For complete coverage of this feature , please visit our website at : www . Latin-Times . com , where we will be featuring complete interviews and biographies on this years ’ Latina Movers N Shakers !
In this issue of Latin Times Magazine , we celebrate this special time by introducing you to some of the wonderful and talented Latinas that live right here in the Tampa Bay area , women that are out there every day working hard and making it happen !
This year we have expanded this feature to bring you one nationally recognized Latina with ties right here to Tampa Bay , and remember two beloved local Tampeñas that we lost in 2009 . I am so proud to be a Latina , and share a love for language , food , music and culture with these strong , intelligent and beautiful Latinas !
Name / Nombre : Sandra Yancey Title / Título : Founder & CEO Company / Compañia ? eWomenNetwork , Inc . What is your Pais ? USA & Mexico
J olie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : What is your profession ?
Sandra Yancey : We are a marketing and promotion machine for women entrepreneurs and corporate professionals . We help them get access to the information , tools , resources , customers and transactions that they need to grow their businesses .
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : How did you choose or get involved with your profession ? Sandra Yancey : Before starting eWomenNetwork , I was the sole proprietor of a consulting practice . I had elite clients ( i . e . Coca-Cola , AT & T , John Deere , NCR , etc .). However , I did not have any clients located in my hometown of Dallas , Texas . I knew my clients would benefit from my services . They just did not know that I existed . When I started to attend networking events for the first time , I found them unfulfilling . It felt like a game of “ Whoever passes out the most cards ‘ wins !” I knew there had to be a better way !
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : What was your toughest moment or obstacle in being a Latina Businesswoman / or community leader ? Sandra Yancey : Clearly , my biggest obstacle in my business has been myself ! Early on , when I was struggling the most , I didn ’ t ask for help . I didn ’ t want anyone to know I was struggling . I would put on a good “ game face ” and pretend everything was great . After a while , I learned that this behavior was not helping me . The reality is , no one makes it alone . No one ! We all need to surround ourselves with a solid “ A ”; a team of people who will tell us the truth , offer viable feedback , and ideas , and who believe in what we want to accomplish . When I did this , everything started to change for the better .
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : Tell us about your family ? Sandra Yancey : My husband and I have been together for 31 years . We have two children . Our daughter , Briana , is 18 years old and our son , Ryland , is 14 years old . We have a dog , Cinco , who is a Westie . We named him Cinco because he is the fifth member of our family ! Besides my mother , I also have an older brother . One of my brothers died in a car accident in 1986 . My father also died in a car accident on my fifth birthday . We are a small and close family .
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : What does being Latina mean to you ? Sandra Yancey : I carry great pride in my Heritage . I value differences and am especially proud of the diverse workforce I have within my corporate staff . I inherently know the importance of valuing and embracing differences . Without a doubt , my success is the result of all the wonderful people with whom I am surrounded by .
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : What message would you send to aspiring Latinas , young and old about the pursuit of a woman ’ s dreams ? Sandra Yancey : No one ever makes it alone . Take inventory of the people you are spending time with and remember that you become the sum average of the five people you hang around with most . As you climb the ladder of success , never forget where you came from . Set the example by “ lifting as you climb .”
Jolie Gonzalez / LatinTimes : What in your opinion is your biggest accomplishment ? Sandra Yancey : My greatest accomplishment is having wonderful people in my life . I have an amazing husband , two compassionate , kind , and smart children . I adore and admire my mother . She is a bright and talented professional who helped me impact the world through eWomenNetwork . I have amazing friends to share it all with ! I am grateful and appreciative for my blessings and committed to lifting others as I continue to climb . When I finally reach heaven , I hope the Lord will approve of how I spent my time on Earth .