Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabio Peña.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The community that I have built on social media focuses on the first-generation experience – those who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. My company’s mission is to be the most trusted destination for all first-generation students and professionals by lighting their paths to success. I first started creating content in January of 2021 with a storytelling series called #firstgencuentos where I share the stories of first-gens all over the country in a way that is unfiltered, inclusive, and transparent. These stories have been shared through carousel posts and IG lives that have featured everyday students, content creators, and public figures.
Along with the first-generation experience, my content also highlights the Latinx culture and mental health awareness – two topics that I care about deeply. Specifically, speaking on my experiences growing up as a Mexican/Latino pursuing higher education, navigating corporate America, redefining healthy masculinity, and shedding light on the importance of taking care of our mental health.
I love to incorporate dancing in my content since it is a passion of mine, and it allows me to have fun and be creative. I also love exploring new places to record content, which motivates me to step out of my comfort zone. One of the best things of being a content creator is the people I have been able to meet online and in person. In the Fall of 2022, I was admitted to join Instagram’s Inaugural Class of Dale Tú – a community of Latinx and Hispanic visionaries, artists, storytellers, and creatives who are creating la cultura of the future on their own terms. Since my admittance, I have had several opportunities to work out of the Los Angeles area now as an Influencer/Content Creator as well as in other major cities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I became a full-time content creator by accident, but I am glad it happened. It is fulfilling to receive messages via social media saying that the content I create is valuable and needed because it keeps me going. However, I realized that after constantly analyzing insights, constantly engaging with my audience, and constantly being in a creative mindset can lead to creator burnout. I learned that in order to continue creating in a way that was sustainable long term, I would need to take short breaks and remind myself it is important to explore my passions to remain innovative with my content.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Peña & Co., LLC?
Peña & Co. is not the average management consulting firm. Aside from professional services, we also provide services to the first-generation community, those who are the first in their family to earn a college degree.
Not all first-generation college students begin college on an equal playing field, despite our experiences being combined into one; the first-generation experience. Socio-economic factors contribute to some students experiencing a smoother transition to college while others take longer to adjust. We recognize this as a gap in today’s approach to support first-generation students and believe individualized support will fill the void. Therefore, we created a mentorship program called FirstHub which offers individualized mentorship to ensure first-gens are not alone in their journey, regardless of their area of study or desired career path. Our network has reached over 100 campuses nationwide.
We also created La Luz Scholarship – a scholarship designed for first-gens, regardless of immigration status. This year is our third year of awarding our scholarship. We have raised over $8,000 year to date and have partnered with 18 other businesses to raise funds.
Our mission is to be the most trusted destination for all first-gen students and professionals by lighting their paths to success.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the middle child raised in a traditional Mexican household, and I was always very curious about things in life. I was a very energetic and adventurous child who often pursued paths less traveled. I found myself often questioning family dynamics, gender roles, expectations, and traditions. I remember being curious about why certain traditions were always followed in our Mexican culture and home or why gender roles were explicitly defined. I didn’t mean to question everything or defy certain expectations out of rebellion. The truth was that despite feeling like I didn’t “fit in” I preferred to stay true to my feelings even if it meant standing oddly out. For example, I recall receiving backlash from my father when I told him I was planning to get a pedicure at the mall with my girlfriends. I did not think much of it other than that it sounded really fun because I was with my friends.
I was the kid who enjoyed trying just about every new hobby. From learning to play the violin for a senior project to playing the saxophone in a band and trying out for a pageant, I always enjoyed trying new things. I found a passion for dancing very early on. Music has always been very important to me, and I am glad I can incorporate it into my content on social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://penaandco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pena.consulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pena.consulting.llc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penaconsulting/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pena.consulting/
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@pena.consulting
Image Credits
Photographer Matt Winkelmeyer Photographer Joan Valerio @allure_jo
