NAHREP Archives

You Have a Will — Whether You Wrote It or the State Did

🛑 Estate Planning for Hispanic Families

Only 25% of Hispanic homeowners over age 50 have a will or trust — the lowest rate of any demographic in the U.S.

This isn’t just a stat.
It’s a red flag for unprotected generational wealth.

Because when you don’t have an estate plan, the state decides:
🏠 Who gets your home
👨‍👩‍👧 Who raises your children
💰 How your assets are divided
⏳ How long your family waits
💔 And how much it costs them in probate

If you don’t have a will, the state has one for you.
But it won’t reflect your values, protect your legacy, or preserve peace in your family.

And while estate planning is often misunderstood as a “luxury,” it’s actually the foundation of wealth preservation. Especially if you’re a homeowner, a parent, or a business owner.

Here’s what you need to protect your assets:

✅ A Living Will – outlines your healthcare decisions
✅ A Revocable Trust – avoids probate, keeps your affairs private
✅ A Durable Power of Attorney – gives a trusted person legal authority if needed
✅ A valid Will – ensures your wishes are clear and enforceable

🎥 Watch this quick video to see how easy it is to begin:

📩 Ready to protect what matters most?

Contact Mark Pinilla to learn how you can start protecting your assets today.

I’ll show you how to start the process.

💬 Because estate planning isn’t optional. It’s essential for any family building a legacy.

👉 To read the full report, click the link below:
https://bit.ly/3IxQNKD

From Flash to Freedom: Real Wealth Is Built, Not Flaunted

Redefining Latino Wealth: From Flash to Freedom

For too long, we’ve been taught that success is something you show. However, real wealth is built not flaunted, and that truth is finally taking root in our community.

Because of this shift, Latino families are no longer chasing image alone. Instead, we are choosing freedom, legacy, and long-term control over short-term applause.

Why Flash Fails and Freedom Wins

Let’s be honest.

Flash is temporary. Flex fades. However, freedom compounds.

When we define wealth by what we show, we get trapped in survival mode. As a result, we stay busy but never build ownership.

Instead, we must define wealth by what we own, invest in, and protect. For this reason, Latino families are making powerful shifts:

Less showing off, more showing up
Fewer liabilities, more income-generating assets
No more chasing approval – only chasing freedom

Más Que Dinero: My Philosophy for Latino Wealth

Más Que Dinero is not just a phrase — it’s my philosophy.

I created this philosophy through deep reflection and collaboration with organizations like NAHREP and the Hispanic Wealth Project, both of which have shaped how I see wealth, legacy, and purpose in the Latino community.

To me, Más Que Dinero means that true wealth goes beyond income. It’s about building a life of purpose, ownership, and legacy.

This philosophy is rooted in five guiding beliefs:

Value time over status
Build assets, not just income
Live below your means so you can rise above limits
Invest with intention, not impulse
Define wealth by what you leave behind, not what you show

This is more than financial advice. It’s a personal mission. It’s a cultural reset. It’s a mindset that empowers Latino professionals and immigrant parents to shift from survival mode to strategic growth.

Más Que Dinero is still new, but the values it reflects have been in our families for generations — sacrifice, discipline, faith, and hard work.

Why Real Wealth Is Built Not Flaunted

The 2025 State of Hispanic Wealth Report confirms that Latino families are not just dreaming about wealth — they are actively building it. Across the four pillars of prosperity, the data tells a story of cultural transformation:

Homeownership: Hispanic homeownership reached 49.5%, holding steady despite rising interest rates and housing costs. It reflects resilience and the desire for permanence and generational equity.
Entrepreneurship: Latinos started 36% of all new businesses in the U.S., nearly double our share of the population. The challenge now is scaling beyond solopreneurship and building long-term equity through systems and teams.
Investments: Our participation in retirement and financial markets is growing, but still below national averages. The report highlights a rising awareness of long-term investing through culturally relevant education and access.
Asset Protection: The report reveals a critical gap — very little data is available on the use of trusts, wills, life insurance, or estate planning in Latino communities. This silence speaks volumes. Protecting what we build is just as important as building it. We must normalize conversations around legal tools that safeguard our legacy.

