Latina Entrepreneur Rebranding Finance Through Cultural Lens

Oct 8, 2024 at 8:47 PM

Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion: Beatriz Acevedo's Mission to Empower the Latinx Community

Beatriz Acevedo, a trailblazing entrepreneur, has dedicated her career to empowering the Latinx community. From her early days as a union member in Mexico's radio industry to her success as a media mogul and startup founder, Acevedo has consistently used her "superpower" of raising capital to create innovative solutions that address the unique needs of her community. Now, she has set her sights on transforming the world of finance, determined to make it more accessible and relatable for the Latinx population and beyond.

Unlocking Financial Empowerment for the Latinx Community

Responding to a Community in Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Acevedo witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it had on the Latinx community, both financially and physically. Driven by a desire to make a difference, she pivoted from her plans to focus on her family's foundation and instead set out to create a solution that would address the pressing financial challenges facing her community.Acevedo's initial idea was to raise a fund to support Latina entrepreneurs, but her friend, Xavier Gutierrez, had a different vision. Gutierrez, the chairman and CEO of ImpactX Sports Group, encouraged Acevedo to start a fintech company, recognizing her unique ability to build scalable businesses and engage audiences. Despite Acevedo's initial hesitation, she embraced the challenge, determined to reinvent the world of finance and make it more accessible to the Latinx community.

Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap

Acevedo's journey into the world of finance was not without its challenges. As she delved deeper into the industry, she realized that the traditional approach to personal finance was often inaccessible and disconnected from the cultural nuances of the Latinx community. Recognizing the need for a more relatable and engaging approach, Acevedo set out to create a platform that would bridge the financial literacy gap and empower the Latinx community to take control of their financial futures.Through her new venture, Suma, Acevedo has been on a mission to redefine the way the Latinx community interacts with finance. By leveraging her expertise in media and technology, she has developed a digital platform that combines fintech, digital content, and experiential activations to make financial education and wealth-building more accessible and culturally relevant.

Driving Sustainable Growth and Impact

The results of Acevedo's efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. In just three years, Suma has experienced an average year-over-year growth of over 350%, with a monthly reach of 8 million unique users. Notably, 30% of Suma's users are not Latinx, reflecting Acevedo's vision of reimagining financial inclusion and making finance relatable to a broader audience.The impact of Suma's work is also evident in the tangible improvements in the financial well-being of its users. Compared to the national average, Suma users have increased their savings by 2.5 times, a testament to the platform's ability to empower individuals and families to take control of their financial futures.

Connecting with the Next Generation

Acevedo's commitment to the Latinx community extends beyond just financial empowerment. She is also deeply focused on engaging the next generation, recognizing the importance of instilling financial literacy and a sense of cultural pride from an early age.Through Suma's digital content and experiential activations, Acevedo is creating a space where young Latinx individuals can explore their identity, learn about personal finance, and feel empowered to take charge of their financial well-being. By weaving together culture, education, and technology, Acevedo is not only transforming the financial landscape but also fostering a sense of community and belonging among the Latinx youth.

Embracing Cultural Nuances and Diversity

At the heart of Acevedo's work is a deep understanding of the cultural nuances that shape the Latinx community's relationship with finance. She recognizes that the traditional financial industry has often failed to account for these nuances, leading to a disconnect and a lack of trust among Latinx consumers.By prioritizing a "culture-first" approach, Acevedo has been able to create financial solutions that resonate with the Latinx community. She has leveraged her insights into Latinx consumer behavior, such as the importance of family, the role of community, and the influence of cultural values, to design products and experiences that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of her target audience.Moreover, Acevedo's commitment to diversity extends beyond the Latinx community. As Suma's user base continues to grow, she has remained steadfast in her mission to make finance accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of cultural background or identity.