𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗘𝗗𝘅𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆: 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆

When TEDxMileHigh first approached me, I thought, “Sure, I can share my journey and my work in Public Health!” No problem.

I’ve spoken at conferences, led community health initiatives, and advocated for marginalized voices in countless spaces. But I had never spoken on a TEDx stage. Still, I figured I would prepare as I always do—speak from the heart and let my passion for my work shine through.

Then, TEDx reached out again with a new set of requirements. This wasn’t just a speech—it had to be memorized word for word. I had to sign a formal contract, agree to an exact dress code, and follow a structured coaching process. That’s when it hit me: Wait, I thought I was the one in control of my story?

An Unexpected Challenge

I knew this was an incredible opportunity, but I also knew that my colleagues—all native English speakers—had an advantage. I was the only immigrant in this speaker lineup, and English is my second language.

At home, as I practiced my speech over and over again, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What have I gotten myself into?” Memorizing 2,000 words was already a challenge, but for me, it felt like 4,000, because I naturally think in Spanish first.

I hadn’t even heard of TED Talks before! The gravity of what I had signed up for started to sink in. The pressure was real.

Dressing the Part

Then came the dress code.

TEDx organizers asked me to wear something “formal.” That seemed straightforward—except, what exactly did formal mean in a TEDx setting? I wanted to make sure that I looked professional, but I also wanted to stay true to myself.

So, I took a different approach. Instead of second-guessing, I brought three of my favorite outfits backstage and said, “You pick. But just so you know, I don’t do boring colors. I’m as vibrant as my personality, so let’s keep it loud!” 🌈✨

They chose my Versace outfit, and I felt like my best self walking onto that stage.

The Mariachi Surprise

Then came the biggest hurdle.

“By the way,” I casually told the organizers, “my Mariachi band is coming with me.”

The stunned silence in the room was priceless.

"How many people are in your Mariachi band?" someone asked.

"Only eight," I replied with a smile.

They hesitated. There was no room on stage for that many people, they explained. The Mariachi wasn’t in the schedule. I could have backed down. I could have let it slide.

But cultural validation matters.

I stood firm: “We will make space for the Mariachi band, or Julissa Soto will not speak.” 🎤🔥

Because this is the essence of what I teach and advocate for—honoring who we are without compromise.

Stepping Onto That Stage

The day finally arrived. The lights. The crowd. The energy.

As I stood on that iconic red dot, I felt the weight of my journey. I wasn’t just telling my story—I was representing every immigrant, every Latina, every underrepresented voice that has ever been told to fit in, to assimilate, to tone it down.

But I don’t do tone it down.

I delivered my speech my way. With my words. In my voice. And with my Mariachi band.

The Takeaway: Own Your Story

Walking off that stage, I felt proud, emotional, and empowered.

TEDxMileHigh was not just a speaking opportunity—it was a reminder that when you stay true to yourself, your story becomes even more powerful.

Now, I’m beyond excited to share the final result with you all.

🎥 Watch my TED Talk here 👉 [Insert Link]

And remember—never let anyone dictate who you are. Be unapologetically YOU. ❤️🌎