Monica, tell me what it is that you do?
Cliintel Capital Management Group CCMG is a venture capital firm created to provide funding to emerging market companies who lack access to traditional capital markets and allow shareholders opportunities to invest in private companies.

As VP of Investor Relations at (CCMG), I facilitate communication between the company, financial institutions, and investors while working closely with the C-suite team and public relations firm.

What's your favorite thing about what you do?
My favorite aspect of working at CCMG is learning about new, innovative companies and connecting people. I enjoy meeting new people, traveling to conferences, and influencing real change. Rick Batenburg III and Rich Batenburg Jr. have created a supportive work environment where my colleagues feel like family, and I am encouraged to thrive professionally and personally.

What is a piece of advice you'd give your pre-career 20 something self?
Sometimes knowing what you don't want to do is more important than knowing what you want to do. A varied skill set is essential to solving complex problems, so try everything, say yes to the internship, travel as much as possible, and feel free to change your mind at any time. Strength, passion, and conviction come from within and are unlimited resources. Decide what is important and make time for it.

What advice would you give to yourself when you were a young working mother?
It's not about the quantity of time but quality. If you are excited to go to work, kids will adapt to the schedule. If you are not happy to go to work, change something. Work hard, play harder, be fully present, put the phone down, and love unconditionally. Earning the title of mommy doesn't mean every other title has to fall by the wayside. Love is not finite, bound by vicinity, or measured by the amount of hovering. Children are resilient.

If you have a bucket list, what's your favorite thing you've checked off?
Skydiving!

What gets you up in the morning?
I have two beautiful daughters who are my "true north," they are my motivation to continually improve myself and work to make the world a better place.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
I'm resilient, passionate, enthusiastic, fun, empathetic, intelligent, and driven!

Do you have any exciting ambitions for the future?
I look forward to watching my children and CCMG grow towards a legacy that will impact the world long after I am gone. I want to be able to help my girls the way my mom helps me. My life would not be possible without her; she lives next door and keeps the wheels turning while I am at work.

What advice do you have for those starting a new business?
Make a plan, gather resources, rely on those with experience, ask questions, execute, evaluate, ask more questions, pivot and keep going.

What is your favorite success quote?
"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Never, never, never give up." --Winston Churchill

Monica Pina is the Vice President of Investor Relations, Venture Capital with Cliintel Capital Group in Denver, Colorado. CCMG provides funding to emerging market companies and was designed specifically to allow their investors to navigate the heavily regulated industries and the challenges those assets can present.