Meet Lola

Hola Mundo!

My childhood dream was to be an airline pilot. Some simulator time, a few logged hours of single engine flying, and a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida) were as close as I’d get. And instead of a career in aviation, I chose the banking industry.

Cancún, México – The Catalyst after College

Growing up in Queens, New York City, travel consisted of summer vacations to visit family in Borikén (Puerto Rico). Aside from those trips to our beautiful little island, and a short visit to the Bahamas with an ex-boyfriend, my overseas experiences were very limited. At age 27 I ventured on my first solo international trip to México. Mostly spent in Cancún, I remember that vibrant city- the warmth of its people, delicious seafood, the pristine turquoise waters of its beaches, and a bit further out, the historic Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá.

That week in paradise planted the seeds of wanderlust and returning home I committed to seeing as much of the world as possible.

Facing The Fear – Just Jump!

After over a decade in finance, I considered leaving many times. I switched from permanent employment to being a contract staffer where I’d work for several months, save money then take a few weeks off and head overseas. Without fail, each time I returned from vacation I had that sinking feeling of Lola, what are you doing? I knew I wanted to travel full time. But how?

In the summer of 2018 I spent two months overseas, mostly in western Europe and in Scotland I connected with Margara, another solo Latina trekker. We’d eventually meet up again in the magical City of Lights, and the night before my flight back to the states over dinner, I confided I wasn’t ready to leave Paris. ¿Qué dice tu corazón? To Margara it was simple: listen to your heart, it won’t lead you astray. Her philosophy resonated with me and the following afternoon I didn’t go to the airport. While I only stayed a few extra days in Paris before returning home to New York City, that decision was pivotal. Fifteen months later on 26 December 2019 I walked away from the corporate grind. Finally, I felt ready to take the leap.

Travel Blogger & The Journey

Launching La Trekista in May 2020 was scary. I had just left my hometown to move south to Charlotte, North Carolina the world faced a global pandemic. Still, I trusted my instincts and listened to my heart. Since leaving corporate life I’ve decided to live more intentionally and in alignment with my convictions (to champion the rights of women, to reduce waste and to decolonize my mind).

My blog is all about human connections, especially with children and women. It is also where I explore my other passions: independence for Puerto Rico, tango, and poetry. A platform to share vulnerabilities and pain, hope and resilience, this is my safe space where I am healing from childhood trauma, questioning social constructs, and pondering our shared humanity.

A would be pilot turned compliance analyst turned travel blogger, I’m enjoying every minute of my life. This is my story….a journey of self discovery, dedicated to every brave little girl whose path I’ve crossed and to those beautiful sisters I have yet to meet, I honor you. Thank you for being. The world is a better place because we make it so; our stories are worthy of being told.

Un abrazote,
Lola