
We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact.
Meet Esmeralda
Esmeralda Aharon is a combat veteran, international bestselling author, educator, and builder of belonging whose leadership embodies resilience, faith, and social justice. Born in Brownsville, Texas and raised as a migrant farmworker, she learned perseverance and compassion early, values that continue to guide her mission of empowering others to rise.
After the loss of her son, Esmeralda transformed grief into purpose, serving 26 years in the United States Air Force Chaplain Corps, where she provided interfaith spiritual care and intercultural leadership across four deployments to the Middle East. Her distinguished service earned multiple decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Spirit of the Four Chaplains Award (2012), President’s Volunteer Service Award (2014), Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year (2016), and a nomination for the LATINA Style Distinguished Military Service Award (2017).
Today, Esmeralda serves as Program Director at Saint Louis University, where she lives out the Jesuit mission of faith, service, and justice. Her work advances social justice, inclusive leadership, healthcare equity, and belonging, empowering faculty, staff, and learners to lead with compassion and purpose. She extends this mission through service on the SLU Women’s Commission, Hispanic Leaders Group, VetBiz, and Belleville VFW Post 1739.
A Hispanic Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2023) by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Esmeralda continues to amplify women’s voices as co-founder of Latinas Rising LLC, home to the #1 international bestselling anthologies Calladitas Rising: Reclaiming Your Power, Strength, and Voice and Amigas Rising: Lifting Others As We Climb.
In recognition of her continuous service to the community, Esmeralda was presented with the Global War on Terrorism Veteran of the Year Award by the St. Louis Veterans Commission in 2024. The following year, she was honored by Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler, with Mayor Cara Spencer proclaiming September 16, 2025, as Esmeralda Aharon Day, and Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez presenting a city resolution recognizing her as a veteran, scholar, and champion for justice.
Through her interfaith compassion, intercultural expertise, and unwavering commitment to lifting others as she climbs, Esmeralda Aharon continues to shape a legacy of empowerment, belonging, and transformative leadership.
Meet Gabriela
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano is a bilingual thought leader, international bestselling author, marathon runner, and sought-after keynote speaker who empowers women, entrepreneurs, and communities to rise and thrive. An immigrant from Mexico, Gabriela draws on her lived experiences growing up in the U.S. to champion language access, inclusive economic growth, and authentic leadership. She currently serves as Vice President of Entrepreneurship at Cortex Innovation District, Executive Director of the BALSA Foundation, and co-founder of STL Juntos. This non-profit advocates and champions for language access and is the co-founder of Latinas Rising, an initiative dedicated to amplifying voices through authorship, mentorship, and storytelling.
Gabriela’s proudest accomplishment is being the mother of three incredible children—Adriana, Edward, and Marcela—who continue to inspire her to live fully, lead boldly, and love deeply. Her journey of resilience and purpose has shaped her belief that authenticity and community are the foundation of lasting impact.
A trusted voice in entrepreneurship and equity, Gabriela has been honored with numerous awards for her leadership and community building, including Woman of Distinction (2023), Most Influential Women (2023), Women Who Make St. Louis Great (2023), Tribute to Success Honoree (2023), Women of Achievement (2023), Esperanza Award (2023), Diverse Business Leader (2020), MODOT Outstanding Inclusion Award (2018), Diversity & Inclusion Champion (2018), Top 100 People to Know to Succeed in Business (2017). Her work continues to build bridges of trust, create spaces of belonging, and remind others that when one person dares to rise, we all do.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Bring your ideas to life
Every dream starts with an idea—but it grows through community and accountability. At Latinas Rising, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we help you refine your vision, take action, and stay inspired every step of the way
Build your confidence
Whether you’re launching a business, beginning your professional journey, or stepping into a new chapter, confidence is key. We’ll help you find your voice, own your story, and show up fully for the opportunities ahead.
Expand your potential
We’re here to help you grow—whether that means building your confidence, strengthening your brand, or exploring new opportunities. Through mentorship, community, and guidance, we give you the tools and support to reach your next level and make your vision a reality.