This is not just data. It’s a reflection of shifting priorities — from spending to strategy, from income to ownership. The Más Que Dinero philosophy aligns with this momentum and gives it structure, language, and urgency.

What Real Wealth Looks Like in Real Life

Real wealth is quiet. It does not beg to be seen.

It shows up in:

A paid-off home
Monthly income from dividend stocks or rental units
Emergency funds that eliminate fear
Trusts and wills that secure your family’s future

Real wealth isn’t loud. It’s strong, steady, and unstoppable. Therefore, we must prioritize building it every day.

How to Start Your Shift Right Now

You don’t need six figures to start building wealth. You only need the courage to take one step.

Here are three ways to begin today:

Audit your spending. What are you buying to impress others?
Start investing. Open a simple brokerage account and buy a low-cost index fund.
Adopt the Más Que Dinero mindset. Choose actions that create freedom, not just applause.

Every decision matters. Every dollar is a tool. Every habit is a seed.

Build What They Cannot Take Away

If you’re a Latino professional or immigrant parent, you are not just working to survive. You are building something bigger.

You were not born to hustle endlessly and leave nothing behind. You were born to build. To own. To change your family tree.

Start now:

Embrace the Más Que Dinero philosophy
Talk to your children about assets, not just jobs
Invest in freedom, not flex

Because real wealth is built not flaunted. And what you build today becomes someone else’s freedom tomorrow.

✉️ Ready to Build Your Legacy? Contact Me

If you’re ready to stop showing wealth and start building it — for your children, your future, and your freedom — let’s connect.

I’ll help you:

Apply the Más Que Dinero philosophy to your own life
Create a practical wealth-building strategy
Shift your mindset from consumer to creator

📩 Contact Me
Take the first step toward legacy. Because the time is now.

#RealWealthIsBuiltNotFlaunted #MasQueDinero #BuildNotFlaunt #LatinoWealth #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla #NAHREP #HispanicWealthProject

Fortifying the Latino Brand & Leveraging your NAHREP Membership

Mark Pinilla at NAHREP Fort Lauderdale’s “Level Up 2026: Strategies for Success”

Mark Pinilla delivered a powerful and timely presentation titled “Fortifying the Latino Brand and Leveraging Your NAHREP Membership” at NAHREP Fort Lauderdale’s signature event, Level Up 2026: Strategies for Success.

His keynote was a compelling call to action for all real estate professionals to become the bridge that helps build the perfect Latino family—one that:

Owns a home
Owns a business
Invests in the market
Protects what they’ve worked hard for

Mark emphasized that NAHREP members must:

Connect with like-minded individuals to drive collective success
Educate themselves and their communities to create long-term wealth
Build and serve their local communities with purpose
Live out the NAHREP 10 Disciplines as role models for generational change

This session wasn’t just informational—it was transformational, urging Latino professionals to step into leadership, legacy, and significance.

👉 Follow the links below to learn more, get involved, and explore resources that will help you build your legacy.

🌐 Mark Pinilla
https://www.markpinilla.com/

🌐 NAHREP – National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals https://nahrep.org/

🌐 NAHREP Fort Lauderdale
https://nahrepfortlauderdale.org

🌐 NAHREP 10 Disciplines
https://nahrep.org/nahrep-10-disciplines

🌐 Become a Certified Trainer https://hispanicwealthproject.org/certifiedtrainer

🌐 NHCA – National Hispanic Construction Alliance
https://nhca.pro/

🌐 Avance Sports
https://avancesports.org/

🌐 Youtube – Fortifying the Latino Brand and Leveraging your NAHREP Membership
https://youtu.be/Ca1BVCEJSZc

#HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #Homeownership #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits #RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla

Mark Pinilla Appointed to the Speaker Bureau

Honored to Join the NAHREP & Hispanic Wealth Project Speaker Bureau 🙌

I’m proud to share that I’ve been officially appointed to the Speaker Bureau powered by NAHREP and the Hispanic Wealth Project — a national platform that features changemakers committed to educating, inspiring, and advancing the Latino community.

It’s an honor to stand alongside so many incredible voices who are making a real impact across the country.

This isn’t just about speaking — it’s about service, strategy, and significance. I’m committed to showing up with energy, insight, and a message that elevates our communities and moves the mission forward.

Grateful to NAHREP and the Hispanic Wealth Project for this opportunity — and excited for what’s ahead. Let’s continue building together.

📌 If you’re interested in bringing me to your next event, visit:
https://nahrep.org/speaker-bureau

🔗 Learn more: markpinilla.com
📲 Connect on Instagram: @MarkTheSpeaker
💼 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markpinilla

#NAHREP #HispanicWealthProject #SpeakerBureau #LatinoLeadership #MarkPinilla #NAHREP10 #ImpactOverIncome #LegacyLeadership

Redefine Wealth to Build Lasting Prosperity for Latinos

Redefine wealth to build lasting prosperity. That’s the shift Latino families and professionals must make if we’re serious about changing our financial reality. This isn’t about working harder. It’s about thinking differently.

Many of us were raised to believe that wealth is something you show. Cars, clothes, and brand names become symbols of success. But those symbols come with invisible costs: debt, stress, and missed opportunities for real ownership.

Discipline #1 from the NAHREP 10 is clear. We must move beyond the surface and develop a mature understanding of wealth. True prosperity doesn’t shout. It compounds.

Illustration of financial growth symbols like stocks, buildings, and savings, representing long-term financial security over material possessions.

The Flash Trap

Carlos was a top real estate agent. Designer clothes, expensive car, no investments. His sister Mariana lived modestly but bought her first property at 28. Ten years later, Carlos was juggling debt. Mariana had multiple streams of income.

Same family. Same opportunity. Different mindset.

Too often, we trade long-term security for short-term status. We can’t build a financial legacy on image alone. We have to redefine wealth to build lasting prosperity and we have to start now.

What Real Wealth Looks Like

Real wealth gives you options. It includes:

Income-producing assets
Financial stability over flash
Room to take risks without panic
Legacy for the next generation

This kind of wealth isn’t loud or visible. It’s intentional, disciplined, and rooted in clarity.

Consumption vs. Control

Many spending habits come from a need for recognition. But when you shift from spending to investing, you stop seeking validation and start building power.

Ask yourself:

Is this purchase for impact or image?
Will this decision move me closer to freedom?
Am I acting from strategy or emotion?

The more you ask these questions, the faster you gain control of your financial story.

The State of Latino Wealth

According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, only 33 percent of Latinos own a retirement account, and just 15 percent own a brokerage account. That means the vast majority are not participating in the long-term wealth-building tools that drive financial freedom.

These are not just numbers. They are red flags.

When 96 percent of Latinos have transactional accounts, but only a fraction invest, it shows that most are stuck in a cycle of spending and saving — not growing.

This isn’t just a gap in numbers. It’s a gap in access, education, and mindset.

The system wasn’t designed with Latino stories in mind. But we don’t need permission to change that. We need tools, mentors, and a shift in perspective. We must move from chasing status to creating security.

This is why the NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer Program was created. It exists to spread culturally relevant financial education, increase Latino homeownership, and expand generational wealth.

Mark Pinilla is a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer for this exact reason. He helps individuals break old money patterns, make strategic financial decisions, and build lives based on equity, not appearance.

Once you understand how the game works, you stop playing small.

Five Steps to Redefine Wealth

Review your last 30 days of spending. What built your future and what fed your image?
Open a brokerage account. Start with what you have. Consistency beats size.
Replace your content diet. Follow educators, not flexers.
Talk about wealth at home. Normalize it.
Before every expense, ask: does this build freedom?

Redefine Wealth to Build Lasting Prosperity

This is more than a phrase. It’s a strategy.

To build lasting prosperity, Latinos must stop outsourcing wealth to appearance. The future belongs to those who invest, not impress.

Discipline #1 demands clarity and courage. Clarity to define what really matters. Courage to make decisions that honor that clarity.

