If you can't see it, you can't be it! In our How She Did It series, EvolveMe features inspirational women who've made it to the other side of career reinvention. Learn how they did it and take away usable tips from their professional journeys!
We're thrilled to introduce Ana P. Marte, Advancement Officer, Corporate Philanthropy at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). Ana is also the CEO & Founder of Career Coaching Atelier, LLC.
Ana is passionate about college access and retention, DEI, and racial and economic equity. In this new chapter of her career, she's also excited about her new business and being an entrepreneur. Read on to learn how she did it!
What's your personal mantra, mission, or manifesto? I help individuals navigate their job search and leverage their credentials, in order to align their best self, to their next opportunity. I serve as an accountability partner that will help you connect the dots. And push forward on the path of personal and professional discovery.
What inspired you to launch your business? I always loved serving as a resource for others and after 15+ years in workforce development, I decided I can continue to coach and guide others but do it for myself, as an entrepreneur and not just for my employers! Connecting people to the resources, contacts or the opportunities that will help them in their career journey. Whether it’s helping a client identify their transferable skills, empowering them through an interview process, or helping them strengthen their personal brand. It’s what I enjoy. And so I started – Career Coaching Atelier, LLC.
What is unique about returning/pivoting in midlife? Challenges & opportunities? Imposter syndrome is real. But then you think – I can do this. My services are needed. Why not? So, I took a leap of faith and just got started. I try to focus on the skills I know I have used before with success and am always looking to learn from others in the space of entrepreneurship. I’m on the earlier side of this journey, but am motivated to keep moving forward. Pivoting can be scary, as you venture into something you haven’t always done. But then you get there, and the adrenaline and fear can fuel you to just do it!
What’s one intention you have for your work this year? To be intentional with my time, so I can constantly move the needle on my work.
What are you most passionate about right now?
Developing community and connections that will allow me to continue to grow and learn.
What’s the one thing that has advanced your career in the last year? The thought that I can be a successful entrepreneur. Something no one has ever done in my family. That I, Ana P. Marte can really have my own brand, clients and someday an office within my community – as a successful entrepreneur. I am only at the beginning of my journey, but I constantly think - am I really doing this? Where can this take me? What else can I accomplish?
Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support? My closest sister-friends are truly the ones that keep me grounded. They encourage me and believe I can do all things. My life partner always signals to my blind spots, which helps me push myself, to unapologetically stretch myself and in turn GROW. And my work besties that started out as just colleagues, but have become a big part of my professional circle.
Favorite book, app or podcast? For the last year anything related to manifesting and affirming my best life. The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein and anything by Louise Hay. And listening to The Audacious as F*ck Podcast by Marth Ramos.
The advice I wish I had given to my 20 year old self is…
Believe in yourself. Trust your gut and be un-afraid.
Your theme song that played every time you walked in a room would be? Everything – Mary J. Blige
Best career advice for other women? Be Bold. Be true to your authentic self. Own your voice and don’t be afraid to lead with vulnerability. It is a SUPERPOWER.
When did you feel you got “you” back? It’s a work in progress for me in my journey. I continue to show up, reflect on what I’m feeling and I’m allowing myself to dream BIG.
What’s up next? Continue to develop myself within my career in philanthropy. To truly embrace all the lessons entrepreneurship teaches me, enhance my coaching skills and keep myself open & ready for the endless possibilities the Universe presents me with!