Stephanie Pimentel of Lumena Global Advisory Brings Cultural Intelligence to Global Expansion

Please share a brief introduction and tell us something about your business, Lumena Global Advisory:

I’m Stephanie Pimentel, a Dominican American founder raised in the Bronx who built a career in corporate environments before launching my own firm. My journey has been shaped by navigating spaces where I often had to prove my value more than once, learning how power, culture, and decision-making really work, and eventually deciding to build something that reflected both my experience and my vision. Today, through Lumena Global Advisory, I help companies expand into Latin America the right way, with strategy, structure, and deep cultural understanding. My work blends strategy with real-world experience, built from years of studying human behavior and working boots on the ground across multiple LATAM countries.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not at all. I spent years believing the traditional corporate path was the goal. Entrepreneurship became appealing when I realized I could create more impact, more freedom, and better outcomes by building my own table instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s.

Do you have a co-founder?

I don’t, and that was a very intentional decision. For me, clarity of vision mattered more than speed. If you do choose a partner, shared values and communication style matter more than identical skills.

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes, and my biggest advice is to release perfection. Some days the business wins, some days your family does, and most days it’s a mix. Build systems that support you and ask for help without guilt. Being a present parent and a strong leader are not opposing goals.

Take us back to when you launched Lumena Global Advisory? What was your marketing strategy?

In the beginning, my strategy was focused on credibility and relationships rather than volume. I leaned into thought leadership, conversations, and trust-based outreach instead of flashy campaigns. It didn’t go exactly as planned, but it worked better. The clarity refined itself through real conversations with founders who needed exactly what Lumena offers.

What accomplishments are you most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of building a firm rooted in integrity and real expertise. Lumena is not about shortcuts. It’s about helping companies expand responsibly while opening doors for leaders who don’t always see themselves represented at the global table.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

That clarity comes from action, not overthinking. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. You need to start to figure things out. Progress is a much better teacher than planning alone.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

I ask, “Tell me about a time you had to figure something out without clear instructions.” It tells me how someone thinks, adapts, and takes ownership. Skills can be taught. Judgment and accountability are harder to train.

What did you do before starting your own business?

Before launching Lumena, I spent my career in corporate environments, working closely with leadership teams and international stakeholders. Along the way, I studied human behavior both academically and in the field, observing how organizations succeed or fail based on culture, structure, and decision-making. I also worked extensively across Latin America, building relationships and gaining firsthand insight into how business is actually done in different countries.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I reached a point where I realized I was solving complex problems for organizations but was often being boxed into roles that didn’t reflect my full capability. I wanted to build something where my expertise wasn’t filtered or minimized, and where I could help companies avoid the mistakes I had seen too many times. Becoming a mother also clarified everything. I wanted to build a business with purpose, impact, and legacy.

Do you have any recent wins?

Over the last year, I’ve secured high-visibility media opportunities, strengthened strategic partnerships, and positioned Lumena as a trusted voice in cross-border expansion. Each step has reinforced that there is a real need for this work and that the market is listening.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

My calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t exist. Time is the most honest resource we have.

Who are your customers?

Our customers are U.S.-based founders, CEOs, and leadership teams who want to expand into Latin America thoughtfully and sustainably. They are companies that understand growth requires more than speed and want guidance on building compliant, culturally aligned operations that last.

What's your top productivity tip?

Protect your thinking time. I plan my week around one or two high-impact priorities per day and let everything else support those. Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what actually moves the business forward. I also batch decisions whenever possible so my brain isn’t switching gears all day.

What's your favorite business tool?

A strong CRM. Knowing where conversations stand, following up consistently, and tracking relationships make everything more intentional and scalable.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I think in seasons, not perfect balance. Some weeks require more from the business, others require more from my family. The key is being present where you are instead of feeling guilty everywhere. Integration works best when expectations are clear, and boundaries are respected.

How do you avoid burnout?

I pay attention to early signals instead of pushing through them. When focus drops, or frustration rises, that’s usually a sign to pause, not power through. I also build white space into my calendar on purpose. Rest is not a reward. It’s part of the strategy.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Trust your perspective. Your lived experience is not a weakness. It’s an advantage. Build with integrity, stay curious, and don’t wait for validation before believing in your own authority.

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