Start small. Stay focused. Keep growing. The legacy you build will be louder than anything you wear.

Call to Action

If you’re ready to stop chasing appearances and start building real wealth, connect with someone who can guide you through the process.

Mark Pinilla is a Certified NAHREP Trainer who teaches Latino professionals and families how to shift from survival thinking to legacy creation. Through workshops, private coaching, and speaking events, he equips individuals with the mindset and tools needed to thrive financially.

To learn more or to book Mark for your next event, visit markpinilla.com or follow him on social media for ongoing education and inspiration.

Your financial breakthrough starts with better beliefs. Don’t wait. Take the first step toward building a life you don’t have to escape from.

#HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #Homeownership #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits #RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla

NAHREP 10 Disciplines: Self-Awareness & Meaning

In a time when achievement is often mistaken for fulfillment, the question of what gives life true meaning has never been more urgent. Many chase success but feel no satisfaction. They build wealth but lack peace. As someone who trains and coaches others using the NAHREP 10 Disciplines, I have seen firsthand that meaning is not found in accolades or approval. It is created through alignment, action, and accountability.

Meaning is not something you stumble upon. It is something you build with intention. And the foundation is discipline.

Simon Sinek teaches us to start with why. John Maxwell reminds us that leadership is influence. Brene Brown urges us to lead with vulnerability and integrity. These principles, echoed in the NAHREP 10 Disciplines, point us toward a powerful truth. When you align your daily actions with your highest values, your life becomes meaningful because it begins to matter to others.

As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, my mission is to help professionals grow their impact by living with intention. Whether you are building a real estate business, creating financial freedom, or becoming a role model in your community, the lessons are the same. Be honest with yourself, stay disciplined in your habits, and lead with vision, as highlighted by the NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

Self-Awareness of your Financial Position

Every step toward lasting growth begins with one critical act: telling yourself the truth. Not sugarcoating. Not avoiding. Just getting real. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about ownership. Because when you clearly see where you stand, you finally have the power to change it.

One of the most transformational financial habits is knowing your net worth. It’s not just a number—it’s a mirror. It reflects how you’ve handled money, what habits you’ve built, and where your priorities lie. Tracking your net worth forces you to face the truth: what you own, what you owe, and what direction you’re actually heading in.

When you do the math, you stop guessing—and start growing. Because awareness leads to smarter decisions, and smarter decisions lead to financial freedom. That’s why this NAHREP 10 Discipline isn’t optional. It’s foundational within the NAHREP 10 Disciplines framework.

Mastery and Growth is a Core Value

A life without skill is a life without direction. As professionals, we must commit to being excellent at what we do. That means becoming a student of our craft. It means reading, training, practicing, and sharpening our thinking every single day.

Clarity in language and confidence in communication are more than soft skills. They are tools of influence. Whether in a client consultation or a family conversation, those who can speak clearly, listen actively, and write with purpose are those who lead with impact.

Being coachable is one of the most underrated disciplines. It is not about admitting weakness. It is about welcoming growth. A willingness to learn from others and evolve your mindset is how you stay relevant and resilient, as highlighted by NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

The Climb to Success: Discipline and the NAHREP Path to Impact

No worthwhile goal comes without resistance. The best leaders are not those who had it easy. They are those who chose to keep climbing when things got hard. If you want to be in the top 10 percent of your profession, you need to train for it like an athlete. Not just with more effort, but with more intention.

Success is not about working more hours. It is about doing the right work with the right mindset, for the right reasons. When your purpose is clear, your energy has direction. When your goals have depth, your discipline becomes sustainable. Aligning with the NAHREP 10 Disciplines makes this journey easier.

Civic Engagement and Advocating with Purpose

One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of building a meaningful life is the ability to impact change beyond your immediate circle. True leadership includes understanding how laws, policies, and government systems affect your business, your community, and future generations.

Being politically savvy means staying informed about public policy, engaging with your local representatives, and using your voice to advocate for the interests of underserved communities. It is not about partisanship or political theater. It is about responsible citizenship and strategic involvement in the systems that shape opportunity.

