67. Ana Maria Soto on Tools for Education Advocacy

In Episode 67, Ana Maria Soto teaches us about advocacy in education and the challenges with access to higher education for immigrant parents and their children. We discuss some of the tools for navigating the education system as well as tools for parenting in the United States, including tools for assisting with the generational and cultural divide. The conversation then transitions to entrepreneurship and how she tailored her passion for advocacy in education into a business that can help families beyond her community. Ana Maria Soto is deeply committed to empowering parents and children to pursue their aspirations, particularly in higher education. Renowned for her dynamic presentations, Ana Maria delivers bilingual training sessions in Spanish and English, focusing on social-emotional learning and the path to college success. Currently serving as a director at Miami Dade College, Ana Maria has cultivated an extensive career dedicated to educational advancement. At New Futuro, she pioneered a comprehensive workshop series, equipping participants with detailed guidance on college preparation, application processes, and financial strategies. Ana Maria's impact extends beyond workshops; she has fostered multicultural programming, provided mentorship, and facilitated opportunities for Latino students at National Louis University and Columbia College Chicago. You can learn more about New Futuro at https://www.facebook.com/EducateLatina/. Beyond academia, Ana Maria holds executive leadership positions on the boards of Erie Family Health Clinics and Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy in Chicago. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor's degree from the University of the South, a Master's from Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain, and an MBA from National-Louis University. Recognized for her leadership, Ana Maria was honored as a National Hispana Leadership Institute Fellow in 2004. In her leisure time, Ana Maria indulges in her passions for photography, cooking, technology, and social media, reflecting her multifaceted interests and vibrant spirit.