Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Madrid.
Hi Omar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey really began with a passion for helping people—especially first-generation students —access opportunities that could change their lives. Over the past 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of working across education, workforce development, and community-based programs to help individuals build pathways toward economic stability.
I started out in youth development and college access, helping students navigate the transition to higher education. I saw firsthand how transformative education could be—but I also saw how financial barriers often made it difficult for students to stay on track. That experience motivated me to expand my work beyond college access and into financial capability and workforce development, where I could help people not just get to college or find a job, but also build lasting financial confidence.
From there, my path evolved. I worked in community-based organizations providing financial, career coaching and job training, and later moved into program management roles at the Los Angeles Community College District, where I led the federally funded Upward Bound Math and Science program. During that time, I was instrumental in securing $1.5 million in grant funding to expand opportunities for first-generation and low-income students. I also developed partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and universities to provide students with STEM learning experiences, internships, and career exposure.
More recently, I’ve been designing and teaching financial capability courses in both English and Spanish, helping adults and families build practical skills around money management. I also create digital and hybrid curricula that make financial education more accessible and culturally relevant for diverse learners. And most recently, I was thrilled to accept a role as a Finance Instructor at a community college—a full-circle moment for me. It brings together everything I’ve worked toward: empowering students, bridging education and financial literacy, and helping people turn knowledge into opportunity.
At the heart of all my work is the same belief—that economic empowerment is about more than money. It’s about freedom, dignity, and choice. Whether I’m teaching a class, developing a program, or coaching someone one-on-one, my goal is always to help people see what’s possible and give them the tools to get there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, and I think that’s what makes it worthwhile. There were moments when it felt like the path was full of hurdles—navigating college as a first-generation student, figuring out career opportunities, and balancing work while continuing to learn and grow professionally. I’ve had to be persistent, creative, and sometimes just patient with myself.
I’ve also had to take real risks along the way—like leaving a stable, well-paid full-time job to pursue opportunities that aligned more with my passions. Navigating that uncertainty was scary, but it pushed me to grow, learn, and trust myself. But those challenges shaped who I am today. They taught me resilience, the importance of trusting your vision, and the importance of investing in myself. Looking back, every struggle led me to where I am now. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do is essentially build bridges for opportunity. I’ve worked across a variety of sectors, including non-profits and community colleges, to expand crucial initiatives centered on economic mobility for underrepresented individuals. My specialization is connecting the dots between funding, programming, and outcomes in three core areas: college access, workforce development, and financial education. What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on communities—helping first-generation students navigate higher education, providing opportunities for economic mobility, accessing financial education, and designing programs that give people real tools to improve their lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily believe that luck has played a major role in my life. I do think that some people are dealt different circumstances, and that can affect their opportunities. Personally, I’ve been fortunate to avoid major setbacks, and I suppose in that sense, I’ve had some “luck.” But I believe most of my successes come from vision, hard work, and dedication. Opportunities may arise, but it’s about strategizing, creating a plan, and putting in the work every day to turn those opportunities into meaningful progress.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omadrid87/
