“Hilda Mera on Driving Change in the Auto Industry” – In this episode of Future Tide Conversations, we meet Hilda Mera, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of S&A Auto Center. Hilda’s story is a journey of courage and resilience: arriving in the U.S. as a young immigrant and ultimately thriving as an entrepreneur in the male-dominated world of auto repair. She recounts how she overcame the skeptics (only about 5% of auto repair business leaders are women) and built not just a successful company, but a community hub that empowers others.

Listeners will hear how Hilda expanded her business to two locations in New Jersey, all while staying true to her mission of lifting up those around her. She discusses the practical lessons learned – from learning English and accounting to gaining trust as a female auto-shop owner – and the deeper insights gained along the way. We talk about her commitment to women’s empowerment, including the free workshops and hands-on learning experiences she provides to make auto care less intimidating for women. Hilda also opens up about the importance of mental health and self-belief in an entrepreneur’s journey, emphasizing how community support and perseverance helped her push through stressful times.

This conversation highlights broader themes of representation and inclusion: Hilda’s success sends a message that with the right support, anyone can innovate and lead, regardless of background or industry norms. As a graduate (and now instructor) of Rising Tide Capital’s entrepreneurial training program, Hilda exemplifies the transformative impact of access and opportunity. Her story aligns with Rising Tide Capital’s 21-year mission to democratize entrepreneurship and build an economy that works for everyone.

Tune in to be inspired by Hilda Mera’s journey. It’s a testament to the power of grit, community, and vision in creating a business – and a life – that uplifts others. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a champion of women’s leadership, or just someone who loves a great success story, this episode will leave you motivated and hopeful. Listen now on Future Tide Conversations!

In this episode, Alfa Demmellash sits down with Towanda McEachern, founder of The Empowerment Studio in Newark, NJ, to explore how personal healing can lead to community transformation.

Towanda shares her journey from trauma to empowerment and how creating spaces of care—like A Life Recycled—can support others in reconnecting with their purpose. Together, they reflect on how the systems we carry internally shape the ones we build around us, and why mental well-being must be central to how we lead.

Learn more and explore additional resources at:
future.risingtidecapital.org/podcast

Follow Towanda’s work: empowermentstudionj.com

In this inaugural episode of Future Tide Conversations with Alfa Demmellash, CEO and Co-Founder of Rising Tide Capital sits down with Myani Lawson, an education entrepreneur, to explore her journey into entrepreneurship, education in today’s world and instilling resilience in a rapidly changing world. The candid conversation is intended to share dreams in progress as they unfold to change the world around us, pointing the way to how we can journey together to mutual flourishing.

Future Tide Conversations is a special initiative of Future Tide Partners powered by Rising Tide Capital. We are a 501-c-3 non-profit organization with a mission to provide holistic and long-term support to the entrepreneurs and leaders building businesses and initiatives that advance human connection and well-being at a community level. We believe these enterprises are the corner stone of a thriving future economy for every community. 



To learn more about our work, visit us at RisingTideCapital.org and follow us on our social channels for entrepreneurial resources, inspiration and to support our mission!