Today we’d like to introduce you to Lissette Berrios.
Hi Lissette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
One evening during an organization meeting (not held by my own) there was a change that led to the removal of the cultural group. I was surprised and disappointed that one of the main importance of that organization agreed to take away part of their mission. That change gave me the fuel which sparked me to build a nonprofit that will commit to its mission. El Rincón Borikén has become one of my main focuses besides my two children and my dog. It ´ s currently still a seed and after being tossed around many times the seed has finally made its way into the soil. El Rincón Borikén is in the beginning process and we want the people to know there is a cultural nonprofit that has many plans and much to offer. This organization was possible because of a dream, my pride and my children who needed to grow with their culture.My mother who has done so much you wouldn´t believe it and my aunt she was actually my very first supporter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Besides the paperwork and applications I had to understand what I was doing and how to inform the public about the nonprofit which public speaking was not my strong area. My voice would crack and I’d ramble about the nonprofit until realizing that I was butchering everything. Gaining confidence was another struggle there are many similar cultural nonprofits that are bigger, popular and financially stable I thought, ¨how can El Rincón Borikén become just as great without being a copycat?!¨ I also dealt with trying to provide for my family, being there for them when they need me, working many different part-time jobs which never worked my availability, and at the same time support the nonprofit financially and putting in the hours.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I started a Nonprofit Management course where I will gain more information, confidence, and some ease to run a successful organization and guide others along the way. I am the Founder of El Rincón Borikén but my occupation is a Customer Service Rep which go figure I have to help and support customers with their questions or concerns but yet I can´t get a handle on public speaking, lol. I am proud that I didn´t give up I continue to believe the nonprofit will be a success and help many people within the community
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Do your research, listen to others advice who share the same or similar passion as you, look at your surroundings to find what is missing and what is needed. Study and be your own teacher but don´t pass up on genuine help from people who want the same as you for community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xn--elrincnboriken-qob.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/El-Rinc%25C3%25B3n-Borik%25C3%25A9n/61584280064269/#
