Q. What did you want to be when you were a little kid?
A. I grew up in a Catholic household, and the church was a big part of my life. My Puerto Rican roots and the influence of my grandparents, who were devout Catholics, played a significant role in shaping my dreams. Despite coming from a family with generations of military service, I was drawn toward a different path: I wanted to become a Roman Catholic priest.
My decision to pursue a religious calling instead of a military career might have seemed unconventional, but it was a reflection of my personal passion and alignment with my cultural heritage. As a Puerto Rican, my family instilled in me a strong sense of pride in our heritage and the importance of preserving our traditions. Embracing a faith-based role would allow me to not only serve the church, but also to continue honoring my Puerto Rican roots through the lens of faith.
I did not end up becoming a priest, but I did serve our country in uniform as a religious affairs airman in the U.S. Air Force. My childhood aspirations evolved over time, and the desire to become a Roman Catholic priest remains a cherished part of my past. It serves as a reminder of the influence of culture, family and personal inclination in shaping one’s dreams and aspirations.
Q. What does your company do?
A. Go Digital Hero LLC is a veteran-, minority-, LGBT-owned personal virtual assistant enterprise. It is designed for busy professionals who are consumed with time-consuming tedious administration tasks or are dissatisfied with an assistant they do not relate to or trust. Go Digital Hero is equipped with 18-plus years of military, government, nonprofit and private industry experience. Go Digital Hero aims to provide busy professionals, nonprofits, start-ups and entrepreneurs a path to work-life balance via quality personal virtual administrative support. Unlike other virtual assistant companies, Go Digital Hero is U.S.-based, U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated, safeguarding your tasks and data. Our heroes are ready to be your hero, so you can be a hero to your team, family and self.
Q. How long has your company been in business?
A. Go Digital Hero was established in April 2020 and has been thriving since its inception.
Q. Can you tell us about why and how you started the company?
A. Drawing from my personal experiences, I founded Go Digital Hero, with the understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. Having served in the military two decades ago, I knew what it felt like to suppress one’s true identity and conceal it from both family and colleagues. However, today I proudly proclaim that I am the CEO of a business that is LGBT-owned, embracing diversity and inclusivity as core values.
In 2022, Go Digital Hero’s dedication and exceptional service were acknowledged when the company was awarded the prestigious title of LGBT Veteran Enterprise We Love by the National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) in partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). This recognition served as a catalyst for my realization of the strong connection clients have established with Go Digital Hero, motivating my team and me to expand and meet the growing demand for trusted virtual assistants.
Q. What has been your biggest business challenge in the past year?
A. Overcoming imposter syndrome is a remarkable achievement I have overcome, and to me it demonstrates the strength and determination I have for my business and what it represents. It took some time for me to give myself the mental space to engage and take risks, and once I was able to do that, I realized it was a crucial piece for scaling the business.
Recognizing the sincere importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is essential for my business and any business to prioritize. DEI, both internally within the workplace and externally, creates an environment where everyone’s unique perspectives and experiences are valued, fostering innovation and creativity. Incorporating equity ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. By promoting inclusivity, I get to create a sense of belonging for everyone involved in my business, from employees to customers. Go Digital Hero represents all aspects of DEI, and we continue to prioritize and promote these values both in business practices and in the communities we serve. By doing so, we not only contribute positively to society but also attract a diverse customer base that appreciates and supports our commitment to DEI.
Q. What is one thing that makes you stand out from your competition?
A. Go Digital Hero serves a distinct customer base consisting of individuals between ages 25 and 42 who belong to underrepresented communities and seek support from someone they can connect with. Our clientele includes nonprofit executives, entrepreneurs, small businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Our clients typically consist of individuals or small teams ranging from two to five people.
As an LGBT-, veteran- and minority-owned business, we possess a unique perspective and a strong bond with our client base. In fact, 80% of our clients identify as LGBTQIA, 20% are veterans and all of them are minorities. This remarkable alignment allows us to establish a genuine connection and deep understanding of their needs and challenges. We take pride in our commitment to diversity, which is further reflected in our staff composition.
This aspect sets us apart and solidifies our reputation as a relatable, reliable and reputable business. Our ability to relate to our customers’ experiences and challenges enables us to provide a level of support and understanding that goes beyond conventional virtual assistance services. We bring a unique perspective to the table, understanding the specific nuances and sensitivities that arise from being part of underrepresented communities. This deep connection allows us to tailor our services to meet their unique needs, fostering trust and building long-lasting relationships.
Q. What do you wish you had more time to do?
A. I wish I had more time to spend more quality time with my husband. Life can get busy, and finding time for meaningful connection and shared experiences is something I always strive for. My fur babies, Atlas and Aspen, also hold a special place in my heart. I wish I had more time to bond with them, play with them and simply enjoy their company when they are not being chief barketing officers at Go Digital Hero.
I have a strong passion for traveling and exploring the world. Immersing myself in different cultures, experiencing new landscapes and trying diverse cuisines are activities that enrich my soul. If I had more time, I would love to embark on more travel adventures with my family and indulge in the pleasure of discovering all the intricacies and delights our world has to offer. Life’s hectic pace sometimes makes it challenging to allocate time, but recognizing their significance in my life drives me to prioritize and find a balance that allows me to engage fully in these endeavors.
Q. What’s your favorite place in the world you’ve ever visited?
A. Costa Rica. It holds a special place in my heart because of the memorable trip I took there with my mom, dad and husband. We had an incredible time exploring the diverse landscapes and engaging in thrilling activities. One of the highlights of our trip was zip-lining through the lush rainforests. We also had the opportunity to go horseback riding and ATV riding, which allowed us to discover hidden gems and remote areas of Costa Rica. Riding horses through the picturesque countryside and maneuvering ATVs through rugged terrains was exciting.
What made this trip truly special was the quality time we spent together as a family. Costa Rica provided the perfect backdrop for us to strengthen our relationships and create wonderful moments that we will cherish forever. It allowed us to step out of our comfort zones, immerse ourselves in a new and vibrant culture, and create lifelong memories together.
Q. What is one piece of business advice you would offer your LGBTQ+ peers?
A. Get certified! My business would never have succeeded had it not been for the network and resources of several certifying bodies. My business is certified as an LGBT business enterprise by NGLCC, a service-disabled veteran-owned business by NaVOBA and a disabled-veteran disability-owned business by Disability:IN. This gives me unique leverage to reach out and network with professionals in these arenas to communities my company represents. The best part is being able to connect to communities of like-minded individuals.
How to connect … godigitalhero.com
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