Karen Astrid Helps Hispanic Businesses Flourish
Karen Lucas Bravo is a market research specialist and coordinator for the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. With a career dating back to 2012, Karen has accumulated experience in commercial management and sales training, in addition to being a manager specializing in the technology area.
She graduated with a degree in Graphic Communication and Market Research. Karen has worked on various important projects, leading teams and developing effective business strategies that have driven growth and innovation in the technology sector in her native Colombia. She has brought the same dedication to the state of Delaware where she works with first generation Americans starting their own new business ventures. She owns her own business, a Hispanic restaurant in the area, which means she understands firsthand the needs of the business community she serves.
Through her connections throughout the state and in her professional career, Karen is known for her commitment to the development of the Hispanic community in Delaware, supporting initiatives that promote growth and collaboration between all local entrepreneurs.
Q: Can you introduce yourself?
A: I am a market research specialist and coordinator at the Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More information can be found here: https://www.hchamber.org/
Q: What is the best career advice you ever received?
A: Earning trust is like creating a bank account. You must make frequent deposits. What I say, I will do.
Q: What compelled you to enter your field?
A: As a young girl, I watched my mother demonstrate her strong will and determination. She still teaches me today, with her starting a new business in Delaware only two years after moving here from Columbia.
I watched her struggle with barriers at times, but that never stopped her. She taught me that anything is possible and there is always a way to move things forward.
I know the struggles of Hispanic business owners, especially those still adjusting to the ways of their new country. My motivation to help everyone to succeed is based on those special challenges they face, the language barrier, cultural changes and financial opportunities that can take their seed and help it grow.
Q: What’s one industry-specific thing you wish you knew when you started?
A: I didn't realize that the needs of business owners were so similar among them. You tend to think that each business has different requirements. It was truly surprising to find so many shared needs. To offer effective solutions, it was first essential to understand what those needs were. Now, with clarity, we know that our members and business owners are looking to:
Expand their network of connections
Establish strategies between their businesses
Increase their visibility
Understand the ideal system to legally establish their future businesses.
We are excited to support them in each of these areas and help them achieve their goals. Together, we will build a prosperous future full of opportunities!
Q: What trends do you see dramatically influencing the work in your industry?
A: The trends that I believe will significantly influence the future of my work with the members of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Delaware are technological trends, the growing need for connectivity in the business world, the use and harnessing of social media, and active participation in virtual events and conferences. These trends are transforming how business owners connect, collaborate, and create growth opportunities. Adopting to these technologies not only facilitates networking but also enables entrepreneurs to stay up-to-date with market innovations and trends.
Q: What’s a common myth about your industry/job?
A: In my particular sector, there is a misunderstanding that regulations and taxes are a way to control the Hispanics' Small Business. I spend time explaining how business regulations helps everyone better succeed.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
A: I feel that I am a highly committed person and I fully identify with the needs of our business owners. I am willing to walk alongside each of our members in their struggles and challenges, because I consider them as my own. My commitment is to be there, providing support and working tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.
If you are interested in following Karen Astrid, you can find her social media links below:
Delaware Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce:
