“I trust in myself because I am a woman, I am a mom, I am a professional, and with my flaws and virtues I know I can achieve my dreams.”
What do you love most about being a mom?
Motherhood is the only job in the world that makes you unlearn something every day and demands your very best version. A wonderful journey that has enriched my life, because without a doubt, being a mother is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me; it is the stage of my life I am enjoying to the fullest. Every moment I share with my children is precious to me. Being a mother is a delightful adventure from beginning to end. It is a continuous surprise, something new to learn every day through my children. Something as simple as waking up in the morning to a kiss and a hug, reading to them at night and cuddling them tirelessly. Watching them grow, show their personality, observing in fascination how they evolve and create their identity are among the things I enjoy most about being a mom. Motherhood has made me much more authentic, sensitive and aware. It is learning from my children; they make me more patient, understanding and so much stronger. They bring out my virtues and polish my flaws. They fill me with a boundless zest for life and the courage to take risks, and they fill my days with humor. My children teach me to value and enjoy the simplest things in life.
In your opinion, what is the most challenging task of motherhood?
Being a mother is a beautiful experience that changes your life completely, but it is also one of the greatest responsibilities and challenges a woman faces today in her ideal of doing and giving her best, and with the least time available, especially when we have to divide our time. The modern mom is a leader, an entrepreneur, a fighter, and also a homemaker. Our academic training requires much of our time because we live in a society where women can receive the same opportunities but must be prepared. We lead and launch projects all the time; but what I personally find hardest is finding the balance where I am not questioning whether I am giving enough time to the two little ones at home. With their different ages, I sometimes find it hard to accept – because I am so demanding of myself – that I am doing well, that I am giving my children the best of me every day. In short, I definitely think finding the balance is the hardest part.
What important values did your mother instill in you that you will pass on to your children?
My beautiful mother had me very young, and among so many examples she has instilled in me of a strong, family-oriented woman, the most important thing she has taught me is that there are no impossibilities when you have dreams and goals to fulfill. She taught me that you have to believe in yourself and not let yourself be defeated by fear or by what people will say. Being the strong woman that defines her, she taught me that you need a career to back you up. You have to prepare, study and be a professional, especially in this country full of opportunities. Even with all the obstacles she faced, my mother finished her degree as a general practitioner in Cuba and never understood what “not being able to achieve her dreams” meant – being a doctor while being a young mom. It is important to pass on to my children that they must have a career and prepare for their future. I want them to be good men, to know the value behind material things, and I want them to fight for what they want. Having a professional education, besides giving them access to a world full of possibilities, will provide them with ethical and moral codes of conduct, discipline, perseverance, and the knowledge needed to take on any challenge life puts in front of them.
What is your favorite destination for a family vacation?
Definitely, any destination where we can share with family is a preferred place. We are a large, very close-knit family. We really enjoy sharing quality time together. Our house in Punta Cana is the place where we gather and spend unforgettable moments. It is one of my favorites when traveling because being near the sea and with family brings back fond memories of my childhood. I love watching my children play freely and enjoy the sea and nature. I really like destinations with warm weather; I love the sea and I enjoy watching the children play with their little cousins. Besides, Dominicans are very much like Cubans – cheerful, enthusiastic and very helpful. They always treat us with great affection.
What career would you like for your children? Would you like them to follow in your family’s footsteps and be part of the family business?
As I said before, I want my children to have the backing of a career. One always dreams of children following in one’s footsteps, just as I saw in my parents through the example they set for me since I was a little girl. I grew up among medical books and I remember my parents’ patients who came to the famous polyclinics – places designated by the communist system where people from the community could receive medical care without going to a hospital. I remember the love and gratitude my parents received from their patients, and I unconsciously think that is why I enjoy helping others so much. I am passionate about helping elderly patients. They are very fragile people and often feel very lonely and misunderstood. I love drawing smiles from them with a simple hug. At La Colonia Medical Center we have changed the lives of so many elderly people through our medical and human care. All in all, I would like my children to fight for what they love, and if it is medicine, I would be happy. But knowing that I can instill in them the love and passion for helping others fills my heart with joy. It is important that they have the freedom to choose their own destiny responsibly and with my support and my husband’s, always keeping in mind that they must make the most of whatever their talent is and be the best version of themselves, so they can earn and enjoy a bright future.
What executive position do you hold at La Colonia Medical Center?
La Colonia Medical Center is a medical center that has given job opportunities to everyone in my family, something that defines us and makes us unique among so many medical centers in South Florida. From the moment our patients walk into our centers they can feel the human warmth with which they are treated, because we are one big family. We carefully make sure our patients feel well cared for and welcome in a place that cares about their wellbeing. In my case, I am present at every step that marks the growth of our company. I also focus heavily on advertising. I try to be present at every nonprofit institution that helps cancer patients as well as children with disabilities. While I finish my medical studies, I will stay focused on the company’s advertising so that in the not-too-distant future I can take on an executive position, preferably as the company’s medical director. I feel we have grown and built a name where we are respected and loved by many. La Colonia has a bright future where we can continue changing lives and growing the legacy that my parents created with so much effort and sacrifice.
As an empowered mother, how do you balance your responsibilities and family life?
As mentioned before, it is about finding a balance. Balance is everything. To find it, you have to know how to manage your time. What works for me is keeping a planner where I note my commitments and balance them so I can spend quality time with my children. I really plan everything around them; they are my priority, and as long as they are well, I will be happy. At times it can be hard to find that balance, but you also need a lot of help and to delegate to trustworthy, responsible people. I have people who have worked with me for years and they are my family too. We can be Wonder Woman, and at times I try to be invincible, but we need help. I try to do it all; I do not like setting limits for myself, but to achieve it I have had to learn to be disciplined and to fight for that balance all mothers want. It is the ideal scenario, but with experience you realize it is the best way.
What is your best advice for women who want to be an empowered mother like you?
I would start with this: know yourself. The first thing you must do is analyze who you are, understand your aspirations well and know your limits so you do not fail in the attempt. As mothers we have no time to waste. Set short- and long-term goals. Work on your self-confidence, train yourself, and above all, always be yourself. The most important thing has been believing in myself even when I have lacked the drive. Not stopping for anything and keeping moving forward, fighting for our dreams. Fighting for our family. Believing we can – obviously you have to work hard, be perseverant and get up from stumbles and learn from them. You learn from obstacles; they are tests that define us as human beings. I say being a woman is difficult, especially in the society we live in today where we want to prove perfection. We see so many examples of successful women and mothers who can do it all and achieve it all; what we do not see is the story and the sacrifices it took to get there. These days everything looks easy but it is not, it never has been, and the key to success is not comparing yourself to anyone because you are your own competition. I trust in myself because I am a woman, I am a mom, I am a professional, and with my flaws and virtues I know I can achieve my dreams.
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