The Man Behind My Strength: A Father's Influence on an Unstoppable Woman
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
By Alicia Fuentes
When people ask me where I found the courage to walk away from a stable corporate career and start my own business, my answer surprises them: my father. It wasn’t flashy advice or pressure to succeed that shaped me. It was his quiet, steadfast presence. His belief in showing up, solving problems, and living with integrity—even when no one is watching—taught me what it means to be truly unstoppable.
My father has always led by example. A teacher for 40 years and a business owner well into his seventies, he’s the kind of man who never gives up. I’ve seen him rebuild a home after a devastating fire, support siblings through hard times, and serve his community without expecting anything in return. But it was during one of my hardest transitions—when I lost my job and questioned my worth—that I understood the true depth of his influence.
I remember feeling lost. My identity had been so tied to my career that without it, I didn’t know who I was anymore. I felt like I was falling behind, doubting whether I had anything left to offer. I questioned whether I could ever build something of my own. That’s when I turned to the quiet wisdom I had absorbed from my dad throughout my life.
He didn’t give me a speech or push me to “figure it out.” He simply reminded me of who I was—strong, capable, and resourceful. He reminded me of how he approaches every challenge: with curiosity, calm, and an unshakable belief that a solution will eventually appear.
From watching him, I learned to embrace uncertainty with grace. I remembered how he rebuilt our life from ashes, quite literally, after the 1988 fire.
That wasn’t just about bricks and mortar—it was about resilience. About getting back up when life knocks you down and doing so with faith and quiet strength. That same energy carried me through the fears of starting something new.
What also stayed with me was his example of service. My father lived his values, especially in how he gave back through the Rotary Club and our church. He showed me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. So when I began coaching other women through their own life transitions, I did it not to prove anything, but because I wanted to serve with the same heart he always has.
His love is never loud, but it is consistent. It shows up in thoughtful gifts, late-night conversations, and the way he believes in me even when I doubt myself. That love anchors me when I feel like I am drifting. It reminds me that being unstoppable isn’t about never falling—it’s about always rising, again and again, with love, grace, and determination.
My dad didn’t just raise a daughter. He helped raise a woman who knows her worth, owns her story, and isn’t afraid to reinvent herself. I may be the one building a business today—but the foundation was laid long ago, by a man who never needed the spotlight to make a lasting impact.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Your legacy will live on through every woman I now help rise.
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