Meet Jessica | Host of Behind The Work Show

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my business and career has taught me is the power of defining success for yourself. So many of us are conditioned to chase a version of success shaped by societal norms—titles, salaries, accolades. But real fulfillment comes when you have the courage to question those standards and carve your own path. Hosting Behind the Work has shown me that the most inspiring stories often come from people who took unconventional routes, trusted their instincts, and pursued alignment over approval.

Success, to me, isn’t just about professional milestones—it’s about personal mastery. It’s about knowing who you are, honoring your values, and building a life that reflects your unique purpose. When you begin to view success as something deeply personal and internal, you give yourself the freedom to grow, evolve, and thrive on your own terms.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of my biggest accomplishments is sustaining my life as an entrepreneur for over a decade while remaining deeply authentic. That alone is no small feat—especially in a world that constantly tries to put you in a box. I’ve had to learn how to bet on myself, challenge limiting beliefs, and keep going even when the path felt uncertain. And I’m proud that through it all, I’ve been able to create real impact—especially through America On Tech, where we’ve helped thousands of young people from underestimated communities break into the tech industry.

Another accomplishment I’m incredibly proud of is launching and hosting Behind the Work. The podcast is my way of peeling back the layers and showcasing the stories behind the hustle—the personal evolution, mindset shifts, and unfiltered realities of building something meaningful. It’s about amplifying voices, especially those that are often overlooked, and reminding people that success is deeply personal and multidimensional. With Behind the Work, I hope to inspire others to redefine success for themselves and lean into their own unique paths.

What sets me apart is my commitment to building a life and career that’s in alignment with who I really am—not just what looks good on paper. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real. I want the world to know that I didn’t get here by following a formula—I got here by choosing courage, staying grounded in my values, and refusing to let fear or societal expectations define my limits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Such a good question! If I am hosting friends for a Saturday in Miami, we’re doing Nikki Beach from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., taking a little break to rest, eating dinner at Sexy Fish from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. and then heading to the Red Rooster rooftop for a turn up! If they’re staying an extra day, we’d probably get on a boat!

Honorable mentions for favorite restaurants: Klaw, Komodo, Carbone, Casadonna

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the women of color who are defying the odds every single day. The ones who are rewriting the narrative, setting their own standards, refusing to shrink themselves, and becoming the highest, most authentic versions of who they’re meant to be.

These women inspire me constantly—not just through their accomplishments, but through their resilience, vulnerability, and intentionality. Whether they’re leading movements, building businesses, raising families, healing generational wounds, or simply choosing themselves in a world that often overlooks them—they are the blueprint.

Their courage gives me strength, and their presence in the world affirms that we are powerful beyond measure when we stand in our truth.

Website: http://jessicasantana

Instagram: http://instagram.com/behindtheworkshow

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/jessworldwide

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindtheworkshow