You can do anything with the right community behind you, and this week’s guest can testify to that. Lourdes was going through an extremely tough time – she was put through the ringer in the military, she found herself in $75k of household debt, and her (now ex) husband kicked her out of her own home. She needed to make a change and FAST. So she reached out to her community, including the Courage Driven Latina community, and her community came through for her. 

Lourdes Fernando is a passionate advocate for veterans and a Chicago realtor specializing in VA loans. An 11-year Army National Guard veteran, she empowers fellow veterans, particularly women, to achieve financial independence and stability through the strategic use of their VA benefits. Over 90% of her business focuses on assisting veterans in securing homeownership. Beyond real estate, Lourdes actively engages in community initiatives, serving as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee at Keller Williams Realty. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the REALTOR® Community Service Award, underscoring her commitment to supporting and uplifting the veteran community.

In this week’s episode, Lourdes shares her story of building wealth and community after her military service. She was able to find herself a new home, invest in property, clear out her debt, and save $40k in just a few years. When her previous community fell through, she joined Courage Driven Latina and dove headfirst into studying the VA benefits that are available to her. Now, she helps other vets take full advantage of their benefits and build generational wealth. Listen to Lourdes’s episode to learn how you can leverage your community even in the worst of times. 

Follow Lourdes on:
Instagram: @lourdes_lu_fernando

Website: https://www.jlhomesforyou.com/ 

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Instagram @‌theerikacruz
TikTok @‌theerikacruz
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Website:
http://www.theerikacruz.com

How to work with Erika:

Join the waitlist for the Courage Driven Latina program here.

Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here.

Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.

Episode Transcript:

Erika: Hello. Hello. Welcome back to the podcast. This is Erika Cruz, your host, and today I am joined by a guest and I’m very excited because this conversation is a good conversation. We talk everything, entrepreneurship. We talk everything about, being a veteran and serving in the military. We also talk about real estate.

We talk about, overcoming health challenges and the power of your mindset. We talk about the power of community, and I’m excited for you to listen to this podcast episode because it really is full of gems. We jam packed it in an episode where we talk about a lot of different topics. My guest today is Lourdes Fernando, who is a passionate advocate for veterans and a Chicago realtor specializing in VA loans, which are veteran loans.

I didn’t know that until I visited her in Chicago. She is an 11 year [00:02:00] Army National Guard veteran, and she empowers. Fellow veterans, particularly women, to achieve financial independence and stability through strategic use of the benefits that they have from being in the military. So over 90% of her business does focus on assisting veterans and securing home ownership.

But even if you’re not a veteran, even if you’re not a homeowner, this is still a good podcast episode for you to listen to because we talk all about community, all about being a first time home buyer in different programs to look at. But beyond real estate, Lourdes actively engages in her community. In community initiatives, serving as the chair of the Diversity, equity and Inclusion Committee at Keller Williams Realty.

She also is, the person who created like the Women’s Veterans Society in the Chicago area as well, because it did not exist, and 

Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the realtor Community Service Award underscoring her commitment to supporting and uplifting the veteran community. [00:03:00] Alright, let’s get into this podcast episode. I.

Hello. Welcome back to this week’s episode of Chin Nat Revolution podcast. I have a wonderful guest here today that I’ve known in many capacities from, a childhood friend, like a family friend, and also, a client at some point when. Courage driven Latina was just starting out. And more recently, I would say a really good friend.

So this person hosted me when I was in Chicago and I cannot stop thinking about Chicago. Like she was such a good host. It was such a vibe. And it was still kind of winter time, right? It was like barely becoming spring. So, um, I’m gonna have to make my way back, but this person is none other than lure.

Fernando, so welcome ldi. I know you as Lulu, but what, what would you like me to call you? 

Lourdes: I mean, I go by many names, but I used to go with my maiden name, like all these names, but, um, but yeah, Lulu’s fine. 

Erika: Awesome. [00:04:00] So. Tell us for the people who maybe weren’t, um, in courage driven Latina with you or maybe don’t know you, ’cause I know a lot of people that that know you are gonna be listening as well.

But for the people who don’t know you, tell us a little bit about you. Who are you, what do you do? 

Lourdes: Yeah. Um, so I, uh, served 11 years in the Army National Guard, California Army National Guard. Uh, so I’m a very proud veteran. Um, I’m in the veteran space here in the Chicagoland area. Uh, originally from California.

Uh, lived in Seattle for four years and then moved to Chicago. I’ve been here, uh, seven years now, which is like crazy. It was definitely the longest place I’ve been and definitely consider this my home. Um, out here. I’m a real estate. Um. Agents and then also a real estate investor. Um, and then looking, um, and then I also run a, uh, a all women’s veterans division with Chicago Veterans, which is a local nonprofit in the Chicagoland area.

And then I also volunteer with, um, a variety different, uh, [00:05:00] nonprofits and, um, particularly around the women veteran space. But that’s not all I do, but I’m a very strong advocate for, um, for our military veterans. 

Erika: I agree. I think you are a community builder and you give back in so many ways, and it took me being there to really income, understand the scope of the level of involvement that you’re in and all of these different areas.

So, um, from serving in the National Guard to becoming a force in real estate. This is like a loaded question ’cause I feel like we could literally do a whole podcast episode just on this question, but can you walk us through one of the biggest challenges that you faced post service, and how has that experience shaped your mission to empower other veterans?

Right, because it’s like, it’s a big transition to go from being in the military to. Becoming a real estate agent, and I’m sure there was so many obstacles. 

Lourdes: Yeah, so, you [00:06:00] know, we’re very, so military, you’re, uh, it’s all about, you know, discipline. It’s all about hierarchy. It’s about, you know, respect and getting stuff done.

So, um, I did. The, the skillset that I got in the military was, you know, go buy a schedule and go buy a system and that was, um, and be a leader and, and go out there and, and influence. So those are the things that I did get from the military that I translated over to my, my real estate business. The biggest difference is now I’m out and I’m dealing with certain challenges from.

The traumas that I sustained in the military. So now I have to be an entrepreneur. It’s not first and 15th, it’s not. I clock off of work at five o’clock or six o’clock whenever I would get off of work. It is like a 24 hour like job type of thing. So I’m like always on. And where do you like find that balance?

