Embracing Authenticity and Storytelling: A Conversation with Omar Alvarez
In this interview, Omar Alvarez, founder of KINNECT and a first-generation queer Latino entrepreneur, shares his journey of resilience, storytelling, and the importance of cultural connection. From his Chicago upbringing to creating a space for preserving family memories, Omar offers insights into his career, the challenges he’s overcome, and the self-care practices that keep him grounded while running a start-up. Explore his world of authenticity, creativity, and community.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
Sometimes crying, sometimes not. I’m just kidding… I build my day around what is good for me: getting morning light, exercising whenever my body or brain calls for it, rotting on TikTok, singing pretty horribly to all my pop divas, and naturally working throughout the day with my team. I don’t believe in a strict 9-5 for the first time since, as a founder, I gotta be on pretty much all the time. I map my day around set meetings and deadlines and let the rest flow freely. This means some days are packed with calls and strategy sessions, while others are focused on creative work, brainstorming, or just catching up on reading and research.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
Oof, it's everything. My upbringing is why I am who I am today and why I’m doing what I’m doing! I was born and raised in Chicago, but when my neighborhood became too unsafe due to gang violence —way too close for comfort— I turned to storytelling as my escape. I’d wait for my family to fall asleep, sneak into my bedroom closet, climb onto a dresser by the window, and stare out at the street, making up stories about the people on the block—imagining their lives, choices, and struggles.
As a first-generation Latino with Puerto Rican and Guatemalan roots, storytelling has always been a big part of my life. Culturally, our time at home —during holidays, family gatherings, or just regular dinner conversations— was filled with stories about what it was like growing up outside the mainland U.S. and the decisions that shaped our families. During one of these conversations, I learned my mom and biological father were runners, which fueled my passion for running.
This love for storytelling and the influence of the best storyteller in sports —Nike— ignited my desire to become a runner in high school. Eventually, I became a Division 1 athlete, running 14:40s. I was fascinated by how stories could fuel my motivation and shape my understanding of reality. This obsession led me to admire the storytelling power of brands like Nike, pushing me to take a part-time job at Nike Chicago while attending school full-time, nannying, and competing on weekends. I knew breaking into Nike’s world required strategy, so I went for their “Field First Program” since DePaul wasn’t a school they recruited from, and I had zero connections.
Seeing my parents work overnight shifts my entire life taught me that hard work and resilience were non-negotiable. Long story short, I became the first person in my family to work at multiple Fortune 500 companies and successful start-ups. It all came from the hardest and most grueling period of my life—college, where sacrificing sleep and social life was worth it to create the opportunities I have today.
KINNECT was born from my deep desire to connect more openly and vulnerably with my family — focusing on the core of our relationships: our memories. It’s about the stories that made us, the stories that define us now, and our hopes for the future. KINNECT is inspired by the need to preserve and protect our cultural legacies using digital technology, providing a private, safe space within family groups.
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
Future — I want to see if I’m happy and alive until I reach the age of aging and if there are better decisions I can make now while I still have time. It’s about having a glimpse of what’s ahead, understanding the impact of my choices, and making the most of every moment I have today.
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
I confront injustices and discrimination and encourage people to be vulnerable with themselves. I believe vulnerability is the key to true happiness—it's about truly knowing yourself, embracing who you are, and finding strength in that authenticity. No matter what happens, I’m committed to creating spaces where people feel safe to be their full, honest selves and challenging the systems that make that difficult.
When are you the happiest?:
I'm happiest 2 to 3 days into a multi-night backpacking trip. It’s that sweet spot where I've entirely disconnected from my daily routine and life, and I’m immersed in the beautiful pleasures of nature. As I type this, I’m brought back to my trip to Patagonia, where I proved that I could do hard things. There, I found the confidence to build KINNECT—realizing that just like on those trails, the challenging paths often lead to the most rewarding views.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
Omg, I always tell people I’ve never been happier — even though I’m working an uncomfortable amount of hours, I’m genuinely so happy right now. I’ve got a few tips — some are pretty obvious, but maybe a couple will be new to you!
1. Consistent Movement: I get some form of movement 5-6 days a week. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for long walks, taking classes, or hiking, I’ve noticed a huge difference between the periods when I was casually working out versus consistently working out—my energy and mood have skyrocketed!
2. Staying Connected: I call and text my friends a lot. I don’t care if I’m being a little annoying; I’ll check in, make fun of myself, or tease them to ensure I have social engagement every day, whether digital or physical. It keeps me grounded and connected.
3. Listening to My Body: I let my body decide when to work and rest. I lean into it and get things done if I’m feeling excited. But if I’m feeling exhausted, I don’t fight it—I rest. It’s about listening to what my body needs in the moment.
4. Mindful Relaxation: I smoke weed, especially since most of the cities I visit have legalized it. With the negative effects of alcohol on anxiety and fitness, I try to stay away from drinks. I’ve found that weed helps me feel creative and relaxed—it’s a chill way to unwind without anything extra or fancy.
Self-care is about finding a balance, staying active and connected, and allowing myself to relax when needed.
Same goes for imposter syndrome. How do you combat those feelings (if any)?:
UGH, imposter syndrome moments are so annoying! Honestly, I don’t have the perfect answer for everyone, but I’ve gotten really comfortable with myself over time. So, when that nasty imposter sneaks up, I have a little routine — I find a private space, blast some iconic girl pop music, and just vibe until I’m back in my groove. It’s my way of reminding myself who I am, shaking off the doubt, and returning to doing what I do best.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
I stay connected through my family, who keep our traditions and stories alive. I also follow influencers and tastemakers on Instagram and TikTok who celebrate Latino culture, giving me daily doses of inspiration and pride. I visit Puerto Rico and Guatemala to stay rooted in my heritage whenever I can. And most importantly, I lean into being Latino and gay everywhere I go, embracing all parts of my identity fully and unapologetically.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now? :
B### no way - hahaha. 18-year-old me was a RIOT. Little Omar would roll his eyes if he told you he was married to a man, running a start-up, and still looking good.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
I got my internship at Nike WHQ without family connections, money, or anything.
Drink 🫖
What is Omar’s go-to drink?
Flat white.
Listening To 🎧
What is Omar listening to at the moment?
jamiee xx
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Omar’s truth?
I lost two people who wished for something like KINNECT. I wished KINNECT existed for them, too.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Omar plugging today?
Anyone who wants to save their life stories privately for themselves (just in case!) or for their families of today or in future.
More about Omar Alvarez
Omar Alvarez is the founder of KINNECT. As a first-generation Latino and openly gay entrepreneur, Omar represents a rare but growing force in venture capital. With less than 5% of VC investment going towards BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ founders, he showcases the profound impact that diversity can have in tech leadership.
Raised in Chicago, Omar’s journey is as rich and varied as his professional one. His expertise spans product ideation to global market launches, showcasing his ability to turn visionary ideas into tangible successes. Omar has worked at some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Nike, Levi’s, Hilton, LVMH’s KENDO, Hims & Hers, and Zeera.
An avid backpacker, his adventures through diverse cultures fueled his wanderlust and inspired his entrepreneurial spirit, giving him the confidence to embark on his most ambitious project yet: KINNECT. Inspired by various instances of loss in his own life - his grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's and losing his friend to Leukemia, and the universal desire to connect across generations, KINNECT is more than a platform; it’s a mission to preserve and celebrate the stories that define us. Omar ensures no story goes untold and is backed by influential VCs Slauson & Co and TechStars.
More than his latest venture, KINNECT reflects his life’s work to bring people together, one story at a time.