Member since May 2026
Hady Méndez is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership coach and the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC. Her work is focused on transforming the professional experiences of underestimated professionals, particularly Latinas and Women of Color. With over 25 years in corporate, nonprofit, and ERG spaces, she brings deep lived experience to every stage. She is the author of Calladita No More and the Director of Programs for Lean In Latinas.
My passion is creating spaces and building communities where women like me feel seen, celebrated, and empowered, especially in rooms that weren't built with us in mind.
Earlier in my career I launched a reverse mentoring program in my department.
The idea was simple: pair senior leaders with junior employees so they could learn from each other especially in the context of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
When I approached the SVP who was sponsoring the program, I didn't just ask for his support. I told him he had to be in the program so other senior leaders could follow suit. And that I would serve as his mentor.
He didn't hesitate. He was all in. And so our mentorship relationship was born.
We met regularly and got to know each other.
And when the time came, he sponsored me for my next promotion.
That's what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start using your voice.
I am a proud First Gen college graduate and corporate professional.
As I embarked on my career journey in the early 90s, I often found myself as the sole Latina or Woman of Color in many of the spaces I entered. Lacking guidance from a coach or mentor, I navigated companies and organizations on my own, realizing later that this gap hindered me from reaching my fullest potential.
I started Boldly Speaking to share my journey, insights, and lessons learned. My goal is to help underestimated professionals rise and thrive in the corporate world or in whatever path they choose.
Earlier in my career I launched a reverse mentoring program in my department.
The idea was simple: pair senior leaders with junior employees so they could learn from each other especially in the context of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
When I approached the SVP who was sponsoring the program, I didn't just ask for his support. I told him he had to be in the program so other senior leaders could follow suit. And that I would serve as his mentor.
He didn't hesitate. He was all in. And so our mentorship relationship was born.
We met regularly and got to know each other.
And when the time came, he sponsored me for my next promotion.
That's what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start using your voice.
I am a proud First Gen college graduate and corporate professional.
As I embarked on my career journey in the early 90s, I often found myself as the sole Latina or Woman of Color in many of the spaces I entered. Lacking guidance from a coach or mentor, I navigated companies and organizations on my own, realizing later that this gap hindered me from reaching my fullest potential.
I started Boldly Speaking to share my journey, insights, and lessons learned. My goal is to help underestimated professionals rise and thrive in the corporate world or in whatever path they choose.
