In this special episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, Jess invites her dear friend and partner, Rosa Benavides from Speak Up Mujer, to recap the magical Mujeres Growing Together event held in May 2025.

This episode is all about the journey, how the event was born, how it was developed, and the incredible impact it had on the women who attended. Rosa, who started as a client of Jess’s, now stands as a powerful collaborator in this beautiful movement that began in the heart of the Inland Empire, Southern California.

Together, they reflect on the event’s energy, the behind-the-scenes work, and the powerful connections that were created. They discuss the true essence of the Mujeres Growing Together community, where magic happens when women uplift one another.

Tune in to hear how a vision turned into reality, the challenges they overcame, and the inspiration that continues to fuel this incredible movement. This conversation is a celebration of community, empowerment, and the magic that happens when women come together to grow. ✨

Thank you for listening to this episode and following my journey. Follow me on my social media platforms to stay updated on the latest content and behind-the-scenes moments. And if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate it. Your reviews are greatly appreciated and will help this podcast reach more modern Latinas like yourself who are determined to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Las quiero mucho!

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Learn More about Rosa

Rosa E. Benavides is the founder of Speak Up Mujer, a professional-development company that empowers Latinas and first-generation professionals to own their voice, communicate with influence, and lead with confidence.

A proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a UCLA alumna (B.A. World English Literature & Spanish Literature), Rosa brings 15 years in management—including a decade in executive leadership for the City of Los Angeles—to every coaching session and stage.

For more than 20 years she has immersed herself in personal-growth work, blending time-tested leadership principles with culturally attuned strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

Her signature offerings—D.A.R.E. T.O. Program one-on-one coaching, the Amplify Your Voice public-speaking cohort, and the women-in-business series From Speaking Up to Leveling Up—have helped hundreds of women secure promotions, negotiate salaries, and speak boldly in rooms where decisions are made. A 2025 NLBWA-LA Women of Excellence Entrepreneur-of-the-Year nominee, Rosa’s mission is simple: equip mujeres to speak up, show up, and level up—on their own terms.