And that’s something I feel like I’m really trying to, um. Master now, like the business is great. Like I, you know, [00:07:00] I will do what I need to do until the job is done, not until they get clock out. So, um, that’s kind of like one of the differences from the military, from, you know, civilian life. And what I found is I, I really worked at my niche, so most of my business in real estate is the military community.

So. There is that, you know, I get to help them not just find a house, but help them get their benefits and, you know, start working on some of the issues that they had while in service. So just continue to educate them. With like, everything as a whole and the benefits that we have as veterans, and if that space isn’t created, you know, I, I found like a little avenue to make that space.

So, or like, you know, make it happen working with different individuals. So that’s just kind of, um, the transition and, and um, I know you said like what has been like some of the challenges, but I think it was just, um. Not having that security as I had when I was in the military. So not having that because if you don’t work as an entrepreneur, you don’t get paid.

So [00:08:00] yeah, that’s kind of terrifying to be honest 

Erika: with you. For sure. Yeah. And I remember we had a, a conversation about this in your car when we were in Chicago about how it was just such a big difference to go from, um, a job that was extremely structured right. And there was like a right way and a wrong way of doing things, and suddenly you become this entrepreneur where.

Yeah, there’s guidance and there’s mentorship. Um, and we can talk about that a little later because you’ve really invested in yourself and I think that that’s, uh, been key to your success, but still it’s up to you. Right? And there’s, there’s really no right or wrong way. And to your point, I think people are like, oh, as an entrepreneur, you can like work whenever you want.

And while that’s true, what you mentioned is also true, you’re working all the time because if you don’t make sales, you aren’t making. Money. And that’s, that’s, there’s a lot of pressure from the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, right? Nothing’s guaranteed. You’re gonna have negative months and you’re gonna have like high cash months.

Lourdes: Yeah. Yeah. It’s so funny you say that. ’cause someone was like, you know, you make your own schedule, right? And I’m all [00:09:00] like, uh, yeah, I do. But like if my, you know, my calendar’s open between, you know. You know, six in the morning to like whatever, like typically like I throw things on my calendar, so I’m all like, you know, so kind of, sort of, 

Erika: you know?

Yeah. And especially for you because you have clients that you meet in person, right? To do open houses, to do inspections, so your schedule is even more. At risk of, you know, being saturated because you have to be flexible for other people’s time as well. And that’s, I think, what makes you such a good real estate representative for, for people.

Lourdes: Yeah. 

Erika: Awesome. So let’s take it back really quick. How, what inspired you to join the military in the first place? 

Lourdes: Oh boy. So there was a few, a few factors. Um, I had two cousins. Uh, they were, one served in the Marines, the other one was currently in the Marine Corps. And, um, I loved, like how they gave back to the [00:10:00] family.

I loved how it was a total transformation between them. Um, and there were, and I, I grew up kind of like a tomboy, so like, that was just kind of like my vibe. And I always thought that it was like really cool to be. Like in the military. And, um, I think the biggest thing that really pushed me to join the military was the conversation that I heard my, my mom and my dad having.

Um, my mom was working really hard so that she could put me and my sister through college and, um, you know, my sister had gotten pregnant and my dad was all like. Came to me and was like, I’m not gonna pay for your college. And I’m like, wait a minute. I’m not the one that had the kid, like, what is going on?

And she was pregnant and, and not even, you know, whatever. But it was that conversation and they were putting her through college. So I felt that like I had to, um, kind of pave my own way. And I saw my mom was working a lot and I was really scared that like, my, my tuition and I didn’t even, to be honest, I didn’t even wanna go to school.

I didn’t, like, I barely even graduated high school, so I was like, I don’t wanna go to college. Like, that’s not in my books. So, um, [00:11:00] the only way to get. And my mom told me I didn’t have a choice. She was like, you’re gonna go to college. So, um, so I was like, all right, cool. Well the military is a great way to like, you know, one, get outta here.

’cause I didn’t, you know, I didn’t wanna go to school right away, but, you know, do my service and it does pay for college. So, um, I was able to get two master degrees through my benefits through the military for free and I’d have to pay nothing. So, um, just goes to show if you work it correctly, like you can obtain.

Whatever you need, um, from, from service. So I figured out that that would be the best way. So it was a combination of like giving my mom like a way, um, out, um, giving her a way out, paying for my education and then following the footsteps that my, my two cousins left for me. 

Erika: Amazing. And to your point about, um, you know, like leveraging the benefits that you get from it, one of your specialties is also, um, VA loans, right?

Which I didn’t know what VA loans were until, until I arrived in [00:12:00] Chicago and I heard you talking about ’em, and then I was like, oh, a veteran loan. So, um, you know, I, I have a lot of clients who are either like military spouses, um, and only a few who are veterans, including yourself, but. Um, what is a VA loan and how like, ’cause I think that’s kind of what your, your niche is, right?

That’s how you really made your impact in, in the community, especially when it comes to helping women veterans find financial freedom through real estate. So can you tell us what a VA loan is and why it’s important for you to help other women veterans find financial freedom? 

Lourdes: Yeah, so I, um. It’s kind of a two part answer, so I’ll give you, um, kind of what it is and how I used it.

Okay. Um, personally, so, uh, the VA loan allows any veteran who honorably served, um, their term to use benefits towards [00:13:00] purchasing a home. Now, um, if you purchase a a home, it can be, you know, you have to put three. 0.5% down. If it’s FHA, up to 5%, 10%, 20%, just depends. So with the VA loan, it is a hundred percent financing.

So you don’t have to bring any money down, which is saving a tremendous amount of. Upfront cost for a veteran, making home ownership more obtainable. So that’s, that’s one. It’s also federally backed, um, by the va. So, uh, it, it kind of lessens that. Um, the only reason you do have to put a down payment down is just so that there is some type of a guarantee, some type of skin in the game.

So, um, the government backs your loan, which is great. There’s higher debt to income ratios. There’s no credit score. Um, requirements, and it just makes it a little bit easier. So one of the things that I, I do with all my veteran clients is I look at the budget, like, where do you feel comfortable spending?

And see if we can [00:14:00] work backwards. And then seeing if there’s anything else that they qualify, like if they qualify for property tax exemptions, just so that they say, okay, this is gonna be your payment now. This is gonna be your payment later. Like, are you okay with these things once your exemption kicks in?

