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From the South Bronx to Wall Street - An Afro-Latina's Journey of Grit and Determination
Nanette Aguirre's journey from the South Bronx to becoming a Corporate and Regulatory Partner at the global, full service law firm Greenberg Traurig is a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the power of education. Raised by a single mother who instilled in her the importance of hard work and education, Aguirre's story resonates with many aspiring professionals.
Growing up in a financially challenged environment, Aguirre faced numerous obstacles. However, her parents encouraged her to prioritize education above all else. "Learning is free," she recalls, highlighting her love of learning and frequent visits to the public library as a child. After high school, she attended NYU's Stern School of Business, where she majored in Finance and International Business. Despite the financial burden of financing her education, Aguirre's parents advised her to borrow as much as necessary, provided she chose a career that would offer substantial returns.
By 21, Aguirre was working at Lehman Brothers in the derivatives group. Her career continued to flourish as she transitioned to Merrill Lynch, where by 24 she attended law school at night while working full-time. By 24, Aguirre also invested in her first real estate property.
One of Aguirre's proudest moments came when she accepted an offer to become a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. In an industry where only just over 1% of law firm partners are Latina, this achievement was not just personal; it represented a significant milestone for diversity in the legal profession. "I embrace the responsibility of being part of this small community," she states, underscoring her commitment to increasing representation for Latinos in law and on Wall Street.
Throughout her over 25-year career, Aguirre has worked on complex derivative and leverage structures and has been involved billions of dollars of deal values. Her expertise has made her a trusted advisor across the industry for the likes of Fortune 100 companies and private funds alike. She also works closely with entrepreneurs from idea to exit.
As an Afro-Latina from the South Bronx, Aguirre recalls initially feeling out of place in the traditional corporate environment. However, over time she recognized that her cultural background was integral to her success. "Culturally, hard work and organization are the cornerstones that make the difference between surviving and thriving," she explains. This realization empowered her to embrace her identity and use it as a source of strength and her ultimate comparative advantage.
Aguirre is passionate about mentoring young Latinas and providing them with practical advice for wealth creation and professional growth. She emphasizes four key principles:
For Aguirre, wealth transcends material possessions; it encompasses knowledge, relationships, and diversified investments. She believes true wealth is about making informed decisions that contribute to both personal growth and community well-being.
As Aguirre reflects on her journey, she hopes her legacy will inspire others to recognize the possibilities within themselves. "Every no gets you closer to a yes," she asserts, emphasizing that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Nanette Aguirre’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring professionals. Her dedication to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in law not only enriches her own life but also paves the way for future generations to achieve their dreams.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
Growing up in a financially challenged environment, Aguirre faced numerous obstacles. However, her parents encouraged her to prioritize education above all else. "Learning is free," she recalls, highlighting her love of learning and frequent visits to the public library as a child. After high school, she attended NYU's Stern School of Business, where she majored in Finance and International Business. Despite the financial burden of financing her education, Aguirre's parents advised her to borrow as much as necessary, provided she chose a career that would offer substantial returns.
By 21, Aguirre was working at Lehman Brothers in the derivatives group. Her career continued to flourish as she transitioned to Merrill Lynch, where by 24 she attended law school at night while working full-time. By 24, Aguirre also invested in her first real estate property.
One of Aguirre's proudest moments came when she accepted an offer to become a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. In an industry where only just over 1% of law firm partners are Latina, this achievement was not just personal; it represented a significant milestone for diversity in the legal profession. "I embrace the responsibility of being part of this small community," she states, underscoring her commitment to increasing representation for Latinos in law and on Wall Street.
Throughout her over 25-year career, Aguirre has worked on complex derivative and leverage structures and has been involved billions of dollars of deal values. Her expertise has made her a trusted advisor across the industry for the likes of Fortune 100 companies and private funds alike. She also works closely with entrepreneurs from idea to exit.
As an Afro-Latina from the South Bronx, Aguirre recalls initially feeling out of place in the traditional corporate environment. However, over time she recognized that her cultural background was integral to her success. "Culturally, hard work and organization are the cornerstones that make the difference between surviving and thriving," she explains. This realization empowered her to embrace her identity and use it as a source of strength and her ultimate comparative advantage.
Aguirre is passionate about mentoring young Latinas and providing them with practical advice for wealth creation and professional growth. She emphasizes four key principles:
- Stop Complaining: Focus on problem-solving rather than dwelling on challenges.
- Do Your Homework: Always be prepared before entering important discussions or meetings. Learn something meaningful every day and minimize distractions.
- Don’t Take Things Personally: Every setback is a steppingstone towards success.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly ask yourself, "Who am I and what do I want?" This introspection can guide your decisions and career path amid life’s demands.
For Aguirre, wealth transcends material possessions; it encompasses knowledge, relationships, and diversified investments. She believes true wealth is about making informed decisions that contribute to both personal growth and community well-being.
As Aguirre reflects on her journey, she hopes her legacy will inspire others to recognize the possibilities within themselves. "Every no gets you closer to a yes," she asserts, emphasizing that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Nanette Aguirre’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring professionals. Her dedication to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in law not only enriches her own life but also paves the way for future generations to achieve their dreams.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
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