About Us
Our History
Founded in September 2014, it took 6 months to build the team, the program, infrastructure and raise funds. Our impact started immediately with smaller events. Our inaugural core program class took place in October 2015 and their contributions back to the community began soon after. Our goal is to take the program Nationwide and globally in the years to come.
April 11 - Young Latina Day
Since 2018, as proclaimed by the city of Aurora IL, April 11 is celebrated as Young Latina Day, a global initiative created by The Fig Factor Foundation to empower and inspire young Latina women through virtual events, mentorship, and motivational workshops. Often held with a focus on leadership development and storytelling, this day brings together international “inspiration agents” to support the next generation of Latina leaders.
Our Board of Diectors
Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz
Founder, President
Jacqueline Ruiz is an internationally recognized, award-winning entrepreneur, publisher, and two-time cancer survivor. Born in Mexico, she moved to the U.S. at 14 and built her career around servant leadership, storytelling, and empowering others.
She founded JJR Marketing in 2006, delivering award-winning PR and marketing strategies for companies across the U.S. and globally. In 2014, she launched Fig Factor Media, where she has authored over 37 books and published more than 500 across 34 countries, helping business leaders and authors share their expertise.
Jacqueline also created the Fig Factor Foundation, mentoring over 250 young Latinas ages 15–25. A sports airplane pilot, she advocates for women in aviation through her Latinas in Aviation series, scholarships, and museum exhibits.
With more than 80 honors to her name, Jacqueline continues to inspire audiences worldwide through keynote speaking, while balancing life with her husband and two children.
Maria Herrera Paloma
BOARD MEMBER
Maria is a proud catalyst for change, committed to elevating women and championing meaningful progress in her community. Drawing inspiration from the rising tide of women leaders, her bold, forward-thinking mindset—deeply shaped by her upbringing—drives her passion for mentoring the next generation.
She serves in leadership roles with The Fig Factor Foundation and the Chicago Latina Empire Manahood, and she shares her love for wellness as a Registered Yoga Instructor. As a contributing author for Today’s Inspired Latina, Volume X, Maria amplifies her mission to empower women through storytelling and representation.
Now, as the founder and owner of Alas Financial Group, LLC, she blends her work as a licensed financial professional and entrepreneur to build a holistic wellness platform that integrates physical, mental, and financial well-being.
Daniela Limon, RD, LDN
Treasurer
Daniela is a registered dietitian sharing her passion for health and wellness by providing nutrition counseling for her clients and community members. Daniela is a former graduate of The Fig Factor Foundation and is excited to give back to a non-profit that had a positive impact in her life by not only becoming a mentor to other young Latinas but by also becoming a board member.
Clara Luca Jaramillo-Carrier
Board Member
Clara is a visionary leader helping high-achieving professionals and purpose-driven organizations awaken clarity, restore purpose, and build cultures where human-centered leadership drives measurable success.
As founder of Breaking Through Coaching & Consulting and Let’s Awaken Purpose, Clara left Corporate America to pursue her mission: to awaken more humanity in the world. Through her Power Pause and Breaking Through Method, She helps leaders stop performing, econnect with themselves, and lead with calm, confidence, and clarity.
With over two decades of experience—and credentials in Transformational Leadership & Coaching (M.A., PCC)—Clara brings a bilingual, culturally-relevant, psychology-based approach to personal and organizational transformation.
Julie Schmidt
Board Member
Julie is a signature event specialist with an emphasis on crafting distinctive, non-profit fundraising events. She brings her artistry to elevate events and create exceptional guest experiences. She spent seven years as Director of Judson University’s World Leaders Forum. In that role, she had the opportunity to execute events for global thought leaders and entertainment voices, including General David Petraeus, Caroline Kennedy, Mark Cuban, Edward James Olmos, and Lord Smith of Kelvin from Scotland.
She is driven by her desire to make a difference and currently serves as Development Officer, Events & Partners, with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. She crafts events that raise critical funding to bring awareness for individuals and families navigating the autism journey. In her role, she coordinates with university partners to provide fieldwork internship opportunities for students within the organization.
Mentoring the next generation is her passion. She serves in leadership roles with The Fig Factor Foundation and continues to share her joy of mentoring emerging leaders through the KidsMatter Teen Philanthropy Initiative in Naperville. As a contributing author for Today’s Inspired Latina, Volume 6, Julie supports her mission to empower women to lead where they are.
Leonor Gil
Board Member
Leonor Gil is a high-performing financial services professional with extensive experience delivering strategic solutions to high-net-worth and institutional clients. Known for her results-driven mindset and strong leadership approach, she excels at building and guiding diverse, high-performing teams that consistently deliver meaningful outcomes.
Her professional brand is rooted in two core principles: results and diversity. She drives performance by empowering teams, fostering accountability, and leveraging collective expertise to solve complex challenges. At the same time, she champions diversity in thought, purpose, belief, and perspective—creating environments where innovation and trust thrive.
Leonor’s expertise spans leadership, team building, learning and development, training, and client services. She is highly skilled in financial services, compliance, operations, and organizational strategy, with a strong ability to communicate effectively across all levels. As a bilingual professional fluent in Spanish and English, she brings a global perspective to her work and relationships.
Passionate about mentorship and coaching, Leonor is committed to developing others and helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.