So. Really working with the veterans to figure out if this is in their budget. I know, when I was in service, like I got paid something and. I would spend it all and more, I would put money on my credit card. So I didn’t have like the best budgeting like strategy. And you know, when I, when I advise my clients to, you know, use their benefit, I also say like, this is your time to like, really make sure that you can budget just in case something happens.

In case any type of deferred maintenance or anything should happen, you should have the funds to fix that. So, so that’s one and How I personally used my VA home loan was to create generational wealth, and that’s something that I’m also teaching, my clients. Uh, it’s not specific to, to women veterans.

Um, you know, my real estate business is, [00:15:00] um, predominantly males right now, and I’m, um, doing as much education as they can to. Kind of shift that over a little bit. Um, but, uh, for, for veterans in general, um, I used my VA loan to purchase a multi-unit building, uh, which is a four unit, and I didn’t have to put any money down.

And at that time that I purchased this property, um, which, which you stayed at. But, um, the, the time that I purchased it, it was the time where, um, if it was over the FHA allowable, um, uh. Or, I’m sorry, the unit count, if it was over a certain unit count, you had to put 20% down. So it was VA loans or conventional loans at 20% down.

And that was like my competition. So, uh, and it was during covid and, um, so I swept right in and I got a million dollar property, which I never thought in my wildest dreams that I ever, ever like. Become a millionaire using my benefits. But, um, that’s exactly what happened. [00:16:00] And um, and then I just had to save as much money as I can and I was a real estate agent, so I saved every single like check that I had.

Um, I was married at the time and, um, everything was going. Everything of my paychecks was going to cover debt. Once I hit the debt covered, I think I paid off $75,000 of household debts between mine and my ex-husband. I started saving money and then I saved another 45,000, which is a lot, and I barely can save, you know, anything.

And I was in the hole when I came here, um, in the hole, I mean like $20,000 of debt when I arrived here to Chicago. And I continue added, you know, adding to that ’cause I didn’t have any money. I was, I was a real estate agent. I think the first year I made. Negative $6,000. I don’t know how that is, um, possible.

And then going from that to like clearing, clearing out debt and working really hard and, um, doing what I had to do. 

Erika: Wow. Okay. I, I, there’s so many things I wanna ask you about, but I think you, you. Obviously [00:17:00] just talked about buying this multi-unit property, which for other people are like, oh my gosh, that’s cool, and, but that’s a big ass deal.

It is such a big deal to bet on yourself, especially under the circumstances that you just described. And I mean, as I mentioned earlier, so you and my brother are around, you’re in the same. Great. Right. You were in the same grade at school, so I, I’ve known you since I was a child. Um, and then our paths reconnected when you were at this crossroads.

So I feel like I have a little insider look into like how this was actually a really challenging I. Thing for you to do. And it’s funny because the program that you were in at the time was purpose-driven Latina. It wasn’t even called Courage driven Latina. But I feel like you were practicing courage. So being that you were buying this million dollar multi-unit property and you were in debt, I mean the amount of courage it took for you to bet on yourself.

At that moment, like what were some of the fears you [00:18:00] had when you were making that decision, when you signed for the property, when you were, I mean, you really were going through such a transitional moment and I feel like that was your, your pivotal moment. So can you walk us through the fears that maybe were coming through and how did you get yourself to go take the action?

Lourdes: Woo. Okay. Um, so, well, you know, the whole backstory, so I’ll have to, and feel 

Erika: free to share whatever you wanna share. You don’t have to share anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing. Um, 

Lourdes: so my marriage was fairly, uh, failing horribly, um, at that, at that point. Like, you know, we tried marriage canceling, like all, all these things and, um, it, it, uh, it was pretty bad to the point where, um.

I got under contract. Um, I didn’t really share any information, um, with, uh, my husband at the time. And, uh, he was like, this is, this is it. You’re gonna get your billing and you don’t need me no more. Um, so. Um, there was some [00:19:00] circumstances and, you know, I ended up like homeless and, uh, he kicked me out and was like, I need you to stay some at a hotel, or I need you to stay somewhere for the night.

And I’m all like, like, for one night or for like ever. Like, you know what, what’s. What’s the deal? He was like, I don’t know. And I’m all like, okay. And you know, at that point, like I’m pretty terrified. We, we’ve, you know, terrified to stay there at all. So I just grabbed all my stuff and I ended up staying at my friend’s house.

Um, so I’m like, you know, the day that I closed on this property, um, if I would’ve stayed in a hotel, I would’ve never had the money to. So I’m forever indebted, uh, with my best friend Anelle. Um, and. Had she not like, opened her doors for me and allowed me to stay there, then I would’ve never had the building.

’cause I would’ve had to spend the money in hotels or housing. So, um, I’m still trying to close on this property, do what I need to do, and every single obstacle that you can possibly overcome or issue or have during that transaction. Like, I hit it, uh, from the IRS not processing my transcripts to [00:20:00] like. 10 99, um, contractors.

I mean, every obstacle that you can hit, I was like a problem, you know, problem buyer. I hit. So, um, the day that I got the keys to my building, I did the closing. Like I’m standing in front of my building, I’m like, I have no one to celebrate this with. Like, I’m on a failing marriage. Like I worked so hard for three years to get this building and like.

What is this for? Like it costs me everything. So I didn’t have like that cheerful like moment. And I think I was in your program at the time and you know, I remember like I was down in the unit and you know, I was like trying to like mask all of my like emotions and be like, this wasn’t like a very difficult thing that happened emotionally, mentally fit, like in every capacity.

And on top of that, like. What’s gonna happen if something breaks, what is gonna happen? Like, I’m not handy, you know, like, I don’t know how to like, you know, mount a tv. Now I learn, but like, I don’t know how to do these things. Like, what am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to call on? Like, [00:21:00] you know, what am I supposed to do?

And I’m still, you know, in a, in a marriage, like, you know, and I’m, you know, do I start something fresh? Do I, you know, so it was like, so much. So it was just one of the most, um. Like terrifying moments of my life because, you know, and I don’t have family here, I forgot to mention that I’m from California, so the only family I had was my nephew.

And I’m all like, he’s so young. Like I can’t, you know, expect him to help me with every si single little thing. And he has, but like I, it wasn’t like I, I can’t expect that. But you know, he, he definitely helped me out in so many ways possible. So. 

Erika: Wow. Okay. So what I heard from that is. Community was key, even if you didn’t have your family right, because a lot of people, even if they have their family nearby, they can’t count on them.

