Her father's traumatic illness and the aftermath that followed had all been preventable.

Imagine a young Latina, eyes glued to the TV, watching her beloved Dodgers and dreaming of being right there in the dugout with them. Fast forward, and you'll find Monica Islas, a certified athletic trainer, working her magic to heal athletes. But not where you'd expect. Her journey? Nothing short of extraordinary.

Monica's path to becoming an athletic trainer was paved with challenges that many first-gen students recognize, being one of the few in class and navigating a world where even a $100 fee could derail dreams. Yet, Monica persevered, driven by a passion ignited by seeing the first female head athletic trainer in major league sports wear Dodger Blue.

But here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. As Monica stepped into the world of "working athletes", with her newfound expertise, she had an epiphany.

Her father's traumatic illness and the aftermath that followed had all been preventable.

The same hands that once aspired to tend to major league athletes now found their true calling in healing the very backbone of our society - Latino skilled workers and laborers.

In this captivating episode of Encuentras Your Voice, Monica shares:

• How she transformed from an aspiring Dodgers' athletic trainer to a champion for Latino workers' health
• The eye-opening moments that shifted her focus from sports stars to the unsung heroes in factories and fields
• Her innovative approach to pain management that goes beyond just physical healing, touching on the mental and emotional well-being of her comunidad
• The power of representation and how being a Spanish-speaking professional opened doors previously locked to many
• Her vision of more compassionate sports training, especially for children and women

Monica's story is not just about career evolution; it's about cultural awakening and the profound impact of reconnecting with one's roots. It's for anyone who's ever felt caught between two worlds, anyone who's dreamed of making a difference, and especially for those who believe in the power of health to transform lives.

Tune in to hear how Monica is revolutionizing wellness for Latino laborers, one stretch at a time. Whether you're a budding Latina professional, someone passionate about community health, or simply in search of inspiration, Monica's journey will leave you motivated to find your own unique way of serving your community.

Don't miss this powerful episode that proves sometimes the most meaningful path is the one that leads you back home.

Learn more about Body Wellness, LLC mission for health on their website.

Reach out to Monica on Instagram and learn the exercises that will keep you healthy and happy!

Consuelo is a First Gen Peruvian, structural engineer, mother and Scorpio fired Latina out to hold the mic and shine the light for amazing Latinas and advocates who share their journey from ancestry to authenticity in their most genuine voice. 

Connect with Consuelo on IG @Consuelo_Ends_in_O

Discover Encuentras Your Voice podcast on IG @EncuentrasYourVoice and join the comunidad of amazing Latinas!

Listen to every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast or any of your favorite streaming platforms. Watch the full videos on our YouTube channel @EncuentrasYourVoice