative step into the corporate world, working for a distributor of Coca-Cola International. This role took me across Latin America as a female salesperson in a male-dominated industry. Traveling, negotiating, and building relationships in diverse cultural contexts reinforced my belief that diversity is not just an asset but a necessity in business and leadership.
Pursuing my master’s degree in counseling psychology allowed me to channel my passion for helping others, particularly by working with pregnant single mothers to instill hope and resilience in their lives. Now, as I prepare to graduate with my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, I see how every experience—corporate sales, counseling, academia, and authorship—has equipped me to lead, mentor, and inspire others. Writing and publishing books has given me a voice to share stories that matter, and being selected as a Career Catalyst at MSU Denver and featured in their marketing commercial reaffirmed my purpose: to empower others to see beyond their circumstances and achieve their full potential.
What Pivotal Experiences Shaped Your Current Path?
Several key experiences have shaped the leader and educator I am today:
- Cultural Transitions: Moving between New York, Puerto Rico, and the mainland U.S. exposed me to different cultural dynamics, teaching me the value of adaptability, empathy, and cross-cultural communication.
- Breaking Barriers in Business: As a young Latina in the male-dominated sales industry, I had to work twice as hard to prove my capabilities. Learning to navigate corporate spaces, close deals, and build relationships across Latin America gave me a unique perspective on leadership and perseverance.
- Counseling and Mentorship: My work with single mothers during my master’s program was a defining moment. Seeing their struggles—but also their potential—reinforced my belief that with the right support, anyone can rise above adversity.
- Higher Education and Writing: Pursuing my doctorate and publishing books have allowed me to contribute knowledge and create resources that inspire and empower others.
- Career Catalyst and Representation: Being chosen as a Career Catalyst at MSU Denver and featured in their marketing campaign underscored my responsibility to use my voice and platform to elevate diverse students and professionals.
What Are the Most Valuable Lessons You've Learned About Yourself Through Your Life and Career?
- Resilience is my superpower. Life has thrown many challenges my way, but I have learned to turn obstacles into stepping stones.
- I have natural leadership skills. Whether in business, counseling, or academia, I have an innate ability to guide, inspire, and create opportunities for others.
- I embrace change and “fail forward.” Every setback has been a lesson, and every failure a stepping stone to growth.
- Being bilingual is a strength, not just a skill. Speaking both English and Spanish has allowed me to connect with diverse communities, build bridges, and advocate for inclusivity.
- Legacy matters. My impact is not just about my career—it’s about the lives I touch and the opportunities I create for future generations.
What Drives Your Desire to Contribute and Make a Difference?
My greatest motivation is legacy—ensuring that my journey serves as a blueprint for those who come after me. I want to:
- Leave a legacy that my grandsons can look up to.
- Make my son proud by showing him that resilience and excellence lead to success.
- Honor my parents in heaven by living out the values they instilled in me: kindness, hard work, and a commitment to helping others.
- Empower future generations of students to see beyond limitations and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Mother Teresa said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." This philosophy drives me—I may not solve every problem, but if I can inspire and uplift even one student, one leader, or one family, the ripple effect will be immeasurable.
If You Could Go Back and Advise Your Younger Self, What Would It Be?
Trust the process. You are stronger than you realize, and every challenge is shaping you into the leader you are meant to be. Do not fear failure—fear not trying. Speak up, take space, and never shrink to make others comfortable. Your story, your voice, and your impact matter more than you know.
How Can GlobalMindED Support Leaders Like Yourself in Achieving Your Goals and Advancing Your Aspirations?
GlobalMindED has the power to uplift diverse leaders by:
- Providing visibility to those who are breaking barriers and driving change.
- Facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities that connect emerging leaders with industry experts.
- Investing in diverse talent through scholarships, fellowships, and leadership programs.
- Amplifying the voices of underrepresented professionals through conferences like the 3/13/25 Workplace Equity Summit: Voices of Impact, publications in journals, and collaborations with like-minded leaders.
As someone committed to Inclusive Excellence, mentorship, and leadership development, I see GlobalMindED as a key partner in creating equitable opportunities for students and professionals alike. Together, we can expand access, empower voices, and build a future where leadership reflects the rich diversity of our communities.
For more insights to Lori's work and impact, you can view her featured videos on her LinkedIn profile.
| 
