Nely Galan

Nely Galan is a force to be reckoned with in the world of media and real estate entrepreneurship. As the first Latina President of Entertainment for a major U.S. television network, Telemundo, she has shattered glass ceilings and left an indelible mark on the industry. With an impressive Emmy Award-winning portfolio of over 700 television shows in both English and Spanish, including the hit reality series “The SWAN” for 20th Century Fox, Galan’s creative genius knows no bounds.

But Galan’s journey doesn’t stop there. In a bold move, she took a mid-career sabbatical to pursue a master’s and doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specializing in the Psychology of Money in multicultural communities. This led her to pen the New York Times bestselling book, “SELF MADE: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant, and Rich in Every Way,” which became a manifesto for the revolution in women’s entrepreneurship. Galan’s powerful message, encapsulated in the now-famous phrase, “Don’t Buy Shoes, Buy Buildings,” has resonated with millions around the globe, with the book selling a staggering 2.1 million copies in China alone.

Driven by her passion for empowering others, Galan founded The Adelante Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing economic and entrepreneurial training for multicultural women. Through her digital platform, BecomingSelfMade.com, Galan reaches over a million women monthly, offering a wealth of financial literacy resources and inspiring stories of women of color. Her commitment to leveling the playing field extends to small business owners of color, with over 300 hours of free content available on the platform.

Fueling her mission to empower underserved voices, Galan launched the groundbreaking podcast, “MONEYMAKER,” on the Money News Network. With episodes in both English and Spanish, it is the only business and entrepreneurship podcast for a mainstream audience that truly embraces diversity and inclusion. Galan’s relentless pursuit of equality and representation is evident in her speaking engagements, where she has captivated audiences in over 500 cities, including prestigious venues like The United Nations and The United States of Women. Major corporations, such as Coca-Cola, American Express, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Google, have sought her wisdom and insights.

Galan’s impact extends far beyond the corporate world. She has inspired countless students across the United States, delivering powerful speeches at renowned universities like Harvard, USC, and UCLA. Her influence is felt on various boards, including The Wild Alaskan Company and the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program Advisory Board. As an Emeritus board member of the Smithsonian Institute and a longstanding contributor to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Coca-Cola’s Hispanic Council, Galan’s commitment to making a difference is unwavering.

Nely Galan’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and unwavering determination. Her infectious energy, profound insights, and unwavering advocacy for women and people of color make her a sought-after speaker and a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship.