Last week I experienced the We All Grow Summit for the first time, an annual conference in California for Latina digital influencers. After attending We All Grow Familia last October, l thought I had a nice idea of what to expect at the annual summit. Boy, was I wrong! It was 1000 times better than I ever imagined it!

The theme for this year’s conference was “The Energy of Sisterhood” and I can’t stress how well it fit not only to what #WeAllGrow Latina is about but it also felt a call for action. In times where our country is divided, the need for strong communities has never been so important. This is why Ana Flores’s welcoming words were on point: “to bask in this energy of love, support and sisterhood”

All photos with logo are from Robson Muzel

Basking in the Energy of Sisterhood

As I entered the stunning Hotel Maya and noticed its Hispanic-inspired style, I thought it was a beautiful coincidence that the place where more than 400 Latina bloggers, content creators and influencers (and a few men, too) were surrounded with a vibe that brought memories of our heritage lands. And that is exactly when the magic of the summit started to me, the reminder of our Latino identity.

It was not only the beautiful venue that strengthened this message of identity to the attendees, but it was also every detail found in the summit. From the #AlasParaVolar Welcome Party inspired in Frida Kahlo to the careful selection of brands known to empower Latino culture and families. This was the place to elevate the Latina digital influencer and promote passion and diversity.

For two days we gathered to listen and learn from the best of the industry. I was in awe with all the knowledge and motivation that they freely shared. Their experiences and tips brought me so much perspective and ignited more my passion for what I do at Hispanic Mama.

Sometimes blogging feels a lonely business so being in the same room with people who are chasing similar dreams or have already walked the path that you are barely starting was very refreshing. This is another thing that makes #WeAllGrow the go-to professional conference for Latina influencers.

The breakout session were-so-good that I had a hard time deciding what to choose. They were about: Lead. Create. Monetize. Mentor. Wellness. One of my favorite sessions was Sili’s. We not only learned great tools to apply to our own businesses but also to overcome our deepest fears!

Ready to learn from @MyMamihood about planning, pitching and profit #WeAllGrow pic.twitter.com/e4RIMEeL1p

— Linda López (@hispanic_mama) March 4, 2017

And this one about activating our storytelling for social good…

Another perk of the #WeAllGrow Summit is the opportunity to connect with brands in a more personal way. This is so important that it starts on the very first day with the sponsored field trips. For this summit, I was selected by Disney Parks to spend part of the day with them. It was a great experience that deserves its own post (stay tuned!)

Then for the next two days, we got to build connections with well-known brands like Neutrogena, Narciso Rodriguez, Mazda, Aveeno, Johnson’s, Colgate, Chase, Turbo Tax, WordPress, La Lechera, etc., and experience closely the quality of their products. I had so much fun trying new make up at the Neutrogena suite and learning from a specialist how to do better at taking care of my skin.

I also loved meeting fabulous Adamaris López (Thanks Aveeno!), getting technical help from WordPress, trying the newest perfume of Narciso Rodriguez and enjoying this delicious dulce de leche pancake from La Lechera! ¡Nos engrieron mucho!

The summit was also a great place to discover new brands and connect with them!!!

I didn’t know about @ConsumerReports mission on make people health better! What a great organization! #weallgrow

— Linda López (@hispanic_mama) March 4, 2017

You can feel the “when one grows, we all grow” mantra in the air during the three days but it was the storytellers, presented by Disney Princess “Dream Big Princess” what impacted me deeper. Silvia Olivas, the head writer and co-producer of Elena of Avalor was the first speaker and shared her inspiration and her commitment to represent Latino children in media.

And then the storytellers…. Listening to their intimate and vulnerable experiences was empowering. I ugly cried with Vanessa and Elayna’s stories. Marianna, Laura, Dora and Camila’s stories were also beautiful and an invitation to keep dreaming ¡y a seguirle dando duro!

What a great conference! I am so glad I was able to come and I can’t wait for the nationwide one-day city events! The next event is in New York on June 3rd. I will be traveling to Ecuador ..but you bet I’ll be watching it on Facebook live from the plane! 🙂