Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano

Gabriela’s journey from Mexico to the United States has been deeply influenced by her immigrant experience. Her commitment to making a difference isn’t just a choice; it’s an intrinsic part of her being, a way of paying forward the support she and her family received, and a way of championing causes that are greater than herself. Returning to St. Louis in 2016, Gabriela embarked on a mission to uplift small businesses, foster economic growth, and ensure language access was available. Her work at CORTEX and the BALSA Foundation reflects her dedication to empowering entrepreneurs in underserved communities and building strong local business relationships. Her impact has been recognized with honors as an Influential Business Woman and Woman of Achievement. Gabriela’s passion for elevating bilingual Latinx voices led to the creation of the Auténtico Podcast and We Live Here Auténtico, platforms that amplify stories and inspire others. Through her work, including co-founding STLJuntos during the pandemic, Gabriela honors her children, Adriana, Marcela, and Edward, who drive her work to create a better world.