Latinas On Top: A Celebration of Perseverance and Success

Linette Pichardo, Marlene Dietsch, Margaret Dietsch, Cecilia Figari and Leslie Estevez at Latinas on Top at the Bellini Rooftop. Photos by Salvador Martinez .

On Sunday, September 15, a vibrant gathering of Latina entrepreneurs took place at the Bellini Rooftop at the Beatrice on Providence. Orchestrated by visionary Margaret Dietsch, an entrepreneur and founder of Brassard Events, the event, “Latinas On Top,” brought together a diverse group of dynamic women to connect, share their stories and celebrate each other’s success.

The event featured a panel of four Latina businesswomen who offered invaluable insights into their journeys as business owners. As part of the panel, Leslie Estevez, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach for Les Health and Fitness, captivated the audience with her personal story of growth. Starting with just two weights in her studio, Leslie has built a thriving business over the past five years. Her message to the women in the room was clear: true motivation must come from within. Maintaining a healthy mind is crucial for a healthy body, a principle she lives by and encourages others to embrace.

All attendees at Latinas on Top.

Self-care, a recurring theme of the event, was championed by Cecilia Figari. As founder of Dominican Active Wear, Cecilia integrates the flag of the Dominican Republic into her sports apparel and adopted the hashtag #Dominican to craft a brand that resonates deeply with her audience. Aside from amplifying confidence, her designs embrace cultural pride.

Linette Pichardo showcased how creativity can transform an idea into a blooming enterprise. As founder of Aroma by Lilac, her creative candle business underscores the importance of organic self-care practices. Her creations blend relaxing aromas with wellness, offering accents for a comforting retreat for her clients. In a similar vein, Marlene Dietsch, the founder of Gaviota by Lia, highlighted the significance of skincare in self-care. Marlene’s dedication to providing non-toxic, organic skincare products ensures that women can maintain healthy, glowing skin while supporting their well-being.

The phrase “Latinas On Top” is not only a testament to the tireless efforts of all the Latina women who were in the room, but also showcases the passion and dedication Margaret Dietsch possessed to turn her vision into a reality. The event celebrated these women’s incredible accomplishments and served as a reminder of the resilience, beauty and power inherent in the Latina spirit. Each speaker, through their personal and professional trials, embodied the essence of endurance, proving that regardless of the challenges, Latinas will always come out on top.

Margaret Dietsch, an entrepreneur and founder of Brassard Events.