Inspiration
Graciela is a champion of people in pursuit of fulfillment. Since she arrived in the United States from Cuba—without the ability to speak English—to start a new life with her parents and brothers, Graciela has been inspired by countless individuals who encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
After a highly successful career with some of the most high-profile companies in the world, she has now dedicated her life to helping others achieve the personal success and satisfaction they seek.
Through her speaking engagements, articles, blog posts, social media commentary, and one-on-one coaching, Graciela lives to inspire others to maximize their potential. She truly believes that she can be a source of inspiration and a resource for those who need assistance identifying their potential and achieving their dream.
Services
A gifted speaker and writer, Graciela inspires audiences.
The topic could be diversity, authenticity, or her personal journey; Graciela’s enthusiasm and wisdom are guaranteed to encourage and delight.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Graciela is available for:
- Conference Keynotes
- Conference appearances and speeches
- Article writing and guest-blogging opportunities
- A high energy pep-talk
Coveted Speaker
Graciela is a sought-after diversity speaker. A sampling of her appearances includes:
- Latina Global Executive Authentic Leadership Program at the University of Southern California—Faculty member
- CiMi Conference, Berlin
- The Conference Board Diversity Conference—Chicago and New York
- The Women’s Conference—California
- The Toy and Game Inventor Awards—Chicago
- Heartfelt Leadership Conference—Los Angeles
- SHRM Diversity Conference—San Diego and San Francisco
- Multicultural Forum on Workplace Inclusion—Minneapolis
Accomplished Writer
Graciela’s articles have appeared in a wide range of corporate, non-profit, and consumer publications.
Articles:
- Diversity and Inclusion—Key to Growth!
- Becoming Aware of My Own Privilege?
- Diversity is Everyone!
Mission/Vision
Since moving to the United States sight-unseen at the age of twelve, Graciela has experienced a life of tremendous challenges—and wonderful rewards. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective: that we all benefit from acceptance, diversity, and authenticity. It is her fervent belief that an inclusive culture is what drives innovation and success. And it has become her mission to evangelize this belief to audiences around the world. Or, as Graciela so eloquently puts it:
““I am a minority within a minority. I have learned to appreciate differences and the gift that comes from connecting with people from different backgrounds. It is a philosophy to which I remained true throughout my life and career. As such, I have used my own experiences to create strategies that break down barriers, spark collaboration, and remove biases and judgment that negatively influence our thinking and behaviors. I truly believe it is this philosophy that has allowed me to gain the trust of my audiences, my staff, the members of my management team, and colleagues—while always being true to myself.
“Through my life and my work, I want to be a source of inspiration and a resource to underprivileged children (and youth of all ages), to help them find their dreams and achieve them.”
A gifted speaker and writer, Graciela has been inspiring audiences for more than 20 years. Whether the topic is opportunity, diversity – or her own personal journey – Graciela’s enthusiasm and wisdom are guaranteed to encourage and delight.
Personal Heroes
Graciela draws inspiration from countless individuals who still shape her life and her decisions to this day. Her personal list of heroes ranges from the globally famous to members of her own family. Graciela truly believes we all can serve as examples for those around us, regardless of whether your actions impress millions—or only a select few.
Her heroes include:
- Her own parents – The driving forces behind her emigration from Cuba, Graciela’s parents demonstrated how to live with determination, integrity, and authenticity. Independent thinkers who stood for what was right, her parents showed her time and time again how to live life as a “dreamer, whose feet are on the ground.”
- Her paternal grandfather - Pastor Guerra - A man ahead of his years—who actually fought in the Spanish-American war—this father of twelve always inspired his children to dream and learn.
- Mahatma Gandhi - Though selfless and kind, Gandhi still had the strength to fight for the values in which he believed in a manner that set an example for millions around the world.
- Nelson Mandela - The epitome of grace and tenacity, Mandela rose above the politics of the day to unite his country when it needed him most—despite the fact that he had been imprisoned and tortured by that country for more than two decades.
Her heroes include:
- Astrid Autolitano – A former boss, mentor, and force with whom to be reckoned, Autolitano is a strong, caring and decisive woman who is able to connect with people from all walks of life.
- Richard Branson - A risk-taker and adventurer, Branson is a “big idea” visionary who has the courage to be his own man – freeing him to see beyond what others might ordinarily see.
- Barack Obama – Calm and elegant, Obama is a class act who can’t be ruffled. Another legendary connector, the President is both brilliant and charismatic - and always focused on the big picture.
Inspirational Quotes
Graciela loves quotes and has even published some original ones of her own. Some of her favorites include:
“The greatest voyage of discovery would not be to travel to foreign lands, but to behold the universe through the eyes of another.” – Marcel Proust
“Don’t live some else’s truth, find your truth and live it.” – Graciela Meibar
“You are great and if you shoot for the stars you’ll reach the Milky-way cause you’re the Star!” – Saya W. ( a very smart & inspiring 11 year old)
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.” -Lance Secretan
“Forget all the reasons why it won’t work and believe in the one reason it will!” – Unknown
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
“Don’t live someone else’s truth, find your truth and live it.” — Graciela Meibar