Over the past few weeks, I set out to sharpen my skills as a fundraising consultant at AFPICON2026. I expected to leave with new strategies; I didn’t expect to leave with a renewed soul.
The catalyst was The Latino Hive, an experience powered by iConexion. As a Puerto Rican man, I’ve often navigated professional spaces by blending in. But this gathering reminded me that my greatest asset isn’t just my expertise; it’s the herencia (heritage) that runs through my veins and the tools we now need to stay connected.
Kindred Spirits: A Meeting of the Souls
There are moments when you meet someone and the connection is so immediate that it feels as if you are picking up a conversation from a previous life.
Through the iConexion community, which uniquely bridges the gap between a high-level professional network and a social space for deep Latino connection, I found two kindred spirits.
I met a Latina LGBTQ+ entrepreneur who, like me, is a GenXer. We spoke a shared language of resilience, diving into life experiences I rarely share. In her, I found a “mirror” of my most fearless self. We have now committed to mentoring each other and are using the iConexion platform to stay connected as a “tribe of two” and beyond.
I felt the same soul recognition with a Millennial colleague whose bold, non-gender-conforming fashion was a masterpiece of self-expression. He reminded me that the Puerto Rican spirit is, at its core, vibrant. It’s time I added some real Boricua flair to my signature bow tie.
The Sacred Baton: Becoming Padrinos and Madrinas
This experience crystallized a vision for me: Our success as Latino leaders is hollow if we aren’t actively paving the way for the next generation.
Communities like iConexion are vital because they help us find one another, whether we are seeking a business partner, a mentor, or a meaningful social connection within our culture. As GenXers, we now hold the baton. We must lead the younger generation toward new opportunities, from navigating AI’s complexities to embracing the beauty of authentic visibility.
We must be the Padrinos and Madrinas for the younger generation. We are their North Star, the steady light they can look to, but we must allow them to lead. There is profound peace in knowing that when we eventually step back, we have done our part to ensure the Latino community not only survives but also thrives in the future.
Our Complexity is Our Superpower
We live in tumultuous times when being “different” is often discouraged. Yet my time at the Hive proved that our complexity, our indigenous roots, our LGBTQ+ identities, and our socioeconomic journeys are exactly what make us the best versions of ourselves.
As I begin this “last professional journey” of my career, I am no longer walking alone. I am the son of two proud Puerto Ricans from Cayey, Puerto Rico, a seasoned fundraiser, lawyer, and wealth management professional, and a man finally standing in his full, fearless truth. I have found my tribe at iConexion, and together we are building a legacy.
Let’s stop asking to be seated at the table and start building tables where the next generation can lead with pride.
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