Rozalyn Lucero-Corona asks me for a time extension to conduct the interview. A family member had an accident over the weekend, and she needed to pick up her niece. However, she insists, expressing her interest in discussing her organization, Chingona Community.
An hour later, we connect. Rozalyn is a woman who exudes a lot of energy, a positive energy that is truly valuable. She apologizes without needing to, reflecting her respect for the commitments and agreements she makes in her life.
Chingona Community has carved out a space in the Los Angeles Latina community, providing empowerment to women and demonstrating that nothing is impossible. With a Chingona Mindset, one can progress and achieve the goals set forth. Towards the end of last year, Rozalyn lost her job. Faced with all her commitments to her family, friends, and organization, she found herself in an unfamiliar territory, having to reinvent herself and move forward. This is a message she has consistently conveyed in her numerous events and on Instagram.
I’ve learned to prioritize, to say ‘NO’ when things can’t be done, saying ‘NO’ means they can’t be done at that moment but maybe later,” Rozalyn shares.
“To be honest, leading a life that involves my health and wellness practices has helped me move forward. I started taking a pilates class, which has positively influenced me. I’ve learned to prioritize, to say ‘NO’ when things can’t be done, saying ‘NO’ means they can’t be done at that moment but maybe later,” Rozalyn shares.
She continues, “What I’m saying may sound simple, but there are moments when I feel the pressure. I lost a significant portion of my income, but I never turn back; I keep going, trying to find a way to make things happen,” she adds.
These challenging moments seem to have tested her, and instead of falling, she is fighting to rise. Rozalyn has learned new things and how to live in a different way. “I manage my time better, but really, prioritizing has been the most important,” she says.
One of her greatest tests is dealing with her children. She avoids falling into the guilt of being a mother and speaks honestly with them, letting them know that she loves them and is giving her best. “I try to convey that everything is okay. I am blessed; I know I’m not perfect, but I also know I’ve been blessed. I see it in myself and the people around me; we are growing,” she adds.
She has witnessed the same with Chingona Community. She is very optimistic that this year their paid membership will grow, enabling them to finally have a budget and a solid financial plan. Her goal for this year is to reach 200 paid members. This ensures attendance at various workshops, conferences, and events where they will find assistance for themselves, their businesses, and advice on making their plans and dreams possible.
“We not only provide counseling but also a network of people with similar aspirations that will benefit them in their personal lives,” she says.
Chingona Community membership costs $180 per year. I can’t help but make a very simple comparison.
“A piece of gum every day equals the cost of annual membership,” I tell her.
“If you want to put it that way, you’re right. It’s very cheap for the benefits you get. As I said, the support one receives among these brave women is invaluable. We support each other, learn from each other. Now that we have so many mental health issues and it’s so challenging to find a good specialist, it’s very positive to be in a space like ours, where we know we will be heard and helped, and in turn, we do the same for others,” she adds.
In November of last year, she started a program called Chingona Mindset, consisting of a 3 to 4-hour session where they discuss the potential that women, especially Latinas, can achieve in this society. “The statistics have been positive,” she says.
However, listening to her talk about so many plans, programs, events, and her personal commitments can be exhausting.
“I take it day by day; it can be yes, exhausting, being sometimes out of my comfort zone, but I fight against all of that. I maintain my routine; my golden time is being with myself in the mornings, that time in the gym fills me with energy and prepares me for what I face the rest of the day—always positive,” she says.
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