The NAHREP 10 Disciplines challenge us to use our influence not just for profit, but for progress. Whether you are supporting housing legislation, advocating for fair lending, or encouraging civic participation, your engagement matters. Change does not happen by chance. It happens when prepared leaders show up.

Call to Action

Now is the time to begin. Whether you are reflecting on your finances, your leadership, or your community impact, the shift starts with one decision—to become more intentional, more informed, and more aligned. You have the power to begin that change today.

If you are ready to lead a life that is not just successful but significant, reach out. I would be honored to support your growth, your business, and your role in creating generational wealth within your community. Whether through a strategy session, a training workshop, or simply a meaningful conversation, let’s move forward together.

Contact Mark Pinilla to explore how the NAHREP 10 Disciplines can help you grow, give back, and lead with impact.

#LiveWithPurpose #MeaningfulLeadership #NAHREP10 #LatinoLeadership #GenerationalWealth #BuildWithDiscipline #PolicyWithPurpose #EmpowerYAvanza #RealEstateImpact #CommunityDrivenSuccess #MarkPinilla #PurposeInAction #AdvocateForChange #LeadershipDevelopment #LegacyBuilders #HispanicWealthProject #NAHREP #NAHREPSouthFlorida

Boost Your Credit Score: Strategies for Financial Growth

What’s standing between you and your financial freedom? For many, it’s a three-digit number: your credit score. But the good news? You have the power to change it and boost your credit score.

Improving your credit score isn’t just about better loan terms or lower interest rates—it’s about building confidence and opening doors to new financial opportunities. Let’s explore how real strategies, smart decisions, and the right mindset can transform your financial path.

How Maria Turned Her Credit Around

Maria, a driven marketing professional, found herself stuck with a credit score of 620. The weight of a high credit card balance and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) was holding her back. Sound familiar?

Her Challenges:

High Credit Utilization: Credit cards nearing their limit were keeping her score low.
Complex Debt Mix: Managing both a credit card and a HELOC added financial strain.

What She Did:

Tackled Credit Card Debt First: Knowing that reducing credit utilization could quickly boost her score, Maria focused on paying down her credit cards.
Stayed Consistent with HELOC Payments: While the impact was slower, maintaining regular payments supported her long-term financial health.
Minimized Debt: Inspired by NAHREP’s Discipline #4, Maria committed to minimizing debt to build long-term financial stability. Discipline #4 states: “Minimize Debt because it is the biggest enemy to wealth.” This principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary debt and focusing on paying down existing obligations. Maria prioritized reducing her debt load, understanding that lower debt levels meant less financial stress and better credit health. By adopting this discipline, she created more room for financial growth and resilience. (Learn more about NAHREP 10)

The Result?

Within six months, her credit score soared to 700.
Maria gained not just financial leverage but confidence in managing her money.

If Maria can do it, so can you.

Boost Your Credit Score by minimizing debt

5 Simple Steps to Boost Your Credit Score

Check Your Credit Report: Know where you stand. Identify errors or negative factors.
Cut Down Credit Card Balances: Keeping your utilization below 30% (or ideally 10%) can give your score a quick lift.
Stay Consistent with Payments: Never miss a due date—payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
Mix Up Your Credit: Having a combination of credit types can improve your score over time.
Live Smart, Spend Smarter: Budget wisely. Building financial resilience now prepares you for the unexpected.

Want to Dive Deeper on boosting your credit score?

Check out “Your Score: An Insider’s Secrets to Understanding, Controlling, and Protecting Your Credit Score” by Anthony Davenport. It’s packed with strategies to help you navigate the credit system with confidence. Buy it on Amazon

Ready to Take Control of Your Financial Future?

Improving your credit score isn’t just a financial move—it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s about taking control, making intentional decisions, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

If you’re ready to boost your credit score and take charge of your financial journey, connect with Mark Pinilla for personalized guidance. His expertise can help you design a strategy that fits your goals and gets results.

What’s your biggest challenge with credit? Consistent effort, smart strategies, and expert advice can transform your credit and your financial future. Let’s take that first step together!

