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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@vida_with_jess

@MaravillosaMovement

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.

In this episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, we’re joined by the amazing Diana Serrano, an accountant who’s passionate about helping first-gen entrepreneurs take control of their numbers and thrive.

But this convo isn’t just about spreadsheets and tax forms. We talk real talk, how neglecting your numbers can be costly not just financially, but emotionally. Diana shares how bookkeeping and understanding your money can actually support your mental health, help you grow in life and business, and start to break through money stigmas we’ve carried for too long.

Whether you’re running a business, side hustling, or just trying to get it together financially, this episode will shift your mindset around money and help you feel more powerful in your journey.

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!

Instagram and TikTok Handles

@vida_with_jess

@MaravillosaMovement

Learn more about Diana

Diana is an accountant based in Los Angeles who is dedicated to helping first-generation service entrepreneurs manage their bookkeeping and taxes. She’s passionate about empowering the Latine community through tax education and financial literacy.

As the eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, Diana takes pride in her roots and loves being able to use her knowledge and experience to serve her community.

Links:IG: @taxeswithdiana

This week on Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, Rosa joins Jess for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about what happens when you truly invest in yourself. 💫 From discovering the beauty of sisterhood to breaking through barriers in public speaking and personal growth, this episode is all about rising together. Tune in to hear how Jess and Rosa found each other, and how Rosa is now helping other women find their voices, too.

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! Instagram and TikTok Handles@vida_with_jess

@MaravillosaMovement

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.