So community is is very important. And then the other thing that I heard was that when you are practicing courage, it doesn’t always feel great even after the fact. But, [00:22:00] um, how do you feel now? How do you feel now having your, your unit and the building that I had the honor of staying in and host VIP days in?

So yeah, what does it feel like now? 

Lourdes: Oh, it feels great. You know, it’s, it’s been an opportunity, like I’ve never thought I would be in a position to get paid to live in a place. So that’s what this, this property has done. Um, it’s forwarded me, um, you know, a lot of opportunities that I never thought would be possible.

I’m under contract right now with another four unit, um, which I’m really excited about, and it’s a renovation loan. So now I’m like. Doing what I always wanted to do was in that space. So, um, this has given me the ability to, you know, grow my portfolio and, um, I think, and, and, uh, I have a really good contractor now, which is working on the building as we speak, but like, beautiful.

Um, yeah, so I think all of the, the issues that I had, um, you know, I, I even, um, I had my first, um, Airbnb. So I do Airbnb, um, as well as midterm rentals. Um. I had to evict my, um, [00:23:00] some tenants back in December. And then I’ve been having like this plumbing issue, this mysterious plumbing issue. Um, now that I have someone staying in the unit that, um, you, you did, uh, you went to see and I just found out that, um, maybe they did it, maybe somebody else did it, but somebody put a bag of weave.

Um. Weave inside of a plastic bag, flush it down the toilet, and it, it’s been causing some plumbing issues. So that’s out now. Oh, wow. 

Erika: Headache. 

Lourdes: Yeah, so now I, I talked to my contractor and he is like, yeah, there’s a pit that you can put a grinder on, so like anything that comes through it will grind it before goes into your plumbing.

I’m like, you know what, yes. Let’s, let’s do this just to avoid any, any further issues that may, may arise. Just because, you know, you never know, um, people try destroy, you know, something that you have. So, um, I think it’s, it’s a great, um, investment. It’s, it’s given me the opportunity, uh, to, uh, learn, um, you know, to really work with, with people.

Still provide them that, um, I guess [00:24:00] it’s hospitality. So still provide them with, with that, you know, good experience and. You know, it’s, uh, I think you have mentioned like when you’re here, like, oh, it’s so peaceful here is just like, you know, having a place of peace and that I can come home to and like, relax and, um, just, just really unwind and, um, you know, get paid to do it.

So I think it’s a, it’s a great, you know, I. It’s a great thing. 

Erika: Yeah. So, um, the, I just like we were talking about with entrepreneurship and how people say, oh yeah, you can work whenever you want. I think people think of real estate in the same way, where they’re like, oh yeah, like, just invest in that and then you make all this money, but they fail to consider that.

There are other things like, yeah, making repairs and plumbing issues and these are all things that inevitably will happen, hopefully not to. The extent of having tenants that maybe did something like that on purpose, but it’s still things that you have to consider, right? It’s not always just easy money, but if you’re up for it, um, I think it’s totally worth it, especially based on what I’ve seen with you.[00:25:00] 

Lourdes: Yeah. Yeah. And that don’t skate out on like, you know, different maintenance like that is now. I’m like, even when I was out the other day, like cleaning, you know, leaves from my like gutter, I’m like, oh my God, it must disgust, it smells so bad. Like straight up sewage. And I’m like, you know, I had pla, I had gloves on, but I was just like, this is like not fun, you know?

And I’m like, yeah, it’s just because I’m too cheap to pay a plumber to come out here right now. At nine o’clock on a Sunday to do this. I was like, I’ll do it myself. And I’m just like, Ugh. Like, you know, I’m like, you know. But then again, it’s just kinda like when I was in the military, they made me dig a hole in the ground and I had to sleep in this hole for three days and I was all like, and it was raining.

So I was all like, you know, I’ve done some like crazy things in my life that like, I mean, it definitely tested like every, like, you know, I’m shivering just like it’s cold and I’m in a hole and I’m just covered by a poncho and it’s freezing and I’m wet and I’m. You know, cuddly my M 16 and I’m all like, this is like the worst day of my life, you know?

So I’ve done, so I’m like [00:26:00] crazy and I’ve tested my, you know, I’ve tested myself in so many ways possible. Um, so when I see something like that, I’m like, yeah, oh, sucks, but like, I gotta do what I gotta do, you know? 

Erika: Yeah. Yeah, definitely. So about the building, there’s also something you wanna do with this building that you were telling me about when I was there, and I, I think this is, um, you are the perfect example of turning your, your pain and your struggles.

I. Into purpose. And you experienced what it was like to not have a place to go, to not have a safe place. So, um, the unit that you allowed me to use for the VIP days, you mentioned you wanted to, um, provide housing, right? For women’s veterans who needed a place like a transitional home. Can you tell us about this vision that you have?

Lourdes: Yeah, so it’s, it’s definitely have shifted, um, within the last, so I’ve been praying about it. I’ve been, um, you know, just, just seeing kind of like what’s out there and, um, right now my workload [00:27:00] is so heavy that I haven’t, um, really put this down on paper, but I’ve been thinking about it nonstop. And so, um, I’ve spoke with another, uh, another woman veteran in the area and she has a, uh, program, um, on Whole Health.

Pretty much, you know, finances, fitness, mental, physical, like whole thing. And she has a program for 12 months and I’m like, how can we join forces? And like, this is like what I wanna do. So, um, at first I was on the, the transitional side, like, you know, providing space, a safe space, a very nice, beautiful, safe space for, for women veterans to come in.

And be able to be here, feel relaxed, get out of their situation, but then also have all the resources that they need to get to that next level. And, and then I was like, not only that, but like I want the mental aspect of it. ’cause it was so hard, uh, when I was in that, that situation where I’m all like, I need to go out now, like now [00:28:00] today, and I want somewhere to stay.

But like, I need to be around, you know, I can’t just go to like, you know, well I could go to a hotel, but like, where can I go where I’m actually gonna get the help and, and the resources that I need. So I wanna create that for the woman veteran population. Um, but actually have like a, not like a bootcamp, but like a program where they like are getting.

Alright. Like, whatever they want to work on, we’re helping them achieve that. So, um, that’s where we’re at right now. And, and, um, with the other woman veteran, she has a 12 month program and it’s broken down into 12 weeks. And like, I’m like, everything is like in the 12, so I’m like, all right, this is gonna be a 12, a 12 week program, whatever you’re doing.