#CreditScore #FinancialGrowth #DebtManagement #NAHREP10 #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinance #CreditRepair #WealthBuilding #SmartSpending #MarkPinilla #Empowerment

Invest Every Month for Financial Wealth With Dollar Cost Averaging

The Biggest Investing Mistake: Waiting for the Perfect Time

Many people delay investing because they believe they need a large sum of money or must wait for the “perfect time” to enter the market. The reality? Financial freedom isn’t about timing the market—it’s about time in the market. The earlier and more consistently you invest, the more wealth you build. Invest every month for financial freedom, and you’ll be amazed at the results over time.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies for wealth-building is Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)—a method that helps you grow your investments steadily, avoid emotional decisions, and leverage the power of compounding interest.

What is Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)?

Dollar Cost Averaging is an investment strategy where you invest a fixed amount of money at regular intervals—regardless of market conditions. This means you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high, ultimately averaging out your purchase price over time.

Example of DCA in Action:

Imagine you invest $500 per month into a stock market index fund:

In a month when prices are high, your $500 buys fewer shares.
In a month when prices are low, your $500 buys more shares.
Over time, your cost per share averages out, reducing the risk of investing everything at a market peak.

Why DCA Works:

✅ Eliminates Emotional Investing – No need to worry about when to buy or sell.
✅ Reduces Market Timing Risks – You benefit from long-term market growth rather than short-term swings.
✅ Builds Wealth Consistently – Small, steady contributions grow significantly over time.

Automate Your Investments

The best way to stick with DCA is to automate your investments. Set up an automatic monthly transfer to an investment account, ensuring you stay consistent and take advantage of long-term growth. Invest every month for financial freedom, and let compounding do the rest.

The Power of Compounding Interest

Compounding interest is what turns small, consistent investments into massive wealth.

How It Works:

Your investments earn returns.
Those returns are reinvested, generating even more returns.
Over time, this cycle accelerates, creating exponential growth.

Example of Compounding Interest:

If you invest $1,000 at an 8% annual return:

After 1 year, you have $1,080.
After 2 years, you earn 8% on $1,080, growing to $1,166.
After 30 years, that $1,000 turns into $10,062—without adding a single extra dollar!

💡 Lesson: The earlier you start, the more powerful compounding becomes. Even small amounts invested today can lead to significant wealth.

The Rule of 72: How Your Money Doubles

The Rule of 72 is a simple formula to estimate how long it takes for your investment to double based on its return rate.

Formula:

72 ÷ Annual Interest Rate = Years to Double

Example:

If your investments earn an 8% return, your money doubles every 9 years (72 ÷ 8 = 9).
If you start with $10,000, in 9 years it becomes $20,000, then $40,000 in 18 years, then $80,000 in 27 years—without adding more money!

💡 The sooner you start, the more doubling cycles you get.

NAHREP Discipline #5: Invest at Least 20% of Your Income

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) created 10 disciplines for wealth-building, and Discipline #5 emphasizes investing at least 20% of your income in appreciating assets.

Why This Rule Matters:

✅ Creates Generational Wealth – Investing in real estate, stocks, and businesses ensures long-term financial security.
✅ Shields You from Inflation – Your money grows rather than losing value in a savings account.
✅ Builds Passive Income – Investing allows your money to work for you instead of you working for money.

🔗 Learn more about NAHREP’s 10 Disciplines: NAHREP 10 Disciplines

Your Future Self is Waiting: Take Action Today

Imagine looking back 10 years from now, knowing you started investing today. The key to financial success is not how much you invest, but how early and consistently you do it.

Your Next Steps:

✅ Start Now – Begin with any amount and stay consistent.
✅ Commit to Your Financial Future – Small monthly investments compound into significant wealth.
✅ Need Guidance? Contact Mark for expert direction on improving your financial future.

Schedule a consultation with Mark

The best time to invest was 10 years ago. The second-best time? TODAY.

