From Zero

Chapter 1: Starting from Zero

Somewhere in Bolívar... or perhaps in Loja... that's where this migrant story began—not just mine, but that of my grandparents, my parents, and now, mine.

My grandparents were born in the countryside, in those lands where what you ate was grown and dreams were nurtured through hard work and without formal education. They never attended school—not even primary school. But they knew they wanted something different for their children. So, they migrated. From their rural settlements, they moved to the city, hoping it would offer their children what the countryside couldn't: education.

And so they did. My parents were the first in their families to finish high school. Later, they themselves migrated to Guayaquil, Ecuador, chasing a university dream. Amidst obstacles, scholarships, simultaneous jobs, and sleepless nights, they became professionals.

And me... well, I've already experienced three migrations.

The first was in 2006. I won a scholarship to study for a year at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan. I'd never even slept away from home, not even at my aunts' or friends' houses. And suddenly, there I was, packing a suitcase to cross the entire world. Fear? Terrified. But I was never going to let fear paralyze me. My goal had been clear since I entered university: that scholarship to Japan, that trip. And even though I knew I'd return to Ecuador, that first separation taught me what it means to let go.

In 2007, I left for Spain. Another academic journey that would last nearly 7 years. Another clear objective: learn, grow, and return to contribute.

My return in 2014 was beautiful. I secured a job at my alma mater. And in 2022, I was recognized as one of the Best 40 Under 40 by Poets & Quants for my contribution to business education and community development in Ecuador.

Then came 2025. A third migration. Asia ✔️ Europe ✔️ Missing the epicenter of innovation: the United States.

We knew it wasn't just any place. It was THE place. The one that represents the pinnacle of science, technology, and entrepreneurship worldwide. When the opportunity arose, we didn't hesitate. We packed up, said our goodbyes as best as we could, and took the leap.

"Are you going to start from scratch?"
"Again?"
"Are you sure?"

They asked, as if 'zero' meant emptiness. But for us, it's not starting from scratch. It's starting from experience. From the lessons learned, from the challenges overcome.

We don't have vast financial capital or an extensive network in this new country. But we have knowledge, skills, vision, and a daughter who inspires us every day. That's capital too. Just intangible.

Migrating with family isn't easy. Migrating with a nine-year-old girl is even harder. But entrepreneurship isn't easy either. And yet, we do it. Because migrating is an act of entrepreneurship in itself. You take the leap, with all the fear, trusting that what you know and who you are will sustain you.

This blog isn't just a personal journal. It's an open letter to migrant women, especially in STEM. Because we were taught to be structured, calculated, methodical. And migrating... migrating has no formulas.

I want to share this journey with you.
I want to tell you how we're doing it.
And I want you to dare.

To my friends who are just finding out that I'm no longer in Ecuador...
I'm sorry!
Amidst the intensity of changes, adaptation, and a packed schedule, we've managed to stay grounded. We're doing well, and every day we're more focused.
And now, with this blog, we'll catch up.

With love, from the zero point that isn't zero,
XOXO
AS