This entrepreneur of Hispanic descent combines journalism and entrepreneurship to highlight the economic power of Latinos in the United States.
“My goal is to work with companies that aspire to be entities consumers can trust.” — Lyanne Alfaro
By Migdalis Pérez
Born and raised in Hermosa—a working-class Mexican neighborhood in Chicago—Lyanne Alfaro grew up surrounded by examples of entrepreneurship. Her mother, a teacher, and her father—a musician and builder—taught her from a very early age that solving problems and getting ahead is possible, even if it entails making sacrifices.
During the summers, the Chicago native would travel to Mexico to help out at the family stationery store—an experience that solidified her perspective on creativity and the value of building businesses. Later, she studied journalism and wellness sciences; after working at companies such as CNBC, Business Insider, Nasdaq, and Google, she decided to channel her experience into a venture of her own.
The Birth of Moneda Moves
While still working in the corporate world—and right in the midst of the pandemic—Alfaro founded Moneda Moves in 2020. It is a platform that combines media, events, and consulting services to highlight how Latinos produce, consume, and lead businesses across the United States.
“I started Moneda Moves five years ago now, and what motivated me to launch it was my work at major corporations like CNBC and Business Insider. During that time, I realized that while Latinos contribute significantly to the U.S. economy—and are also major consumers—we rarely saw our stories featured on major business news outlets,” the entrepreneur notes regarding her beginnings.
Although she launched her company right as the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, she asserts that this did not pose an obstacle. “The pandemic wasn’t a challenge; rather, it was the ideal moment to launch the company. I was working at Nasdaq at the time, and many of the major conversations taking place centered on equity—specifically, how Latinos need to receive more attention because we contribute so much to the economy and possess a collective GDP exceeding four trillion dollars. So,” she affirms, “that was the perfect moment to expose those disparities and demonstrate how to foster business growth within our community.”
Services and Scope of the Firm
Moneda Moves has established itself as a media platform offering podcasts featuring Latino entrepreneurs in the United States, specialized newsletters, and consulting services for new businesses requiring support in marketing, communications, and media positioning.
“Sometimes, entrepreneurs I was interviewing would tell me: ‘We need help with our story, with marketing, with our communications strategy.’ So,” she explains, “I began working with startups that want to grow and need to position themselves in the market—not just in terms of marketing, but also regarding how they communicate with major publications like Negocios Now.”
Current Achievements and Goals
Regarding achievements, Alfaro highlights that she has shared the stage with The Wall Street Journal and National Public Radio (NPR). She has also received recognition from Google and has worked with venture capital and private equity firms. “We haven’t just worked with news outlets that are trusted institutions, but also with business operators—and even banks—to foster broader conversations about Latino influence,” she notes.
Looking ahead, she emphasizes that her focus lies in strengthening corporate credibility. “We are launching a new consulting practice centered on authority, marketing, and communications. My goal is to work with companies that aspire to become entities consumers can truly trust. As a journalist,” she maintains, “one challenge many readers face is the difficulty of knowing whom to trust. We are currently living in a time of heightened mistrust; that is why it is crucial for companies to understand how to communicate effectively and how to build their credibility and authority.”
Advice for Entrepreneurs
When offering financial advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Alfaro places strong emphasis on planning and team building. “It is vital to set aside savings specifically for the business, to determine the costs required to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and to ensure financial security. Those who cannot afford that luxury,” she adds, “should seek out companies that can offer them a steady stream of income. Likewise, I recommend growing your team and finding someone to handle operations so that everyone involved enjoys a positive experience right from the start.”
Family and Life Purpose
Alfaro acknowledges that her family’s impact on her business vision has been fundamental. “My father was a musician and studied to become a teacher, but when he arrived in the U.S., he learned how to remodel homes and launched his own business. My mother also had a profound influence, as her family in Jalisco owns a stationery store, and I used to help them out during the summers. I would say that in both of my parents, I saw examples of entrepreneurship,” she emphasizes.
In just five years, this young entrepreneur has succeeded in transforming her passion for journalism into an influential platform that champions Latino leadership. “As the daughter of immigrants—and as someone privileged enough to be a citizen of this country—I bear the responsibility not only to create wealth for future generations but also to take intentional action based on the difference I wish to make in the world,” she concludes.
Read article in Spanish / Leer artículo en español:
https://negociosnow.com/lyanne-alfaro-impulsa-la-economia-latina-desde-moneda-moves/