At the forefront of a new generation of empowered women, Adriana Pirela stands as a symbol of inspiration, embodying a multifaceted role that transcends conventional boundaries. She has pioneered the concept of CMO³, an innovative blend of Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Mama Officer, and Chief Mentoring Officer. This approach reflects her ability to lead, balance motherhood, and actively contribute to her community, redefining female empowerment in the 21st century.
In the United States, Latina executives represent only 1% of C-Suite positions. Adriana has defied this statistic through perseverance, securing leadership roles in global tech companies such as Samsung, BlackBerry, Digicel, and TCL. Originally from Venezuela, she overcame the challenge of entering a foreign market with a Venezuelan degree in an English-speaking country. Reflecting on this journey, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support for women navigating both professional and personal commitments, whether at home or abroad.
Chief Marketing Officer: Global Marketing Leadership & Industry Impact
With over 20 years of experience, Adriana has spearheaded high-impact global campaigns that have transformed consumer behavior in telecommunications and financial services. From major corporations to startups, she has consistently delivered innovative strategies that drive measurable results.
Her contributions to the tech industry have earned her prestigious recognitions, including being named one of the Top 100 Latinas in Tech in the U.S. and one of the Top 100 Fintech Women Worldwide in 2024. As a Latina excelling in a male-dominated field, she not only breaks barriers but also paves the way for other women and Latino professionals striving to enter new markets.
Adriana’s expertise lies in driving brand growth, customer engagement, and market expansion through data-driven strategies and creative execution. She has led multi-million-dollar marketing budgets, spearheaded digital transformations, and built strong, consumer-centric brands. Her innovative mindset and strategic leadership have propelled businesses into new markets, making her an influential figure in the tech and fintech industries.
Fractional Leadership: A Smarter Business Approach
Adriana is also an advocate of fractional leadership, a model that allows experienced executives to provide strategic guidance to multiple companies on a part-time basis. This approach enables startups to access top-tier marketing expertise without the financial burden of a full-time hire. “Fractional leadership gives startups high-impact strategies in an efficient and flexible way,” she explains.
For emerging market companies and Latino-led businesses in the U.S., this model serves as a game-changer, offering expert guidance in a cost-effective manner. Adriana has successfully implemented this approach while supporting brands like Brava, a new venture under the ATN International suite, further expanding her portfolio of brand launches.
Through her work as a fractional CMO, she has helped numerous businesses scale, refining their brand messaging, digital presence, and go-to-market strategies. Her ability to bring structure, creativity, and efficiency to growing companies makes her an invaluable asset in the marketing and business world.
Chief Mama Officer: Balancing Family and Career
Beyond her professional success, Adriana has mastered the balance between a high-level corporate career and motherhood. As a mother of two, including a neurodivergent child, she has faced unique challenges. She strongly believes that professional success does not have to come at the expense of family. “Being a mother and an executive is not easy, but YES, we can have it all! There’s a false stereotype that women must sacrifice personal and family aspects to achieve their full professional potential. That is absolutely NOT true,” she asserts.
Adriana actively participates in her son’s therapies, supports him at every stage, and collaborates with her family to navigate daily challenges. She is committed to helping him recognize the unique opportunities that his condition brings.
In addition to her personal journey, she plays a key role in supporting other parents by ensuring they have access to valuable information in their native language. As a Communications and Marketing Advisor to Ancla, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Spanish-language resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families, she is instrumental in expanding its impact.
Through her work with Ancla and its Venezuelan founder, Angel Reverol—a well-known autistic psychologist and influencer—Adriana aims to increase awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reaching more families in need of guidance and support.
Her role as Chief Mama Officer extends beyond her family. She advocates for working mothers, challenging outdated workplace norms and promoting policies that support parents in leadership roles. By sharing her story, she inspires other women to pursue ambitious careers while prioritizing their families.
Chief Mentoring Officer: Empowering the Next Generation
Adriana is deeply committed to mentorship, sharing her expertise with young professionals and entrepreneurs through platforms like Upnotch.com, where she offers free mentorship sessions. “As women, and especially as Latinas, we face unique challenges. We must navigate cultural expectations, professional ambitions, and personal lives. Through mentorship, I can help others find their own path to balance and success,” she states.
She actively contributes to Upnotch, advising its leader and co-founder, Tatia Zuloaga, on marketing strategies to expand the platform’s reach. Her dedication extends beyond executives, as she also mentors entrepreneurs and startups, particularly those led by Latinos and women. “Startups are the heart of innovation, and with the right guidance, we can ensure that more Latino- and women-led companies grow and contribute to our communities,” she explains.
Beyond Upnotch, she participates in various mentoring programs, helping professionals refine their leadership skills, develop strategic thinking, and build personal brands. Her mentorship fosters a culture of learning, resilience, and professional advancement, shaping the next generation of leaders.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Adriana’s mission extends beyond her personal achievements. Her legacy is built on empowering others as she advances. Through her mentorship, support of fractional leadership, and commitment to inclusion and diversity, she is shaping a new generation of empowered women executives and successful Latino entrepreneurs.
Her advocacy for diversity in the workplace has influenced hiring practices, corporate cultures, and leadership development programs. She frequently speaks at industry events, sharing insights on leadership, marketing, and career growth, further amplifying her impact.
“I want to help women find their own path, create their own recipe for success without losing their authenticity. I want to remind them that YES, we can have it all, and I want to be proof of that,” she emphasizes. Her story of perseverance, leadership, and commitment to uplifting others serves as a powerful inspiration for those striving to achieve success and make a difference in their communities. For those seeking mentorship or inspiration, Adriana Pirela exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and compassion. Her dedication to uplifting others provides a blueprint for success, reinforcing the belief that leadership and empowerment can coexist with authenticity and balance.