Like, let’s just, let’s just encompass this and then we’ll just make sure that this is. The safe space. And, um, I’m in, um, I think I had mentioned, I, I do run a, uh, woman Veterans Monthly gathering, um, which, which you 

Erika: initiated because that didn’t exist. [00:29:00] 

Lourdes: So, okay. Keep going. I, I’m shaking my head like listeners can, like, see what I’m saying.

Yeah, yeah. So, yes, correct. Which I initiated. Um, and, uh, I guess I’ll jump into that real quick since it’s, it’s very important. Um, you know, I. I guess I’m just doing the, I’m doing the things that I wish I had when I was in this situation, to be honest with you. So, yeah, so when I was told I had to leave, um, my house, um, I wanna create that safe space for people in that same situation, whether transitional out of the military, transitioning out of a relationship, um, or even if you’re good and you’re like, I just really need that community and I really need that space to kind of like get my life back in order.

That’s where I want to go. So, um, that’s what I wanna create and that’s why I’m so focused on getting, um, so many buildings and so much real estate is so that I have places to put, uh, put, put them in, in essence. [00:30:00] So, um, so yeah, so there’s, there’s that. And, um, I started the women veteran events. Um. Because I was one or maybe two woman veterans and like 50 male veterans and um, I would always just gravitate to that other woman veteran and we would talk, but it was like really difficult to be in that environment, although, you know, a lot of them are my brothers out here and not like, I love them to death and.

You know, I’m not saying that like I, I’m like just with, you know, with the women veterans, but I wanted a safe space for, um, from women veterans to come to where they didn’t have to feel that they were, you know, reliving the traumas that they le they live when they were in the military. Uh, there is a lot of, uh, military sexual trauma that happens.

A lot of sexual harassment, rape. I mean, there’s so much that happened to women while in service and when they get out of service, they don’t. Wanna be around that. So, um, creating that safe space for women veterans to come, not to bring their [00:31:00] friends and I don’t allow them to bring their friends, but just for them to come to cultivate and build relationships with other women veterans in the area.

And if you would see what is going on out here in the women veteran space, it is. So powerful. And there’s so many people that are doing events on their, on their own, and they, they, you know, they’re, they’re calling women veterans like, Hey, let’s go hang out. Like, you know, some of my like best friends are women veterans.

So you get to build and cultivate these relationships outside of these events. And then we get to do some really cool things. Um, cooking classes. Uh, we’ve done wake, wake, uh, surfing, uh, spa days. Uh, we’re doing a golfing event. Um, pain and sip. I mean, every single event is different. The only ones we keep together is the gift exchange at the end of the, the year.

We always do that. Um, and then there’s always a spot A, so those two are the only ones that I like always make sure we throw in. Um, but everything else is different. Uh, we’re gonna be doing, um, riding [00:32:00] horses. Um, I, I met, um, the director of Chicago Bulls Group sales. Or something was, uh, group sales with, uh, Chicago Bulls and, um, we’re gonna have an outing for women veterans, uh, with the Chicago Bulls.

I’m gonna make sure we get our, our Bears tickets. So there’s, there’s like a lot, um, of like community like outreach that is coming specifically for the program. So I think it’s really cool. 

Erika: Amazing. And how crazy is it to think just four years ago, you, like four and a half years ago, you had gotten your building, you had nobody to celebrate with and look at now how many people you have around you because of the community that you’ve built.

So it’s really one of those things like sometimes people are like, oh, I, I don’t. I don’t have the people around me that I want around me. And when that happens, you have to build it. And that’s why I created Courage Driven Latina. Why you created the Women’s Veterans Group? Why? Um, even just like your immediate friends who I got to meet whenever we were, [00:33:00] whenever I was out in Chicago, right?

Or you hanging out with the girls who were in the program. Now they weren’t even in the program at the same time as you, but I think community building is. It really is the key to making a difference. Yeah. And I love your story and how you went from feeling like, damn, I don’t have anybody to like you.

Now you have an abundance of Yeah. Friendship and community around you for sure. Um, a question that I have for you, just about like real estate in, in general, what would you say to somebody? ’cause I know this is a lot of people in my community. What would you say to somebody who, um, their parents, by the time they were their age, had multiple properties, but obviously with like housing prices and things like that, they haven’t been able to buy their first home and maybe they’re feeling discouraged.

So what would you say to somebody who like wants to be a first time home buyer and is like, damn, I don’t even know if that’s gonna be possible for me. With everything that’s like, all the changes that are going on in the market with politics, all these different things, what would you say to [00:34:00] them? 

Lourdes: Yeah, so I would really just look at the, um, the budget and lifestyle I wanna say.

Like, just make sure that that’s affordable. ’cause a lot of people don’t, they’ll come to me and they say, Hey, I want payments at this. Uh, but I wanna live in this part of the, you know, I. This part of the area of Chicago, and I’m like, you know what? That’s for that budget. We have to be here. So I think really understanding, uh, home ownership, uh, can be for everyone if it makes sense for you.

So that’s, that’s the biggest thing. The reason I didn’t go from a single family home, and I knew that this transition and I went to a multi-unit was to get assistance for rent, like, or for my mortgage. Mm-hmm. I’m all like, you know, I need some assistance because now I’m not, I’m going from a two household income to a one household income, and am I gonna be able to sustain that?

Am I gonna be able to afford the same lifestyle that I had before? So, um, right. In that transition, I [00:35:00] was like, I can’t go to a single family home and I don’t wanna go to a condo. Um, I wanna go to a, an investment property just so that I can be in a better financial situation. So that is something that you have to just make sure that your budget is in alignment with, with your, your lifestyle and what you.

Tend to do because being a homeowner is, is very expensive. It comes with so many perks, especially with equity potential because if you, for example, um, I can go buy a house cash with the equity that I have in my building now, but. Am I gonna go buy a house? No, I’m gonna go buy some more buildings. Um, but I’m gonna just do that just to be able to not work as much as I have to work.

You know, I, um, it’s funny when, uh, so, you know, sometimes they have like, you know, parties or I can hear downstairs, you know, I wake up, I’m like, oh’s just my money waking me up and I go back to sleep. It’s not that bad, of course if it’s like, you know, I had a different [00:36:00] situation. But, um, as long as like, um.

