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

Hi Lorena, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Doctorahood was actually originally called @52WeeksRising on IG and the purpose of that was to develop a encouragement as we navigated the 2016 Election Season and make sure that we all are reminded that we all need to rise as a collective every week of the year. (52 weeks in a year). I was also capturing my #DocLorenaJourney as a first gen, Chicana Feminist and the space of social media was a way to connect with our mujeres of color to amplify the visibility of the journey. I was able to connect with our future doctoras and just continued to create representation for a population of mujeres that are less than 1% in doctoral degree attainment in Education.

The name, Doctorahood, came from recognizing that whatever degrees or education that we attain we take our hoods, communities and families with us. As well as the physical notion of when you complete your degree, you get “hooded.” Doctorahood challenges higher education norms by elevating our representation, knowledge, and strengths. It disrupts, empowers, and strengthens the educational pipeline, ensuring we are seen and take up space.

Going viral in 2019 with #DinnerConDoctoras surpassed anything I had imagined. It was just a need that I saw and I poured into it. I understand the power of community with otras—the energetic nourishment, the sharing of comida, and the sacred act of breaking bread. Having over 20 #DinnerConDoctoras pop up across the nation was part of a really organic way to highlight our comunidad and our collective struggle and strengths.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to leadership and healing. I merge my background in higher education with sound healing, cultural affirmation, and transformative justice practices. My Brown Mujer Rising coaching program, sound healing workshops, and curated offerings through Doctorahood and I Am Esperanza are all designed to uplift mujeres navigating systemic barriers, trauma, and self-doubt.

Getting here was not easy. As a first-generation college graduate, a single mami, and a survivor of domestic violence, I have had to fight for my place in academia and beyond. The journey required resilience, deep healing, and an unwavering belief in my purpose, my faith and my cultura. I overcame challenges by embracing my cultural roots and spirituality, building community, and transforming my pain into power. That is how I became a certified sound healer. I was needing some healing for myself and sound and musica has always been a part of my feeling journey. I met Jennifer Blooms, immediately applied to a certified training session and the rest is sacred sound history. Much love to the my @Bloom_HolisticHealing sound sisters.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about fitting into pre-existing spaces—it’s about creating new ones that honor our lived experiences. My first degree is marketing, so I’m always thinking of ways to think outside the box and run circles around it. I want the world to know that my brand and story are built on the belief that mujeres deserve to rise, heal, and reclaim their power. I Am Esperanza and my Doctorahood platform aren’t just business—it’s a movement, a call for collective liberation, and a testament to the strength of mujeres everywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, we’d kick off the trip with a grounding sunrise hike in Joshua Tree National Park, soaking in the magic of the desert and its powerful stillness. We’d explore hidden trails, do some sound healing under the vast sky, and maybe even stargaze at night. The last time that I was there, I went with my best friend, my sister Lisety for my baby moon vacation.

We did some nature walks, explored and enjoyed the weather. I believe we went in December so it was a bit cold for the time of the season. I have gone there when it has been warmer and enjoyed the pool during the day. So in warmer weather we would also spend a day in Palm Springs, lounging at a poolside cabana, visiting the Agua Caliente Hot Springs, and exploring the vintage shops and murals downtown. Mid-week, a trip to Salvation Mountain and the mystical Integratron sound bath would be a must. We would also stop at the @soulglowaura to get our energias read with a snap of a photo.

The trip would be all about nature, grounding, and meaningful sister time experiences—desert healing, good comida, and chasing sunsets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
mi mami y papi are at the core of who I am and why I show up the way that I do. Their deep faith is rooted in my spiritual approaches and how I create community, always in service and seeking to understand others.

I am a nerd, so my love and appreciation for books is endless! All About Love by bell hooks helped to name the love that I have felt for trees, friends, and community organizing, knowing that love is powerful and also rooted in holding space for other living beings.

Website: https://www.IAmEsperanza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Doctorahood_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctora-lorena-marquez

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Doctorahood

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