Giovanna “Gigi” Gonzaléz spent ten years in financial services before leaving to pursue her dream: teaching financial literacy to young adults. Now, she works as a financial educator, social media influencer, speaker, and is the founder of The First-Gen Mentor, which educates first generation students and young professionals of color on achieving financial freedom. In 2024, she took her mission to the next level by publishing Cultura and Cash, a practical guide book that provides financial guidance while addressing cultural and systemic challenges faced by First-Gen individuals. Her journey to publishing was just as intentional as her work.

“I decided to work with Fast Company Press because as an indie author, the name immediately brought credibility to my book,” said Gonzaléz. “Everyone knows the Fast Company name!” Fast Company had been early supporters of her work, naming her a Top 25 Creator in 2022 and featuring her in another article. “They recognized my value early on, so me working with the imprint felt very aligned,” she said.

Publishing with this imprint also provided strategic positioning and enhanced her reach. “I strongly believe that working with Fast Company Press played a major role in landing an A-list celebrity endorsement for my book,” Gonzaléz said. “The Fast Company Press imprint was an immediate green flag for the team as the Fast Company name has a lot of prestige.”

Cultura and Cash’s book launch was a sweeping triumph. Debuting in 2024, the book quickly gained traction and earned spots on several prominent lists, including being named Best Business Book by the 2024 International Latino Book Awards and appearing on Hispanic Executive Magazine’s 24 Books by Latinos That You Need to Read in 2024. The book also found a place on Business Insider’s Best Personal Finance Books to Read in 2024.

“I am so thankful for my author journey. My book launch was a complete success! I had a 15-stop nationwide book tour, I’ve had major media wins, and my readers have shared how much the book has impacted their money mindset and financial journey,” Gonzaléz reflected. When asked about her experience since the book’s launch, she said that Cultura and Cash has significantly impacted her career and business. “Businesswise, the book has established me as an in-demand speaker on financial literacy, boosted my revenue, and opened the door to unique opportunities—like keynoting at my alma mater’s graduation ceremony.”

Gonzaléz recommends Fast Company Press to any authors looking to build credibility in the publishing space and offers some advice: “Prepare well for your book launch. I see so many authors make this mistake. They pour so much time and money into creating their book, only to fizzle out after a few weeks post-pub day. You have to be your biggest advocate for your book and learn to convey how it will add value to your readers.”

Through strategic partnerships, intentional planning, and commitment to her goals and mission, Gonzaléz has not only published a book, but created a movement. In Cultura and Cash, she empowers First-Gen students to take complete control of their financial future without giving up their cultural roots.

Learn more about Gonzaléz and her work at www.thefirstgenmentor.com.