We couldn’t imagine a more meaningful way to begin 2026.

Our first guest of the year on Corporate Cafecito is Marie Quintana.

Marie is a Cuban immigrant, CEO of Quintana Group, strategic advisor, executive coach, board director, and author. Long before ERGs, before representation became a strategy, she was building, leading, and opening doors in corporate America. From IBM to PepsiCo to serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Tenet Healthcare, her career spans decades of leadership, transformation, and impact.

But this conversation isn’t about titles.

It’s about her story.

Marie shares a moment from first grade she calls “White Dress Day.” Picture day. A handmade white dress. Walking into a classroom and realizing she was different. That moment didn’t break her. It became the foundation for resilience, courage, and leadership.

We talk about living in two worlds. About vulnerability as strength. About faith, cultura, and what it truly means to bring your whole self to work. Porque cuando compartimos nuestras historias, abrimos camino para otros.

Marie is also the author of Last Flight from Havana, a powerful memoir about leaving Cuba, identity, resilience, and healing. Her book is an extension of this conversation and a reminder that our beginnings do not limit us. They shape us.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to edit yourself to belong, this episode is for you.

📍 Learn More:

📘 Book (Last Flight from Havana): https://a.co/d/1P1hRV1
🌐 Website: https://www.mariequintana.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariequintana/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marietquintana/

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If you’d like to join Nallely and Carlos from Corporate Cafecito for a cafecito conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. Corporate Cafecito centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us
or email admin@corpcafecito.com.

Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Learn more at www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com.

Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com.

Two leaders. One shared co...