March 8 will always hold a very special place in my heart since Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed it Nina Vaca Day last year. It was particularly special receiving the recognition on International Women’s Day moments before being named Woman of the Year by the magazine Solo Mujeres while surrounded by family in my mother’s hometown of Houston.

Most importantly, the Nina Vaca Foundation used the platform to raise $11,000 in honor of the 11th annual Tribute to the Hispanic Woman to empower Latinas across industries. The 75 people who contributed to the fundraising campaign helped deserving Latinas receive more of the tools they needed to grow their businesses or advance their careers.

Personally, looking back on this event one year later, it’s remarkable to see the journey. Today, Pinnacle Group is continuing its global expansion. We are entering 4 new countries during the first half of the year alone, with Ireland and Mexico already underway and Argentina and Chile on deck for Q2!

It is also such an honor to be elected to the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. nonprofit think tank founded in 1921 that specializes in foreign policy and international affairs. Such a privilege to now contribute to the very dialogue that has helped us navigate Pinnacle’s expansion abroad.

All of this feels so appropriate to celebrate on International Women’s Day. This day belongs to all women who blaze their own trails, open doors for the next generation, and use their platforms to give back to their communities!