MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Tatiana ColeSebastian Restrepo
Tatiana Cole
Age: 37
Community: Springfield
Her story: Tatiana Cole comes from a family of entrepreneurs.
Her father started his own rug cleaning business, her grandfather owned a bodega and her mother would sew and sell quilts and handbags, the 37-year-old told MassLive.
So it’s natural that Cole ended up devoting her life to helping other entrepreneurs.
“My grandparents were the first generation to come to the states from the island of Puerto Rico,” Cole told MassLive. “They worked different jobs and also built businesses on the side to support their families. It was only a matter of time where I soon caught the bug for entrepreneurship.”
Cole identifies herself as a business connector and coach for entrepreneurs looking to establish “meaningful relationships and strategically grow their business, especially for those in the early stages of entrepreneurship.”
Her work focuses on connecting women to potential collaborators, partners and resources to help their businesses grow.
Cole has done this by hosting the Flourish Conference, which is a traveling conference that has been held in Ludlow in 2023 and Charlotte, North Carolina, this past June.
Jumping off the success of Flourish Conference, Cole started hosting local networking events in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut called Flourish Connections. The events help entrepreneurs network while sharing stories and experiences from other entrepreneurs.
“I see it in action everyday where connections I made blossomed into collaborations on events, products, services, speaking engagements, and much more,” Cole said. “The growth of these businesses not only strengthens the community through relationship building but also boosting the local economy from the success of these businesses.”
Cole added that having these relationships helps build a support system that is “crucial to help you grow and cheer you on along the way.”
This was something that helped Cole when she was planning her first Flourish Conference while battling thyroid cancer.
“My relationship with God and my support system kept me steadfast and hosted an incredible conference for women entrepreneurs in Charlotte and seven others states in attendance,” she said. “The impact and transformation was made for those who were able to witness it.”
With a background in higher education, Cole said her experience helping students and staff reach their personal and academic goals has helped her in the entrepreneurial sector.
“I use my project management and event planning skills to work with entrepreneurs whether it’s reaching a new goal in business, enhancing their vendor table at pop up events, or incorporating events into their business model,” she said. “I’ve also completed a life coaching certification and personal development coach certificate at the beginning of my journey and am always looking for continued education to use in my business.”
Cole has also worked as a mentor and volunteer at EforAll Pioneer Valley in Holyoke where she built relationships with alumni and new students going through the organization’s programs.
In her words: “You must see the bigger picture. The entrepreneurs I work with have a greater purpose for the products and services they provide. They are looking to create a greater impact on the people they serve and the small part I can play with building connections, sharing resources, and offering coaching creates the ripple effect of that impact.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
