Sandra Velasquez

Amanda Lopez

Sandra Velasquez is the Chicana founder of Nopalera, a modern Mexican beauty & lifestyle brand. She launched Nopalera in the middle of the pandemic from her Brooklyn apartment with no outside funding or savings while working three jobs and raising her daughter. The brand can be found in Nordstrom, Credo, Kohls and over 400 boutiques nationwide. She is the winner of six pitch competitions and has completed six business accelerators including Morgan Stanley and Stanford LBAN. In January 2023 she appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 where she infamously turned down two offers by standing in her worth. After bootstrapping for two years she raised an oversubscribed seed round of $2.6 Million. Velasquez released her first book VIVA LATINA on Quarto books in September 2024. Prior to launching Nopalera, she was the leader of Latin band Pistolera which toured internationally opening for artists such as Los Lobos and had her music featured on hit TV shows like Breaking Bad and the NPR Tiny Desk concert. 

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Communities: Hispanic or Latinx

Powerhouse Chingonas Unite

Through tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, these badass women are inspiring change and creating opportunities to bring greater visibility and recognition to Latine culture. Let their journeys and achievements ignite your own passion for cultural pride and advocacy.

Nuestras Raíces Stage (Seats 150)  
Sat, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Nuestras Raices
Signing area: Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces/Craft Tent & Signing Area (following presentation)  

Panelists: Elizabeth Ferrer, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, Cynthia Pelayo, Sandra Velasquez
Moderator: Selina Barajas
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Pima County Public Library

Forces to be Reckoned With

The first female envoy to Luxembourg who inspired a Broadway musical. A third-year medical student serving as medical officer for Mount Everest climbers. A Chicana founder of a highly successful beauty and lifestyle brand. These women's journeys will leave you awestruck.

Koffler Room 204 (Seats 300, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 16, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  

Panelists: Meryl Gordon, Sandra Velasquez, Mimi Zieman
Moderator: Ann Boland
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Marshall Foundation, Aaron and Tiffanie Roberts

Book:

¡Viva Latina!

Wisdom from Remarkable Women to Inspire and Empower
Nuestras Raices
Rock Point
September 2024
ISBN 9781577154389
160 pages