THE HEART BEHIND GLOW
Meet Luisa Acosta- Founder of GLOW
For a long time, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to create something that would encourage women, build confidence, and remind them that they do not have to navigate their journey alone.
My name is Luisa, and I am the founder of GLOW Initiative for Women Leaders. My journey to where I am today was not always a straight path. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration, but getting there came with challenges. It took me nearly eight years to complete my undergraduate degree, and there were moments when I questioned if I would ever reach that goal. At that time, I never imagined I would go on to earn my Master's degree in Public Administration, let alone be accepted into a doctoral program. Looking back, I realize those challenges helped shape the person and leader I am becoming today. They taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of having support from people who believe in you, especially during the moments when you are still learning to believe in yourself.
Today, I am pursuing my doctorate in Organizational Leadership, where my research focuses on the lived experiences of women of color in leadership, and how mentorship and professional development can help them with overcoming imposter syndrome. Throughout this journey, my research continues to reinforce something I have always believed: there are so many talented and capable women who question themselves, doubt their abilities, and wonder if they truly belong in spaces they have already earned.
The truth is, I have been that woman too.
That is why I created GLOW.
My personal experiences, education, and career in higher education and nonprofit leadership have shown me that leadership is not defined by a title. Leadership is about growth, courage, impact, and how we show up for ourselves and others. GLOW was created to provide women with mentorship, leadership development, networking opportunities, scholarships, and resources to help them grow with confidence and purpose. My hope is that every woman who joins this community feels supported, encouraged, and reminded that their journey does not have to look perfect to be meaningful.
This is just the beginning, and I am so grateful you are here. ❤️