Stephanie shares her upbringing in Panama City and the cultural shifts she experienced upon moving to the U.S. at age 11, also her panamanian pride. Even before moving, she was introduced to American culture while attending school on the Howard Air Force Base in Panama after her mother remarried. This helped her with some aspects of American life, but leaving her extended family presented challenges. Stephanie shares about the importance of maintaining family ties for immigrant children and suggests frequent visits to their home country to preserve those relationships.
Stephanie talks about her transitions from various roles in real estate to founding a digital marketing agency specializing in email marketing. Driven by a desire for entrepreneurship and work-life balance, Stephanie launched her agency after careful planning. Her agency offers content and email marketing services.
A Childhood Steeped in Family and Community in Panama City
Stephanie Rubio’s story begins in Panama City, Panama. Her roots, however, trace back to a small province, El Interior. A tight-knit community shaped her early years. Stephanie fondly remembers her childhood. Family was at the center. She grew up in a home filled with her grandmother, uncle, and mother.
Those early years in Panama were filled with warmth. It was a strong sense of community, and an abundance of family gatherings. A private Catholic school provided her with education. Weekends meant trips to the beach. Major holidays were huge celebrations with cousins and extended family. These experiences created many memories.
Culture Shock: Navigating American Life on a Military Base
At age 11, Stephanie’s life took a turn. Her family moved to the U.S., but the seeds of change were sown earlier. At age seven, her mother married her stepfather. This introduced her to American culture through the Air Force base in Panama.
Living on Howard Air Force Base was different from her life in Panama City. The base offered a look into American life. It was complete with well-maintained housing and a different set of cultural norms. This transition brought about some culture shock. It prepared her for the eventual move to the United States.
One early experience stands out: being held back a year in school to focus on her English. While intended to help, Stephanie now questions if that was the best decision. Despite this, she excelled. Her confidence grew. By the time her family moved to the U.S., she was more prepared for the cultural shift.
Even simple things became challenges. Stephanie recalls a day when a teacher asked the class where the period goes in a sentence. Unable to articulate the answer, she confidently walked to the whiteboard and placed the period at the end of the sentence. This act, born out of nervousness, built her confidence. She understood that she needed to work hard to express herself.
Texas: A Typical American Experience
The family moved to San Angelo, Texas. This was another pivotal moment. Despite still being part of the military community, life off-base offered a different perspective. Stephanie attended public school for the first time. The presence of many Latinos eased the transition.
Stephanie considers Texas her true home in the U.S. It embodies the traditional American experience. From football Friday nights to country music, Texas offered a deep dive into American culture.
Moving from Texas to Florida brought another cultural shift. Stephanie describes Florida as a “confused” melting pot. It is a place with a mix of cultures and identities. Her father’s early retirement led the family to Florida to be closer to her stepbrothers and his family in Puerto Rico.
Stephanie attended private school. Her parents were fearful of the environment. Looking back, she wishes she had stayed in public school.
She feels she missed out on important developmental experiences and advocates for the public school system. Stephanie believes private schools offer sub-par education. She had to advocate for herself to gain experiences outside of school. Fortunately, she was able to participate in public school activities. She met more kids. The private school system limited her social interactions.
Reconnecting with Family: A Changed Dynamic
Returning to Panama at 14, Stephanie noticed a shift in her relationship with her family. The distance and time apart had created a divide. She felt like an outsider. As she grew older, the differences in mentality became more pronounced. But through it all, she still kept her Panamanian pride.
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of maintaining family connections for immigrant families. Regular visits back home can help bridge the gap. They ensure that children remain connected to their roots.
From Part-Time Job to Entrepreneurial Dream
Stephanie knew early on that she wanted to be an entrepreneur. She recalls a conversation with her uncle. He owned a short-term property management company. At 17, while working part-time in his office, she asked him about starting a business. He emphasized the challenges: long hours, constant dedication, and a lack of real disconnect. Despite the warnings, Stephanie remained determined.
Her uncle’s business employed many people from the Latino community. It provided a source of income. Stephanie saw the impact it had on their lives.
After getting married, Stephanie discussed her aspirations with her husband. She wanted to work from home. She desired flexibility. He supported her dreams. This led her to launch her own business.
February 1, 2016, marks the official launch of her digital marketing agency. She spent the previous year working on a business plan and gathering data. She solidified her vision.
Stephanie started with a full-service agency. She did everything from branding to web design. Over time, she narrowed her focus to content and email marketing.
The American Dream: Opportunity Through Hard Work
What does the American Dream mean to Stephanie? It is fluid. It is shaped by individual aspirations and hard work. It’s an opportunity to pursue your dreams. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, a professional career, or being a stay-at-home parent, the U.S. offers possibilities. It is truly a land of opportunity.
Watch Now
Listen to Stephanie’s story on her Panamanian pride and what her American Dream means to her on The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast.
And I would like to share that Stephanie became the first official sponsor of the podcast! She believes in the mission and has invested so much in it! I’ll always be grateful to her!
With Love, Heidy
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