Pegine, an electrifying keynote speaker and social entrepreneur, is a force to be reckoned with in leadership development, diversity, and inclusion. Her remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing in New York City to becoming a globally recognized figure in the field of leadership is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.
Born and raised in New York City to a family of strong women, including her mother, Abuela, and Tia, their influence shaped Pegine’s early life. At the age of 17, after facing expulsion from her first high school and graduating from her second, she embarked on a transformative journey to Spain to escape the influence of gangs. She boldly established and successfully sold two businesses during her time there before returning to the United States at 23.
Pegine’s impact on leadership development extends through her written works, including the acclaimed “Called to Lead: Success Strategies for Women.” Her other books, such as “Sometimes You Need to Kick Your Butt” and “Bragging Rights: Transform Your Team in 21 Days,” have earned recognition from prestigious organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Notably, her book “For All Our Daughters: How Mentoring Helps Young Women and Girls Master the Art of Growing Up” has made a global impact by assisting women’s and girls’ organizations nurture young female leaders. This book even garnered attention from the New York Times.
Pegine’s professional journey includes leadership roles in diverse industries, such as serving as the president of a Direct Selling company, Director of Operations, and National Sales Manager for international companies like Pierre Cardin/Gant menswear. Her academic achievements include a Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University and an Entrepreneurial Certificate from Hofstra University. She further honed her skills through programs funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and entrepreneurship investors.
Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the SBA’s Women in Business Champion of the Year for Florida and the SBA’s Entrepreneur of the Year for North Florida. The Jacksonville Business Journal recognized her as a key figure in Team Pegine, ranking it the #3 Fastest-Growing Privately Owned Company in North Florida. Hispanic Business Magazine hailed her as the highest-earning Latina professional speaker in the U.S.
Pegine’s advocacy work is equally impressive. She champions the causes of women, women in the military, and Latinas, testifying before government bodies such as the Department of Defense Military Leadership Diversity Commission and the Hispanic Congressional Caucus. Prominent publications have sought her insights, with quotes featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Forbes, and others.
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As the founder of Power Women Worldwide and Power Women Pro, Pegine has assembled a community of over 1000 global thought leaders, experts, and authorities dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and expertise on the world stage.
Pegine’s remarkable journey from her Bronx gang membership, where she was known as La Loca, to her current status as an international success story inspires all. She has not only transformed her own life but has also made a profound impact on the lives of countless others. Her story and wisdom continue to be featured in numerous books, reinforcing her status as a true American success story and a beacon of empowerment and leadership for all.