Empowering Latinas: An Interview with Hady Mendez, Founder of Boldly Speaking LLC
In this interview, Hady shares insights into her daily routine, challenges she has faced, and the philosophy that drives her mission to empower the next generation. From her morning tostadas to her passion for street art, Hady offers a glimpse into her life and the wisdom she imparts to those she mentors.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
Tostada and tea to kick start the day followed by a walk and some stretching. After that you can find me on a prospect call, promoting an event, or connecting with folks on LinkedIn. I usually eat a big salad for lunch, go on another walk and spend the afternoon doing much of the same. My evenings are often dedicated to networking events with organizations like Ellevate Network, Chief, or Lean In Latinas.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
My clients want to know what makes me an expert in the Employee Resource Group space. The answer is over 20 years of experience in a variety of roles. I have served as a Co-President, a Global Lead, an Executive Champion, and an Advisor. I've seen and heard it all. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing an ERG thrive and its members achieve their full potential.
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
It was definitely my mindset. I was raised to believe that I should work hard and keep my head down. That was in fact awful advice. I've since learned how to advocate for myself and build a personal brand. That has made all the difference.
What is the phrase, sentence, or conversation that stopped you in your tracks and changed your outlook in life?:
"You own your narrative." Wow. Once I knew my story was mine to share, I felt super empowered. I started to put together a story that was more balanced and less negative. I rejected aspects of my story that others tried to impose on me. I know myself best, and I trusted myself to create a story that was honest, authentic, and reflective of my true experiences and values. This newfound confidence allowed me to embrace my journey, celebrate my successes, learn from my challenges, and inspire others to do the same.
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
Building a brighter future for the next generation of people who share my experiences and identity is a mission I hold dear. Throughout my journey, I've gained invaluable insights on owning my narrative, building my brand, and self-advocating. Now, I am committed to passing these lessons on to the emerging leaders of tomorrow, empowering them to navigate their paths with confidence and purpose.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
Strolling the side streets and alleys of NYC looking for street art. It's one of my favorite things to do!
If you were to meet 10 year old you, what would you say to them?:
Girl you got this. You are enough and you can do whatever you set your heart out to do. Have confidence. Stay true to yourself. Always be lifting as you rise.
When are you the happiest?:
I'm happiest when I'm feeling healthy and well, I have money in the bank, and I'm planning a trip someplace fun. I am also quite happy sitting at a coffeeshop sipping on an oatmilk cortado while having one of my favorite gluten-free/vegan treats.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
I get good sleep. I stretch my body. I go for multiple walks daily. I stop working around 5PM each day. I try to take Fridays off. I don't drink too much caffeine. I avoid alcohol and refined sugar. I avoid places that are too crowded or staying out too late. I listen to my body. I eat a well balanced gluten free/vegan diet. I spend time with people I enjoy.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now? :
Wow, I imagined you to be married, living in the suburbs and working at some big company. What the heck are you still doing in Brooklyn, living on your own and running your own business? This is the time to be settling in and here you are finding ways to re-invent yourself and take on more risk.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
One of my biggest accomplishments is leaving my corporate career after 20 years and moving to Cochabamba, Bolivia to work as an international volunteer. The time I spent there was so rewarding. I was proud of myself for finding work (i.e. my ministry sites), getting my own place, and building a life in a country I had never been to in my life. It was super life giving to work with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and to build friendships with them.
Drink 🫖
What is Hady’s go-to drink?
Nitro cold brew or tropical green tea.
Listening To 🎧
What is Hady listening to at the moment?
Podcasts I love: Cafe con Pam, Pivot, Brown Table Talk, Modern Love, The Sporkful, Grit, and The Pitch.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Hady’s truth?
I am inspired by the Latinas and other Women of Color who paved the way for me. I stand on the shoulders of brave and strong women. I have learned that we are responsible for each other and as such, I want to offer the same to the next generation. I want to share what I've learned and serve as a resource to folks who need to feel valued, and celebrated, and appreciated for exactly who they are.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Hady plugging today?
I recently wrote a chapter titled "That Time I Ugly Cried" in the best-selling book Awareness Put Me On. In my chapter, I recount a pivotal moment that opened my eyes to the injustices faced by Women of Color in the workplace. I share my career journey leading up to that moment and how my perspective and actions changed after this awakening. The chapter is infused with humor, real talk, and practical advice, offering hope and concrete calls to action for Latinas and other Women of Color. Despite the challenges, I emphasize that there are many steps we can take to create a better career trajectory for ourselves.
More about Hady Mendez
Hady Mendez, Founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, is a best-selling author, influential Latina speaker, and sought-after ERG coach based in NYC, recognized for her expertise in elevating the professional experiences of women and people of color in the workplace. Throughout her career, which spans more than two decades, Hady has contributed to the success of major corporations, particularly within the high-tech and financial services industries. At the helm of Boldly Speaking, she empowers underrepresented employees to self-advocate and leverage ERG leadership roles to secure advancement at the companies where they work.
Starting her career in customer-facing roles at notable firms like JPMorgan Chase and BNY Mellon, Hady quickly established herself as a leader capable of driving strategic initiatives. Her journey took a transformative turn as she became the Head of Equality at Slack, where she developed programs that promoted engagement, belonging, allyship, and the advancement of underrepresented talent.
Hady's commitment extends beyond corporate settings. She has been an international advocate for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, a testament to her dedication to societal change. Additionally, her role as Community School Director in the South Bronx involved partnering with community organizations and city agencies to enhance access to essential services for underserved families, demonstrating her ability to lead impactful community initiatives.
Hady holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Manhattan College and graduate certificates in eBusiness and eCommerce from NYU and NJIT, respectively. As a passionate advocate for equity, she serves on the NY Leadership Council at Room to Grow and on the National ERG Leadership Conference advisory board. In her personal time, Hady enjoys street art photography and is an avid podcast listener.