Marcela Strothers | Founder of Your Dreamwall
A conversation with Marcela Strothers, Founder of Your Dreamwall, on the power of collaboration, the importance of mentorship, cultivating strong relationships, and advocating for innovative ideas.
Can you describe a situation where you felt your ideas or contributions were undervalued in a professional setting? How did you navigate it?
While working in healthcare, I was tasked with developing strategies to attract more clients. Excited by the opportunity, I spent a week creating a detailed presentation on using social media, which at the time was new and unfamiliar in the industry. However, my managers quickly dismissed my ideas, leaving me feeling embarrassed and discouraged.
After discussing it with a mentor, I was reminded that my ideas were innovative, and social media would eventually become essential for businesses. Instead of giving up, I continued to learn and educate myself about social media, which led to the creation of Your Dreamwall’s Instagram. Today, our social media presence has brought in over 70% of our new clients. That experience taught me to trust my vision, even when others can’t see it.
Tell us about a time when you sought out a mentor or ally to help you overcome a professional obstacle. How did this relationship contribute to your growth and development?
I've found mentors and allies in the workplace by actively seeking out individuals who share similar values and have more experience in areas where I wanted to grow. I’ve approached them with genuine curiosity, asking for their insights and advice on specific challenges I was facing. Building relationships based on mutual respect and open communication has been key.
I also looked for people who had successfully navigated similar situations and observed how they handled challenges. Over time, these relationships evolved into mentorships where I felt supported and empowered to advocate for myself and my ideas. Huge thank you to Vanessa, Reina, Yvette and Ianni who have all helped me grow into the woman I am today.
How can we foster a more inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels empowered to share their perspectives and ideas?
Women can leverage open communication to create a more inclusive work environment by fostering transparency, encouraging diverse perspectives, and actively listening to others.
By openly sharing their experiences, ideas, and challenges, women can help break down barriers and create a culture where everyone feels heard and valued. By leading with empathy and authenticity, women can model the kind of inclusive behavior that inspires others to do the same, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and equitable workplace.
What advice would you give to other women who are striving to advance their careers and make a positive impact?
By sharing my voice, I hope to send a message to other women that their ideas, experiences, and perspectives are valuable and deserve to be heard. I want to encourage women to trust in their abilities, to speak up even when it feels uncomfortable, and to believe in the impact they can make.
My hope is that by sharing my own journey, I can inspire other women to be bold, to advocate for themselves and others, and to create spaces where all voices are respected and uplifted. We are stronger together, and our collective voices can drive meaningful change.
“I want to encourage women to trust in their abilities, to speak up even when it feels uncomfortable, and to believe in the impact they can make.”
About Marcella
Marcela Strothers is the founder of Your Dreamwall, a company that brings people together for a fun experience through the New Era of Vision Boarding. After a decade in the healthcare industry, Marcela found herself passionate about improving team building, work-life balance, and employment culture. She created crafty vision boarding kits with intentional questions to promote a healthy mindset and life vision for team. Marcela has facilitated over 1000+ workshops for schools, non-profits, universities, and corporate facilities, inspiring others to think differently about their career, mental well-being, and life journey. She has received MBE, WBE, and SBE certifications and has won several awards on behalf of the New Jersey SBDCA and the top 100 FEDEX Grant. Your Dreamwall is currently selling at Walmart.com and got chosen out of thousands of applications to be apart of Target’s Forward Founders Program with 29 other businesses nationwide. Marcela is proud of the impact she has made and is excited about what the future holds for Your Dreamwall.