WHO WE ARE

Latinas Evolving is more than a network—it’s a movement. We empower Latina entrepreneurs to stand in their power, celebrate their cultural roots, and build businesses that make a lasting impact.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

A woman standing indoors near a window, smiling and showing off her arm tattoo, surrounded by potted plants and flowers, wearing a white shirt, denim shorts, and colorful high heels.

TAYRIN TAPIA

With over 20 years of leadership experience across healthcare, nonprofit, and finance, Tayrin Tapia is a Latina community leader based in Buffalo, New York, and the founder of Latinas Evolving. She is widely recognized for her work advancing Latina entrepreneurship, leadership, and visibility across Western New York.

A graduate of SUNY Empire State College and the University at Buffalo’s Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs program, Tayrin blends academic training with lived experience to support Latina business owners at every stage of their journey. Her work as a community builder, award recipient, and mentor reflects a deep commitment to creating equitable access to opportunity, capital, and representation.

Tayrin founded Latinas Evolving in response to the lack of cultural understanding and representation she experienced in traditional corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. What began as a response to exclusion has grown into a movement that creates culturally rooted spaces, resources, and platforms for Latina entrepreneurs to be seen, heard, and supported. As a single mother of two, Tayrin leads with authenticity and purpose, serving as a trusted and relatable voice for the women and communities she uplifts.

Founder & Visionary, Latinas Evolving LLC

MEET OUR TEAM

Arlene Tariq  is a therapist, content creator and owner of Vintageinthecity&Co., known for her authenticity and ability to transform lived experience of invisibility into impactful, thought-provoking dialogue. Her work centers on helping individuals confront emotional patterns, cultivate self-trust, and step into aligned, intentional lives through reflection, self-accountability, and inner work.

Operations & Content Coordinator

ARLENE TARIQ

"I decided to join the team at Latinas Evolving during a big turning point in my life, after re-experiencing invisibility within the work sector. Latinas Evolving provides me the opportunity to be resourceful to my community, feel empowered, visible and understood."

– Arlene Tariq

Close-up of a stylized, abstract orange and red floral pattern.

OUR STORY

Latinas Evolving was born out of a vision to empower Latina entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between professional excellence and community-driven impact. Inspired by the need for a platform that celebrates cultural identity while providing tools for success, Latinas Evolving amplifies Latina voices and redefines what leadership looks like.

What started as a response to systemic challenges has grown into a thriving ecosystem where Latina entrepreneurs connect, access resources, and build generational legacies. At our core, we believe that by embracing authenticity and fostering collaboration, we can empower women to create lasting change in their industries and communities.

MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD

  • A young woman with long wavy brown hair, smiling, wearing a black off-shoulder top, against a light gray background.

    JELICIA JIMENEZ

    Advisory Board

  • A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie, sporting a neat hairstyle and beard, smiling slightly against a gray background.

    DAN HERNANDEZ

    Advisory Board

  • A woman with long black hair, smiling, wearing a black top, against a gray gradient background.

    SHERRI FALCK

    Advisory Board

  • STEPHANIE RIVERA

    Advisory Board

  • YAHAIRA ZAPATA

    Advisory Board

MEET OUR AMBASSADORS

  • A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie, sporting a neat hairstyle and beard, smiling slightly against a gray background.

    CHINO BERRIOS

    Ambassador

  • A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and a bright smile, wearing a black top and a gold cross necklace, standing against a plain white background.

    ALLY MARCANO

    Ambassador

  • A woman with long black hair, smiling, wearing a black top, against a gray gradient background.

    STEPHANIE FERNANDEZ

    Ambassador

  • SHEANA VIRELLA-VANDYNE

    Ambassador