#Investing #FinancialFreedom #DollarCostAveraging #CompoundingInterest #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #MoneyGrowth #RuleOf72 #NAHREP #SmartInvesting

Lesly Nicole Santiago – Living the NAHREP 10 Discipline #2

Meet Lesley Nicole Santiago: A Humble Powerhouse and True Leader

The Rotary Club of Miami is home to many dedicated individuals, and Lesley Nicole Santiago stands out as someone deeply committed to her profession and her community. This week, she is being recognized for Living the NAHREP 10 Superstar for Discipline #2 “Be in the Top 10% of Your Profession”—because being good is not good enough.

True success comes from striving for excellence, making an impact, and elevating those around you.

Success is measured in many ways, but Lesley’s influence is undeniable. At a recent event, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the respect she commands within her professional and community circles. Her colleagues hold her in high regard—Joshua Mendez praised her dedication and work ethic at Banesco, while Diane Landsberg, the current President of the Rotary Club of Miami, repeatedly encouraged her to become the next club president. Time and time again, people turned to Lesley for guidance and insight, recognizing her as the go-to person for knowledge and leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lesley’s passion for service is evident in everything she does. In the short time I have known her, I have seen her work with purpose and intention, always striving to create meaningful change. Recently, in collaboration with Banesco and NAHREP South Florida, she has committed to supporting homeownership and fostering generational wealth within the Hispanic community. Her leadership and dedication will undoubtedly help strengthen the partnership between these organizations.

It is essential to highlight and celebrate professionals like Lesley—individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference. As a father to two young women in college and a husband who values equality, I believe that recognizing and uplifting strong female leaders is key to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, I am proud to honor Lesley Nicole Santiago for embodying these principles and serving as a shining example of excellence and service. Her impact is real, and her dedication is inspiring.

Bravo, Lesley! Keep leading with passion and purpose—because being good is not good enough!

Find out more about The NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

Are you looking to incorporate wealth disciplines in your life? Contact Mark Pinilla for more information.

Leadership #Excellence #NAHREP10 #RotaryClubMiami #WomenInBusiness #CommunityImpact #GenerationalWealth #HispanicLeadership #SuccessMindset #ServiceAboveSelf #ProfessionalGrowth #EmpoweredWomen #BeTheTop10 #LeadWithPurpose #LesleyNicoleSantiago #MarkPinilla

Yisel Montes-Schickman – Living the NAHREP 10 Discipline #9

At The Keyes Company, Yisel Montes-Schickman is Miami’s version of Santa Claus. As the Co-President of Jhoslen Angels, Yisel has inspired many to give back to the community. Discipline #9, “BE GENEROUS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE because philanthropy feeds your heart and spirit and gives more purpose to your work.”

The Giving Heart: How Yisel’s Unwavering Kindness Creates Happiness

Every year, like clockwork, Yisel symbolically knocks on the door of her community. Not just any door—she knocks on the hearts of those around her, rallying them together to bring joy to those less fortunate. To many, she is the beacon of generosity, a force of kindness who reminds everyone of the beauty in giving.

Science has long supported what Yisel already knows in her heart—giving makes us happier. Studies have shown that acts of generosity trigger the release of endorphins, creating a “helper’s high” that boosts mental well-being. Giving fosters a sense of purpose, strengthens social bonds, and reminds us of our shared humanity.

The Keyes Company Hero Award

Yisel and her team of superstars received this year’s Hero Award—a tribute to their many years of service, sacrifice, and leadership.

Supporting Jhoslen Angels

Jhoslen Angels is dedicated to helping underprivileged children and families in South Florida. The organization’s core mission is “To raise funds for underprivileged children and families living in South Florida. The funds raised are spent on events and gifts to bring them joy and love during the holidays and throughout the year.” The organization seeks to “spread joy, hope, and happiness.”

Well Done, Yisel!

With great pride, I recognize Yisel Montes-Shickman as the Living the NAHREP 10 Profile of the Week. Your unwavering dedication, selfless service, and generous heart exemplify the very essence of the NAHREP 10. Thank you for motivating us all to lead with a giving attitude.

Follow Yisel on Instagram
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Find out more about The NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

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