Yovana Rosales is an artificial intelligence enthusiast who wants to help other Latinas figure out positive ways to implement AI into their professional lives. Since Latina women in America earn 55 cents to every dollar earned by a white man, Rosales notes, “The gap will only get wider if I don’t teach my community to leverage the AI platforms that are out there.” So Rosales launched AI.Latina to do just that. Today, she is working to demystify AI and demonstrate how it can be practically implemented to increase efficiency and productivity. The Stickney, Illinois-based entrepreneur hopes she will be able to provide Latina women with the tools to harness this technology, reduce burnout and unlock their full potential.
Editor’s Note: AI.Latina has been named to The Story Exchange’s 2024 list of 10 Brilliant Business Ideas.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
When I first started to hear about AI, like many Latinas, I found it frightening. All we saw on the news was, “AI will take over your jobs.” Instead, I decided I was going to use AI to empower my community. I share knowledge about how AI can be utilized to support entrepreneurial and corporate ventures.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Believing in myself and starting this business. I was in a webinar once and was told that after the age of 35, you are seen as “old” in the tech industry. I started at 36. But I have a community that believes in me and the work I am doing, and because of them I was able to sell out the first summit I ever put together.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Scaling has been the biggest challenge. Although I have systems for my business and use AI daily, I don’t have the CRMs (customer relationship management) and the automated processes in place to scale my business. I spend more time doing administrative tasks than taking care of CEO decisions. I started working with a coach recently and it’s been a game changer. Being able to hire someone who is able to see my blind spots and have solutions has been transformative.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
My courses were supposed to launch in mid-April. However, my father ended up having emergency surgery, which took a toll on the family. Because I am self-employed, I have the privilege to work from home but also to take the time off to care for family. My priority is my father’s health and I have pushed the new launch date to mid-May. My community knows because I shared the situation in my newsletter, and the amount of support I received was heart-warming.
I also suffer from PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder. During that time frame every month, my mental and physical health suffer. Thanks to AI, I am able to give my body the rest it deserves and needs, because I am not worrying about client needs because all of that is managed with AI systems. I hope that by being vulnerable about my chronic condition I can inspire other women to get help and put systems in place that allow them to take care of themselves.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait until your business is perfect to launch. It will never be perfect. Your company is ever changing. Don’t do business perfectly – do it bravely.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
Going back and reading my “jefa” folder (jefa means boss in Spanish). There, I keep all of the compliments I have received from my community. It brings me back to center and reminds me why I am on this journey.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“S91” by Karol G.
Who is your most important role model?
My mentor Paulette Pinero. She has led with empathy and compassion but always holds me accountable when I have needed to be. She does both in such a beautiful and balanced manner. ◼
Instagram: @ai.latina
LinkedIn: @YovanaRosales
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