In the realm of venture capitalism and community leadership, Adela Cepeda stands as a beacon of empowerment and resilience. As the co-founder and chair of Angeles Investors whose mission is to find, fund, and grow the most promising Hispanic and Latino ventures. Her commitment to fostering innovation and diversity in the business world has not only earned her accolades but has also inspired countless individuals to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Adela was recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Awardee at the 2023 Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit.
Adela’s upbringing was deeply rooted in her parents’ belief in the power of education and their unwavering support. Her parents migrated to the United States through New York when she was just six years old, driven by the desire to offer their children better educational opportunities. They played active roles in all aspects of Adela’s life, with her father standing out as a particularly influential figure. Adela fondly recalls her father’s immense confidence in her abilities and his unwavering adoration, which significantly bolstered her confidence. “My father was highly confident of my abilities and really adoring of me and that gave a lot of confidence in myself. It was more with encouragement that I felt motivated to reach beyond my grasp for sure,” recalled Adela.
Adela’s professional journey is as remarkable as it is inspirational. An accomplished graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of Chicago School of Business, she has leveraged her expertise to serve on several esteemed boards and engage actively in impactful community initiatives. In addition to being a pioneering women in the finance industry, Adela’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as she contributes her time and energy to various organizations, embodying a deep commitment to creating positive change in society.
Adela shared insights into her personal and professional life, offering a glimpse into the experiences and values that have shaped her remarkable career. She spoke passionately about her immigrant background, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride and the rich contributions of Latinx communities to the fabric of America.
“To me being a Latina is all about pride. I am proud of speaking two languages. I love to speak in Spanish. I am proud of the culture that being Latina brings with it. The obsession with family and family is your immediate family that’s even tendentially related to us and everyone else. Everything about our culture, music, art and literature. The fact that we have been an integral part of America from the beginning,” said Adela.
Adela’s resilience and outlook on life have been deeply influenced by transformative life experiences. One such moment was the profound loss she faced when her husband passed away at the young age of 40. At 37, Adela found herself a widow with three young children, an event that shifted her perspective, altering the course of her life. Through this ordeal, she displayed remarkable perseverance in the face of adversity.
From the transformative immigrant experience to overcoming personal loss, Adela shared how these moments shaped her resilience and perspective on life. Her journey serves as a powerful example of resilience, authenticity, and the strength of family bonds. She encourages Latinas to blaze their path and find their way to their passion because when you love what you are doing it’s not work anymore.