Alumni Spotlight: Luisa Navarro '08
A Conversation with Luisa Navarro '08
August 27, 2025
We are excited to shine our first alumni spotlight on Luisa Navarro, a proud member of the ESD Class of 2008. After graduating from ESD, Luisa went on to build a remarkable career as an entrepreneur, founding Mexico In My Pocket, a gift shop and travel planning business in Brooklyn, New York, dedicated to celebrating Mexican culture. She is also the author of the book Mexico's Day of the Dead.
Join us at our Alumni Culture & Community Celebration on Thursday, September 18, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at ESD for a book signing of Mexico’s Day of the Dead and to celebrate Luisa’s incredible accomplishment! Visit our registration page below for information and to RSVP.
RSVP TO THE ALUMNI CULTURE AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION HERE
A Journey of Purpose
Luisa’s personal and professional journey is deeply rooted in her commitment to preserving and honoring her ancestral traditions. For her, purpose is a mission. As a child, she faced the challenges of a bicultural identity, with Spanish as her first language. However, she found strength and a sense of belonging through her parents and grandparents, who taught her to embrace her heritage.
This early experience fueled her desire to change the narrative. As an adult, she became a journalist, determined to counteract the negative stereotypes of Mexico often seen in mainstream media. Her path led her to launch a blog focused on the beauty of Mexico, which ultimately inspired her to write Mexico's Day of the Dead. Through her work, Luisa hopes to inspire others to celebrate their own cultures and connect with their ancestral lineage.
An Unforgettable ESD Experience
Luisa credits her time at ESD with helping her find her purpose. She holds fond memories of her high school experience, particularly her English, religion, history, and journalism classes. She reflects on her teachers—Mrs. Salz, Mrs. Mrozek, and Mrs. Meier—as instrumental mentors who created a safe and nurturing environment for open discussion.
Every time I stepped into their classrooms, I knew they were going to give me something invaluable," she says. "Not just lessons on writing, history, or journalism, but lessons on life.
Their guidance inspired her to pursue work that has meaning and purpose.
She is also proud of ESD's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and was thrilled to hear that the school celebrates Día de Muertos traditions. Luisa believes this is a beautiful example of how the universal topic of death can connect us all, and she is genuinely overjoyed to see the ESD community embracing these traditions.
Career and Achievements
- Undergraduate: Boston College, Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communications and English
- Recognition: Gail A. McGrath Award, presented to an outstanding senior communication major pursuing graduate studies
- Graduate: Columbia University, Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism
- Current Role: Founder & CEO of Mexico In My Pocket: Gift Shop & Travel Planning Business
- Book: Mexico's Day of the Dead
- Recognition: Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, New York Women's Foundation 2025
Passing on the Torch
Luisa’s favorite ESD tradition is "Pass it On," a practice she sees as a powerful way to send encouragement and positive energy to the next generation. This spirit of mentorship and guidance is at the heart of the advice she offers to current students.
If there's a subject or topic that makes your heart beat a little faster or maybe even makes you feel angry, listen to that voice in your head," she advises. "Ask yourself, 'Why do I care so much?' Once you figure out what it is that makes you tick, you'll realize you've finally discovered your calling.
By listening to that inner voice and persevering through challenges, Luisa believes that students are bound to create incredible things in the world.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE FOR MEXICO'S DAY OF THE DEAD
|
|
 |
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
