By Daniela Santangelo
Women’s History Month is not just a celebration of the women who came before us; it’s a time to reflect on the legacy we are creating for future generations. For me, this reflection has become especially poignant after the loss of my grandfather on Christmas – a man who embodied kindness, generosity, and the secure patriarchy of his time. With his passing, our family dynamics shifted, placing the spotlight on the strong matriarchal figure at our dinner table – my great-grandmother, an immigrant who arrived in the United States from Italy with only $3 in her pocket.
As I navigate the complexities of modern life, the intersection of immigration and entrepreneurship weighs heavily on my mind. I feel a profound responsibility to carry on the legacy of my ancestors, but with a twist. I am compelled to forge a path that is not just financially successful but also sustainable, purpose-driven, and focused on well-being.
My journey has not been without its struggles. For much of my life, I battled with co-dependency, an often anxious and depressive struggle that left a significant impact on my self-worth.
As I embarked on my first entrepreneurial journey in 2016 co-founding a company I endured key moments that would shape my ancestral lineage.
Here I was as a new mom and startup executive, I found myself In the depths of postpartum depression, standing in front of a mirror, seeing a reflection of a woman who felt stuck and unsure of how to break free.
I was entangled in a business and relationship that had left me feeling powerless. Yet, within the complexity of that struggle, I found a way out when my husband left, leaving me with our two young boys. In that departure, I discovered an unexpected strength – the strength to reclaim my life.
As a single mother, my focus shifted from the constraints of a toxic relationship to the empowerment that came with raising two boys. Motherhood became a catalyst for change, propelling me to reevaluate my priorities and rediscover my own strength. Through the challenges, I learned that nurturing self-confidence in young girls is not only vital for their personal growth but also instrumental in shaping the trajectory of their lives.
In my pursuit of this vision, I sacrificed a great deal to build my startup. However, life took an unexpected turn when I faced a high-conflict divorce and found myself pushed out of my own creation. Instead of viewing this as a setback, I saw it as a calling – an opportunity to rewrite history in a way that diverges from the traditional roles my matriarchal ancestors embraced.
It started with a rediscovery of self. A friend shared a quote with me,
Remember that life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worse times and from the worst mistakes.
I quickly realized the foundational pillars I needed to establish during this time of starting over. I distilled it down to 3 aspects:
- Your Narrative
- Your Network
- Your Mindset
A Legacy That Transends
In the face of adversity, I realized that the decisions I make today will shape the future lineage of my family. No longer confined to the role of a homemaker, I am determined to create a legacy that extends beyond societal expectations. It is a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. I started to shape my narrative from a place of strength and not victimization. I started to visualize my future state and embody it now.
Suddenly, aligned introductions to people started appearing in my life. Network and community building has been a strength of mine that I contribute entirely to my grandparents. After my grandfather started his construction company, his home became known as an “incubator” for others immigrating over trying to find their way into a job and a community. That give back mentality has allowed me to mentor companies at Techstars Miami and continue on to advise startups on how to navigate the pitfalls of the entrepreneurial journey from a business & a wellness perspective.
At the end of the day, your mindset becomes the most powerful asset to realizing your dreams and unlimited possibilities that await. It requires practice. A lot of practice. I embarked on a 9 month journey to obtain my meditation teaching certification and positive psychology coach. This experience provided me an opportunity to learn self-healing modalities and frameworks that I can teach to others.
After co-founding a company that raised $30m and having to divorce the CEO, I lost my soul in the process and aim to ensure others can avoid this devastating experience.
As I rebuild, I am intentional about infusing sustainability and purpose into every aspect of my life and work. My grandparents immigration journey of starting anew with only a few dollars in their pocket inspires me to overcome challenges with a tenacious spirit. I want my legacy to reflect not just financial success but a commitment to leaving the world a better place for future generations.
Women’s History Month is a reminder that our stories are still being written. As a modern matriarch, I am proud to carry the torch of my ancestors, but I am equally excited to illuminate a new path. By challenging stereotypes, embracing change, and focusing on sustainability and purpose, I am contributing to a legacy that transcends time – one that will shape the narrative of women’s history for generations to come.
