Full name: Angelica McKinney
Hispanic Heritage: Colombia
Residence: Saint Cloud, Florida
Profession: Real Estate Consultant
LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it.
I’m a real estate consultant with a background in the banking industry, where I had the opportunity to get involved in lending. After my second child was born, my husband and I decided that it was better for me to have quality time with our little ones, at which time I became a stay-at-home mom. Once the kids were older, I decided to get into something that would give me the flexibility to work and still be around for our kids. I had two options in mind, lending or real estate. That’s how I got involved in real estate. However, I do hold licenses in both.
LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?
I am 100% involved. When using an assistant, I am still involved in every detail. When a customer calls me, I want to be able to answer any questions for them instead of sending them to someone else. I am not focused on quantity but on quality. Once you see that you need to delegate duties because of growth, the one-on-one touch disappears. I believe the best transaction is a one-on-one relationship with the customer. ◦ Latin Times Magazine: Why do you feel you were nominated: For my involvement in the community, leading the Osceola County Conservative Republican Assembly, also known as the Florida Republican Assembly, Osceola County Chapter.
Latin Times Magazine: During COVID-19, tell us about your biggest challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it.
It was heartbreaking, watching my children struggle due to changes in society that made it difficult for them to maintain a normal life. In the beginning, it didn’t seem to be much of an issue. We adjusted. As time went by, we educated ourselves on what was going on, and it became clear that the upheaval in society wasn’t about a virus, but control. That’s the moment I became more involved within our community by attending the school board meetings and battling mask mandates. It opened our eyes as parents to the fact that there was so much wrong with our public schools.
LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it.
My biggest achievement is that I have been able to succeed in a place that is not my native country. I came here, in my early twenties, with basic English. I was fortunate enough to attend a great program to learn English in St Petersburg, Florida, and for that, I have to thank my parents. Time went by and I fell in love with the USA. A good friend said to me, “If you want to make it, you need: insurance, good credit, and respect for the laws”, and as of today I still believe those 3 are important. I will never forget where I come from. I enjoyed a beautiful childhood in my native Colombia and am enjoying an excellent adult life in the USA.
LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?
That’s in the works! I do have many projects in mind and I will be picking one of them very soon.
LTM: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?
It’s a blessing. I did it the right way. I will always miss my family and friends, that’s part of my life. I will never regret taking a chance in this beautiful country that has given me so much. I have a beautiful family that means everything to me, and I did that here. I respect our flag and dislike seeing people who do not show the same respect. I settled my roots in this country and embraced the culture of the United States of America.
LTM: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation? And what role do you see Hispanics/Latinos playing in the future of our nation?
I came to the USA during a time when anywhere you drove, you would see the biggest American flags on every business, almost as if they were competing with each other. Lots of jobs were available and it was easier to move around. Then things started to change. I recalled several years ago being at work when we got a message saying that we couldn’t say Christmas anymore because the company didn’t want to offend those who do not celebrate Christmas. I think that’s when I started noticing things were changing. Comparing it to today, I see an unrecognizable country. Our children are being the target, every day our country moves closer to communism and too many are still clueless about this reality. Let’s always remember Benjamin Franklin's response to Elizabeth Willing Powel's question: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy? “A republic, if you can keep it.”I see more Hispanics standing up now and being a voice for defending our nation and our traditions.
LTM: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?
Always know your coworkers. It will make a big difference. Be open-minded. Always look for who is doing great and try to learn from them. Take with you what you believe will make you better. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
LTM: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?
Arroz con coco, mojarra frita y patacones (tostones) con jugo de guanabana. Y no puede faltar una taza de café, Café de Colombia por supuesto!
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