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¡Hola!
I'm Marisela

​​Visionary, Changemaker, Mujer Poderosa & Community Firestarter
​Entrepreneur, author, consultant, and community catalyst committed to uplifting Latino communities through culturally-rooted strategy, transformational leadership, and purpose-driven impact.

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I build leaders, businesses, and community-powered programs rooted in culture, clarity, and collective growth.

“My roots are not my starting point—they are my foundation. Every step I take in business is guided by the strength of where I come from, the resilience of my culture, and the belief that purpose can be profitable.”

My Story

My story is rooted in community, resilience, and the belief that purpose and impact can—and should—go hand in hand.

I’m an entrepreneur, author, and civic leader who has spent more than 15 years working at the intersection of education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. My work is shaped by lived experience, cultural identity, and a deep commitment to ensuring Latino communities have access to the tools, networks, and confidence needed to thrive.

I am the Founder of The Time is YA LLC, where I support entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers through coaching, consulting, and speaking focused on clarity, confidence, and purpose-driven growth. Through this work, I help individuals move from vision to action—building businesses, careers, and initiatives that align with who they are and the impact they want to make. I’m also the Founder of 8 Poderosas, a mentorship program designed to support and elevate women through culturally grounded leadership, confidence-building, and collective empowerment.

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I am also the Founder of The Time is YA Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, economic wellness, and civic engagement in Latino communities. Through the Network, I lead community-centered programs, workshops, and initiatives designed to cultivate leadership, expand access to opportunity, and strengthen collective power. This work is grounded in cultural pride, practical tools, and the belief that community is our greatest asset.

Storytelling and documentation are central to my leadership. I am the author of Hispanics and Latinos in Vallejo, a book that centers the histories, contributions, and lived experiences of Latino communities in the city. I am also a contributing author to Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities, where my chapter, “Roots, Resilience, and the Road Ahead,” explores identity, entrepreneurship, and the responsibility of building pathways for those who come next.

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Earlier in my journey, I co-founded Monarch Engineers, an engineering firm specializing in civil, structural, and mechanical engineering, and in 2016 I founded Green Hive Spaces, a sustainability-focused coworking space in downtown Vallejo that served as a hub for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community connection. These experiences continue to inform how I approach leadership, systems-building, and community-centered design.

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My work has been recognized with honors including the Spirit of Solano Award, North Bay Business Journal Latina Leadership Award, Athena International Award, Vallejo Mayor’s Community Recognition Award, and multiple awards from the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I’ve also been featured in publications such as the North Bay Business Journal, Latina Style, Vallejo Times-Herald, and The Daily Republic.

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At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: when people are supported, seen, and connected to their purpose, they don’t just succeed—they uplift entire communities. That belief continues to guide my work, my writing, and the spaces I help build.

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

707.704.9029

© 2021 by Marisela Barbosa-Cortez 

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