I feel that my lifestyle and my budget makes sense that I go down the homeowner route or maybe we go with a condo or maybe we go with a multi-unit. So it’s just really understanding that aspect and um, and then look at the resources that are out there. Is, is another thing, um, there. Their loan products that if you’re police officers, first responders, it’s a hundred percent financing.

So it can make it a little bit more achievable. Um, even if you’re an EMT. So there’s other programs for teachers, there’s program for nurses, doctors, there’s program, and, and a lot of doctors, they have a lot of student debts. Right. So that can be like a, a hindrance, especially if they’re brand new. So, mm-hmm.

There’s so many programs for, for, uh, for different, um. Different jobs. Uh, I was just talking to a representative, uh, yesterday that was gonna give a $25,000 grant for, um, a specific county, and it’s a county specific type of thing. So, um, I [00:37:00] wasn’t aware of that before until one of my clients brought it to me and I’m like, yeah, this is like, let’s go.

Let, let’s make it happen. So, so there’s, there’s so many programs and things out there for you, um, just to, you know, reach out and, and say like, Hey, what do I qualify for? What can I do? So that’s it. Amazing. 

Erika: Um, I just have a couple more questions for you. Um, one of ’em is about. You suffered an injury that was hindering your ability to show up and to work, and I really am impressed with your mindset around the entire thing.

And, um, I’m wondering if you can share that with us. Like, you don’t have to share details about the, about like what happened, but you were, you were given a certain kind of, um, the doctors told you one thing and you were like. Yeah, not, not gonna, not gonna let that be my truth. So share whatever you feel comfortable sharing about this, but I, I think it’s really powerful how you overcame this.

So [00:38:00] that’s why I wanted to ask about it. 

Lourdes: Okay. Yeah. So, um, I. I was, um, I was paralyzed, so I couldn’t feel anything from my waist down. Um, and then I was, I felt like a bear, a bear hug from my waist up. And then, um, shortly after I developed paralysis in my hands, um, which was very like, um, I think I. Yeah, it was probably one of the most traumatizing moments of my life, and it was shortly after, uh, my divorce, uh, not even a whole month after.

And, um, you know, I went to the va. The VA was just like, yeah, you know, you’re just crazy. Um, go home and we’ll send you these people to your house. And I’m like, cool. Like, you know, I can’t even cook myself some food, like, how am I supposed to eat? So, um. I, I jumped into, uh, more holistic approaches. Um, you know, acupuncture.

I saw several specialists. Um, when I tell you like I hit my savings hard, good thing I had some [00:39:00] savings. ’cause I think every month or every week I was like at least $500 of like, experimentation of like getting right, like, you know, these, these specialists and doing what I need to do. Because they said I was gonna be, uh, the paralysis wouldn’t last two years, and that lasted two months.

And they said that my walking was gonna be like six months. And, uh, it only took me three weeks. So I, um, I focused on eating what I needed to eat. Um, I did a Dr. Sebi SCBI, um, cleanse, and I took the herbs, um, that, uh, you know. That he followed and I did a 30 day cleanse, which, uh, reduced the, the amount of inflammation internally that you have when you’re, you know, when you have an injury or what have you.

So, um, I, I did that and, um, I. I just started to, you know, do my therapy when my, um, occupational therapist, physical therapist would leave. I still did those exercises and I, [00:40:00] I’ll never forget. So anytime I lifted my, my arm like up here, like, um, it would just go like wacky. Like it would just go crazy. So I couldn’t even like, microwave any food because it was up here and this, this was like, I dunno, it was just weird.

So, um, there were certain things I could do and couldn’t do. Um. I would still try to go to my computer and like, type, and when you have paralysis, my hand was just, it wasn’t functioning the way I wanted it to. I couldn’t grasp anything, couldn’t cut anything. Um, I couldn’t wash my hair like it was really bad.

Um, and they gave me house, house makers to come and help out and, you know, they, they weren’t the best quality of people, so I kept firing them. And then, you know, I just cried to one of my friends after not being able to eat for two days, I think not. Physically being able to eat. And she came over and she cooked for me.

And, you know, she was crying. She was like, I never like, would think that you’re this bad. And I just sat here, like, I just sat here by myself and like I told my nephew, I was like, mijo, like, you need to like, you need to like. Take over [00:41:00] the business right now. And he’s young and he was like, okay, Thea, like, you know, I gotta do what I gotta do to like keep, keep the, the business afloat.

And, you know, he did an amazing job and I had him focusing on that and I was like, you focus on that, I’m gonna 100% focus on my health. And at that point, that’s what I did is I just focused on my health and my health. I can still talk. And um, and I had my, um. One of my tenants, she was in medical school and she was one of my first tenants and we hit it off really well.

And then she was like, where’d you go? And I was up in the hospital, I was admitted like all this stuff. And she came over and she reviewed like all of my stuff. And I told her, I was like, I want a more holistic approach. This is, uh, the 30 pills that you know. The doctors gave me, and I don’t wanna take those pills.

So she put me on something and she told me like, you have to like ease back into your, your normal life. She was like, ’cause if you don’t accept, if you accept your condition, you’re not gonna get better. So, um, between eating holistically, um, [00:42:00] these acupuncturists, chiropractors, um, chakra healers, like when I tell you I went, I did every.

Everything. I thought maybe a ghost was on me. I was like, look, I’m like, I need clear naia, like, give me like what I need. So I was like, I need it all to figure out what is going on. ’cause the doctors couldn’t figure it out. Nobody could figure it out. So, uh, just dealing with those, those things and getting the, the help and the assistance needed and, um.

And just not accepting that it was gonna take that long for me to overcome, you know, two years. Absolutely. You’re this for two years. I was like, hell no. Like, it’s not happening. Like, I don’t, I don’t accept that. And even when I would go in, my doctors would tell me one thing I, I remember after like the second MRI or third MRI, they were like.

You need to come in right now. I’m like, why? They’re like, because you, you, how are, are you functioning? I’m like, yeah, I’m good. I just get occasional paralysis. They’re like, how is that even, there’s no way this is physically possible. Like, [00:43:00] you need to come in now. I’m like, for what? Like, I’m good. Like I could walk now.

Like I, I’m good. Like I, you know, my paralysis just acts up occasionally, so like. I’m good. So, um, they’re like, okay, whatever you’re doing, keep doing what you’re doing. I’m like, all right. So that’s what I kept doing and I just wouldn’t like accept that and yeah. You know, I think, you know, my friends who were there for me, ’cause there was, you know, I.

My girls were there for me so much, my nephew tremendously, and just all the, the people that I had. And I did not, I did not even tell a lot of people that this was happening to me. Um, my, my sister sent over my, um, my, uh, my godson. I. And I’m just all like, I’m like, mijo, go stay with your brother. I don’t want you to see me like this.

Because I could never show, like, I didn’t like to show my nephews like that. I was ever in any type of like pain, sad. Like I was always like strong and like happy. I was never like that, a potato. So I was like, you know what? Let me deal with this on my own. [00:44:00] And mentally it was not, I was not in a good space mentally either.

Mentally it was, oh my what? Really jacked up. ’cause they kept telling me I was crazy. I was like, I know I got some issues, but I’m not that crazy for me to do this to myself. So, 

Erika: yeah. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that and for being, for being vulnerable with us. Obviously, I think this goes without saying, um, neither this or I are providing medical advice here, but the point we are making is that, um, you know, the story that you tell yourself really matters.

And, um, when I was over at your place, I was telling you about Joe Dispenza and one of his books, it’s called, you Are the Placebo, and it’s all about how like, what we believe becomes reality. And he goes through some examples where there was a, a man that was falsely diagnosed with cancer and he died. And then they did the, the exams again and he actually didn’t have cancer.

And then the opposite is true. There’s actually some veterans that had knee problems and they took, it was 20 of ’em and 10 of them got the knee surgery and 10 of ’em only got the fake knee surgery, meaning they just opened them up and [00:45:00] then closed them up. So they had the stitches and everything and they were put, um, they had anesthesia and everything, so they, they believed they went through the surgery and they found that every single person in the experiment got so much better.

So what this goes to say, it doesn’t mean don’t go to the doctors. It doesn’t mean only do holistic things. I think it’s just allow yourself to believe. That the possibility of getting better is, is a real thing for you. So, um, that’s why, ’cause I feel like it takes a lot of mental resiliency to, to be in that head space, and that’s why I wanted to ask you about it.

Lourdes: Yeah. And, and yeah. So it was, it was a headspace, definitely 1000%. And then also like figuring out, like if, you know, I’m the type of person, like if you like, uh, not if you tell me no, like, but like if you, yeah, if like medical professionals are people that you know are, are, I’m out there seeking advice from people and they tell me no, I’m a like, no, there has to be a way, there has to be a way.

That’s how I am like right. Yeah, yeah. That’s the type of person I’m, so I gotta figure it out. So, um, and it didn’t [00:46:00] make any sense to me either for them to even say like, we don’t know what’s wrong with you. Like, this is just in your head. So I’m like, so I’m thinking if this is my head, I gotta fix my head.

My head is playing with me right now, like, you know, my anxiety was at level 10, so I was like, oh boy. So yeah, I had to even calm that down. And, you know, there was some other things that happened as well, and. So I, I just had to like, take a step back and, and really believe in myself that I could do this.

And when they would tell me stuff, I would be like, mm-hmm. Nope, that ain’t happening. Like, I’m gonna, I’m gonna figure this out. Like, if I have to figure it out, I’m gonna figure it out and I’m gonna get it done. Yeah. Because, you know, even though two months to me was like, you know, that was. It happened March, uh, March, April, may.

I think I was back to, you know, and I, and I, even after that for a whole year, like I couldn’t take a certain amount of clients and I couldn’t drive at night. And there was a lot of limitations that came from this that I just kind of like com, you know, I put aside and I was like, okay, I’m gonna do this, I’m gonna do that.

And that’s kind of like. Shortly after is when the Women Veterans [00:47:00] Program, um, almost a year later is when the women veteran kicked into effect. Because I’m like, I need community. I need that support. I need this in my life, you know, and where I can just be free and open and stuff. Um, but yeah, so that’s, that’s that.

Erika: Yeah. What do you think, this wasn’t the, I said I had two more questions. This is just an add-on. What do you think that experience taught you? Do you think it taught you to like really prioritize your health and also like the power of your mind or because you went through that difficult two, three months and I feel like you came out of it a different person.

So like what changed? 

Lourdes: Ooh, a lot influences the people in my life, like when you go through such a traumatic. Uh, event in your life, people will leave and the right people will come. Um, you know, so I, I was so blessed to have just that, that support. Uh, even when they’re like, where have you been?

Like, where you at Lord is like, we, we don’t know where you at? Like, what’s, what’s going on? [00:48:00] You’re always on social media and I’m ghost for like two months. So, um, just having that, that support system, I think is like. Critical. Um, and then, um, and then also like that mindset was like, I even often think too, like, man, I’ve been through some stuff in my life.

Like, you know, I can overcome this. And, um, I dove way further into like personal development and my faith into God. I, I was like, God, what is, what, what is the reason? You know, I’m like, what is the reason? But I know there is one, so I’m gonna be patient with you and I’m just gonna help you, like, guide me through this.

And I think it was. You know, to eliminate like, you know, certain distractions in my life. I think that, that, that’s, that taught me that. And, um, and just to like really push, like continue to push, deal within your limitations that you may have, physical limitations that you may have. Um, deal with those and, and you know, everything else will fall into place and, um, have that right circle.

Um, ’cause [00:49:00] I did remove some, like people from my life at that point and. They try coming back every so often and, and I’m like, maybe that was, you know, that’s a sign. Keep ’em away. So, yeah, definitely, 

Erika: definitely. Okay, so the last question I have for you is about, um, courage driven Latina. So you joined Courage driven Latina when it was still purpose driven Latina, and you were in the middle of really stepping into your next level of impact.

So I’m wondering where were you before joining and how do you think the program helped you? Embody the courage or maybe provide the community to help you step into this new chapter in your life. 

Lourdes: Oh, yeah. So I was terrified, like I was terrified from walking away from, you know, stability versus like, you know what I need, like, and you know what I need.

And, uh, it wasn’t that bad. But it was bad, you know? [00:50:00] I mean, crying every night is not like a, that’s not like a okay thing. So I was like, you know, I’m very unhappy. Like, you know, my goals are taking even longer now that I have to pay, like, you know, this, this crazy debt that I didn’t know I had to pay. Our visions are not aligned.

