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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@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!

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@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.

In this week’s episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, Jess shares her journey of self-love, personal growth, and the power of embracing her voice.

She discusses the books that have recently shaped her mindset, the importance of stepping into advocacy, and the challenges of navigating outside opinions. Jess also opens up about how practicing self-development as an entrepreneur has shaped her journey now that she’s working on her own.

Her business has been pushing her to step further into advocacy, l something she’s always done but is now evolving into more intentionally. She emphasizes the value of education, trusting your instincts, and unapologetically owning your unique journey.

Previous episode referenced: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x58E3EnbZbUmQ9pbls4oi?si=aa4784f852ee42d0

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

@Maravillosa_Movement

In this week’s episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, Jess is back from a break after launching her business, Maravillosa Movement. But this time, there’s a twist! Jess’s friend, Wendy Acosta, host of The Real Deal Podcast, takes the mic and interviews Jessica about her personal journey. They dive deep into Jess’s experiences with mental health, life struggles, and how those challenges shaped the person she is today.

The conversation also takes a heartfelt turn as they discuss the creation of Maravillosa Movement, its powerful mission, and what inspired Jess to build a community focused on empowering others. Tune in for an inspiring episode full of raw honesty, growth, and the story behind Jess’s new venture.

Mental Health Resources: Resources and Group Support: NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers various support groups for families and individuals. Support groups are provided virtually and in person and are accessible in Spanish as well. Follow this link to find your local NAMI chapter: ⁠⁠https://www.nami.org/affiliate/california/⁠⁠

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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@maravillosa_movement

More information about Wendy Acosta

Instagram: thewendyacosta_

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42Dc3oXhrvSLr50FER0mhs?si=afe2c145b7344b32

In this week’s episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, Jess returns from an unexpected break, sharing deeply personal reflections on the significant, unplanned changes that have reshaped her life. After opening up about her struggles with anxiety and depression in the last episode, she revisits how her gut instinct sensed that a major shift was coming.

During her time away, Jess recorded an unreleased episode that captured her raw emotions as she navigated through this challenging period. In this special episode, she gives you a glimpse into her feelings and how her intuition urged her to move on and embrace change.

On the other side of that journey, Jess shares the transformative leap she took by leaving her job and launching her new venture, Maravillosa Movement, a business dedicated to empowering women and small businesses.

Tune in as Jess opens up about listening to her gut, facing her fears, and ultimately, trusting herself to step into a new chapter of her life. If you're going through a season of change or feeling stuck, this episode will inspire you to trust your instincts and take that leap of faith.

Mental Health Resources: Resources and Group Support: NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers various support groups for families and individuals. Support groups are provided virtually and in person and are accessible in Spanish as well. Follow this link to find your local NAMI chapter: ⁠https://www.nami.org/affiliate/california/⁠

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

@maravillosa_movement

In this moving episode of "Vida, I Wish I Knew Then," Jess bares her soul about her second recent battle with severe anxiety and depression. She takes us on an intimate journey through her path to seeking help again and the invaluable lessons she's uncovered.

Jess passionately highlights the critical importance of seeking support and prioritizing mental well-being. She also shares her favorite books and documentaries that have deepened her understanding of emotions. Don't miss this inspiring and transformative episode!

Shows and Books Mentioned

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Good Morning Monster by Catherine Gildiner

Celine Dion: Prime Vido "I Am: Celine Dion"

David Beckham: Netflix documentary series "Beckham"

Simone Biles: Netflix "Simone Biles Rising"

Previous Vida, I Wish I Knew Then Episodes Mentioned

Claudia Barajas: Grieving the Old, Embracing the New You

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JbllPc8o4Gnkp5OF9KFxY?si=a124a8cb0a624da4

Denisse Silva: Allowing your heart to Break

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uPhAEn0e1xKyEintu9Coq?si=ivNqYtF_Rdew9e0DzeGqmw

Mental Health Resources: Resources and Group Support: NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers various support groups for families and individuals. Support groups are offered virtually and in-person and are accessible in Spanish as well. Follow this link to find your local NAMI chapter: https://www.nami.org/affiliate/california/

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

In this week's episode of Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, the host Jess, discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who align with your goals. She shares her experiences with mentors and peers who have supported her personally and professionally. Jess provides tips on how to build your circle of mentors, including reaching out to colleagues, teachers and networking events. She emphasizes the mutual benefits of these relationships and the importance of giving and receiving support. Jess concludes by expressing gratitude for her circle of mentors and encourages listeners to support and uplift each other.

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