Hi friends, welcome to my little corner of the internet. If you’re reading this, thank you for being here, it honestly means the world to me.

A little about me: I’m Aileen, a proud first-generation Latina from Reno, Nevada. In May 2024, I walked across the stage as the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. Now, I’m back at the University of Nevada, Reno, working on my MBA! For me, being first-gen has always meant figuring things out as I go, making mistakes, learning, and then using those lessons to keep moving forward. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me resilience, grit, and the drive to dream bigger than I ever thought possible!

Some of my favorite memories have come from saying “yes” even when I was scared. Whether that was stepping into leadership roles on campus, speaking up in rooms where I felt out of place, or hopping on planes for global business programs in New York City, London, Argentina, and Toronto. Every one of those moments stretched me, reminded me that growth happens outside your comfort zone, and showed me how much I’m capable of.

But honestly, a lot of who I am today comes from closer to home. My family owns a small restaurant in Reno, and I grew up watching the way hard work, long hours, and love for community could turn into something meaningful. That restaurant is more than just food it’s a reminder of perseverance and the importance of staying connected to your roots.

This blog is my way of bringing all of that together. My first-gen journey, my love for leadership and growth, and my belief that our stories matter. I want this space to be real. Not just highlight reels, but the honest ups and downs of navigating school, work, travel, and life – all while trying to take care of your health & wellness!

If you’re also figuring it out as you go, chasing big dreams, or trying to find your place—you’re in the right spot. My hope is that through sharing my story, you feel a little more seen, a little more inspired, and reminded that being first-gen, or simply carving your own path, is not a limitation—it’s a strength.

So here’s to growth, leadership, and the messy, beautiful journey in between. I’m so glad you’re here.