We’re not, we’re not moving in the, the same direction and, you know, fights started happening, which we never had before. So, um, you know, I feel when you, when you reach certain levels. You know, your partner would either go with you or they’ll drag you further down, and I felt the, the pool and the drag down so.

Uh, when I had saw you said something, I think you had, yeah, just maybe I was in the second class. I’m not rem but I, I would follow you. I mean, I’m following you forever because, you know, I’ve known you forever, so always like being a cheerleader. Um, you know, too on the backend, even when you’re doing your cooking stuff, I was like, oh, that’s cool.

You know, like, uh, and the influencer and, and stuff like that. So I, I was always like a big fan of you. Then seeing that like you’re creating this space and like purpose-driven [00:51:00] Latina was like, let me, let me figure out what this is about. So I think I was kind of like reading kind of like, you know, the whole purpose and I was like, this is like what I need.

I need help. Like I need something, you know? Um, so. So I, I, uh, I think I had called you and I kind of told you, and that was, I was still in that, I was still in the house and I, I had to go to a separate room. Yep. I remember this is the situation and I, well, like, you know, I’m so anxious. I’m scared, I’m afraid, um, you know, of taking this next step.

And you were just like, you were that like very friendly voice on the other end saying like, you can do this and like, I’m gonna help you through it, type of thing. And this is what this program’s intended to do is taking that step out, taking that leap, like making sure that. Whatever you do, that you have my support.

And then not only that, but you’re gonna have support from other, other women Latinas that are in that same category that you’re in. So, um, I wanna thank you for that, for creating this space to begin with because I, um, I’m not sure if I would’ve, I just needed one person and you were that [00:52:00] one person to tell me like, you could do it, you know, because everybody else was telling me no.

They were like, deal with it. Not deal with it, but like. They were like, you know, yeah. Deal with it pretty much. And I’m like, I, I just, I just can’t, ’cause it’s not that bad. Like, you know, you didn’t, you didn’t get, you know, he hasn’t hit you or, you know what I mean? Like, it, it wasn’t like that bad, you know, you’re not like really in a bad situation.

And I’m like, how do you Mel, like you, you know? So you were one of the first people that told me that I could, and I really appreciate you for that. And, and then even going through the program, I remember, We were talking about like yachts or something like that. I was like, I’m gonna own a yacht one day.

And they were like, yeah, we’re gonna have, you know, purpose driven Latina, or Yeah, career driven Latina on the yacht. I’m like, heck yeah. Like, we’re gonna do this. So like, you know, it gave me the opportunity to get really excited and like, you know, say like, you know, this is possible, you know, and, and I love boats like, you know.

You know, I’m, I’m starting to be like, you know, call my friends. We have boat. Like, hey, you know? 

Erika: Yeah. I was gonna [00:53:00] say since then, even if you don’t own your own yacht y yet, you’ve definitely been on a lot of yachts. ’cause I, I mean, we follow each other. So you’ve been on a lot of yachts. You have a lot of friends who have yachts, so you’re getting closer and closer to your goal, getting closer to Michael.

Yeah. 

Lourdes: Yeah. So, um, so yeah, so no, it, it is just, that was something that, that I remember saying and I was just like, you know, and like how you said, like I have, I have the opportunity to be around that circle and in that life and, you know, I work really hard to be in those circles, but, um, but it’s. There and you know, it’s really, it’s really close and now it’s shifted, you know, to, you know, get into the nonprofit space.

Now it’s shifted, like those are my priorities now, not having the boat, you know, you just go with my friends. But, um, now it’s a little bit more different. It’s providing safe spaces for other women that were in my situation. So, um, that’s kind of where my heart and my, my passions led to. So. Yeah. 

Erika: That’s beautiful.

And I just have to thank you because you’ve been such a proponent of the program as [00:54:00] well, and like you’ve set people my way where you’re like, Hey, this really helped me. I think it can help you as well. Um, so if you’re open to it, can people reach out to you if they have questions about, about the program and, and your experience in it?

Yeah. Cool. Alright, so what, like who else would you like to reach out to? You, you wanna connect with more nonprofits? So maybe if there’s like nonprofits in the Chicago area, a lot of people who listen to the podcast are actually in Chicago, so do you wanna connect with more nonprofits or like what are the right people to reach out to you?

Lourdes: Um, yeah. Um, nonprofits especially, um, if they have any influence in the veteran space, um, they’re, um, particularly that’s just, um, you know, my, my big focus just ’cause I, I am heard and I want, you know, there has been a big transition, um, in my, in my life and my, my journey, um, here in, in the Chicagoland area.

Um, but, but yeah, nonprofits, uh, people, veterans, uh, women, veterans, if they wanna get onto the Miller’s list to. Go to women veteran events [00:55:00] out here in the local Chicagoland area. Um, and yeah, anybody who needs, or who feels that they, um, you know, really bad things has happened to them and they’re in a pivotal moment in their life, that they need help and that community, uh, if they want to get my testimony, I’m, I’m here.

I’m here to help. Beautiful. Yeah. And if people wanna, 

Erika: um. Buy homes as well, or sell homes. 

Lourdes: Buy homes. That’s what I do for, yeah. 

Erika: Perfect. So we have link below your social media and all your info in the show notes so people can find your info there. Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you wanna share with us?

I, um, 

Lourdes: anything, um, just one thing that I, I think I live my, um. My, my life, not I live my life, but something that I live by is be that example. Mm-hmm. [00:56:00] And if you don’t, if something’s not out there that you’re very passionate about, then go out there and create it and, and be that, be that person. You know, ’cause you’re gonna attract, just like how you track the most amazing like woman to like your program.

Like you start to attract a lot of like amazing people. And I, and I was sharing this yesterday, uh, you know, a lot of amazing opportunities are coming, you know, for my program. Like, it’s like really great. Things are like just flowing to me. And that’s just because of what I do. So, um, don’t be afraid if it’s not out there and you wanna create that community, like go out there and take that leap.

And I think that’s probably the, the last like, you know, closing statements that I have. Perfect. That’s it. It’s just go out there and do it. 

Erika: Amazing. I’m glad we did this interview. This has been such a good, fulfilling, fruitful conversation and I’m sure people took many gems away from this. So for those of you listening, if you would like to share [00:57:00] with either of us or maybe with both of us, what you took away from this episode, take a screenshot of it and make sure you tag us both because we want to see.

And Lourdes, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. Yeah, thank you for having me.