Who We Are
We are a non-for profit organization dedicated to giving vision, direction, and structure to young Latinas. Our mission is to become a powerful catalyst for Latinas ages 15-25 to pursue their dreams by providing educational leadership platforms, mentorship, and powerful experiences through the context of sisterhood. Founded in September 2014, we quickly began impacting participants through the CORE program, and by giving back to the local community. Our goal is to continue to spread the wings of the foundation nationwide and globally in the years to come.
Our Mission
To become a powerful national catalyst for Latinas ages 15-25 to pursue their dreams by providing educational leadership platforms, mentorship and powerful experiences through a context of sisterhood.
Our Process
Our History
Founded in September 2014, it took 6 months to build the team, the program, infrastructure and raise funds. Our impact started immediately with smaller events. Our inaugural core program class took place in October 2015 and their contributions back to the community began soon after. Our goal is to take the program Nationwide and globally in the years to come.
Our Board
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz, Founder, President
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz is an award-winning entrepreneur, national speaker, philanthropist and author of seven books, including The Little Book of Business Secrets that work published in 2010. She is founder of The Fig Factor Foundation focused on unleashing the amazing in young Latinas. Jacqueline is a regular guest on local and national tv, radio and print publications. She has received many prestigious awards, including “Influential Women in Business Award,” “Entrepreneurial Excellence” Award and “Annual Awards for Business Excellence” by Daily Herald Business Ledger, “Best Under 40” by Suburban Life, “Unsung Hero” by the City of Aurora and “Woman Distinction” by Kane County Magazine. She currently serves on the board of the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center and The Fig Factor Foundation. As a two-time cancer survivor, Jacqueline possesses wisdom about life well beyond her years. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and business partner, Juan Pablo, and her two children.
Daniela Limon, RD, LDN, Treasurer
Daniela is a registered dietitian sharing her passion for health and wellness by providing nutrition counseling for her clients and community members. Daniela is a former graduate of The Fig Factor Foundation and is excited to give back to a non-profit that had a positive impact in her life by not only becoming a mentor to other young Latinas but by also becoming a board member.
Maria Herrera Paloma, Board Member
Maria is a proud catalyst for change, committed to elevating women and championing meaningful progress in her community. Drawing inspiration from the rising tide of women leaders, her bold, forward-thinking mindset—deeply shaped by her upbringing—drives her passion for mentoring the next generation.
She serves in leadership roles with The Fig Factor Foundation and the Chicago Latina Empire Manahood, and she shares her love for wellness as a Registered Yoga Instructor. As a contributing author for Today’s Inspired Latina, Volume X, Maria amplifies her mission to empower women through storytelling and representation.
Now, as the founder and owner of Alas Financial Group, LLC, she blends her work as a licensed financial professional and entrepreneur to build a holistic wellness platform that integrates physical, mental, and financial well-being.
Born in Mexico and the youngest of nine, Maria now resides in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband of over 30 years, Miguel Ricardo. Together, they are the proud parents of Sofia, Miguel, and Sam.
Clara Luca Jaramillo-Carrier, Board Member
Clara is a visionary leader helping high-achieving professionals and purpose-driven organizations
awaken clarity, restore purpose, and build cultures where human-centered leadership drives measurable
success.
As founder of Breaking Through Coaching & Consulting and Let’s Awaken Purpose, Clara left Corporate
America to pursue her mission: to awaken more humanity in the world. Through her Power Pause
and Breaking Through Method, She helps leaders stop performing, reconnect with themselves, and lead with calm, confidence, and clarity.
With over two decades of experience—and credentials in Transformational Leadership & Coaching (M.A., PCC)—Clara brings a bilingual, culturally-relevant, psychology-based approach to personal and organizational transformation.
Julie Schmidt, Board Member
Julie is a signature event specialist with an emphasis on crafting distinctive, non-profit fundraising events. She brings her artistry to elevate events and create exceptional guest experiences. She spent seven years as Director of Judson University’s World Leaders Forum. In that role, she had the opportunity to execute events for global thought leaders and entertainment voices, including General David Petraeus, Caroline Kennedy, Mark Cuban, Edward James Olmos, and Lord Smith of Kelvin from Scotland.
She is driven by her desire to make a difference and currently serves as Development Officer, Events & Partners, with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. She crafts events that raise critical funding to bring awareness for individuals and families navigating the autism journey. In her role, she coordinates with university partners to provide fieldwork internship opportunities for students within the organization.
Mentoring the next generation is her passion. She serves in leadership roles with The Fig Factor Foundation and continues to share her joy of mentoring emerging leaders through the KidsMatter Teen Philanthropy Initiative in Naperville. As a contributing author for Today’s Inspired Latina, Volume 6, Julie supports her mission to empower women to lead where they are.
Elizabeth Cotonieto, Board Member
Irma Zavala, Board Member
Judith Banda, Board Member
Karen Perez, Board Member
Leonor Gil, Board Member
Ximena Atristain Bigurra, Board Member
Mariana Alejos, Board Member
How we Operate
Each quarter a new mentoring program begins. Once the applications have been received by the deadline, the Board of directors vote on and communicate to the future mentees / mentors one month prior to the programs beginning.
Video Testimonials:
