
Zuleika Cuevas
5.0
(12)
Studied at Adelphi University
Hiring Manager at Global Woman Leadership
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Zuleika
I’m Zuleika Cuevas—a proud first-generation Latina and lifelong New Yorker who learned early how to navigate complex spaces, speak up even when I was the only one in the room, and create a path where none existed. Before founding Global Woman Leadership, I held leadership roles at Citibank and in higher education, where I saw firsthand how many brilliant, capable women—especially women of color—were playing small, silencing their voices, or struggling to be seen as the leaders they already are. I coach from lived experience, not just theory. I know what it’s like to juggle ambition, cultural expectations, and self-doubt. My own journey has included reinvention, risk-taking, and embracing the idea that you can lead with both power and heart. That mindset shapes every coaching session I offer—real talk, practical strategy, and deep respect for your lived experience. Outside of work, I’m fueled by strong coffee, global travel, and mentoring young women in my community. If you’re ready to silence the inner critic, speak with confidence, and own your career path, I’d love to be your coach and advocate. Let’s work together to make your next move your most powerful yet.
Why do I coach?
The Struggle We All Know I’m an ambitious woman who did everything “right”—earned the degrees, landed competitive roles, and worked tirelessly. Yet despite my qualifications, I often felt invisible in meetings, passed over for promotions, and unsure how to advocate for myself. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt became constant companions. I questioned whether I was really ready for leadership—or if I even belonged in those spaces. The Turning Point Eventually, I had a hard truth moment: working hard wasn’t enough—I needed a strategy. I started noticing how others with less experience were getting ahead simply because they spoke up with confidence, built influential networks, and negotiated without hesitation. That realization sparked the creation of Global Woman Leadership—a coaching program designed to help women like me break through those barriers and rise with intention. The Transformation With the help of expert coaching, role-playing, and real-world strategies, I learned to: ✔ Speak with confidence in high-stakes conversations ✔ Conquer imposter syndrome and stop second-guessing myself ✔ Build a strong network of mentors and sponsors ✔ Negotiate a $20K raise and step into multiple leadership roles But more importantly, I stopped waiting for permission. I began creating opportunities—and enjoying the journey. The Bigger Mission I coach because I’m not alone. Most of my clients have lived some version of this story. Within six months, over 90% experience powerful, career-changing results. They don’t just get ahead—they pay it forward by mentoring others, advocating for equity, and transforming what leadership looks like in their companies and communities. If you’re ready to “Be the CEO of Your Career,” I’d be honored to walk with you on that path. Let’s go.
Work Experience

Faculty, Public Speaking and Communication
St. John's University
September 2024 - Present
• Teach Public Speaking, Communication in Business, and Persuasion & Influence. • Developed custom curriculum integrating real-world scenarios in leadership and stakeholder communication. • Serve as a judge for university-wide pitch and presentation competitions. • Mentor first-generation students on navigating careers in media, business, and tech.

Advisory Council Member
Harvard Business Review
August 2024 - Present
• Contribute insights on global business and leadership trends. • Collaborate with editors and product developers on strategic research initiatives and content development. • Partner with Harvard Business Publishing Education to enhance case studies and academic readings. • Serve as a thought partner on innovation in leadership development and workplace strategy.

Vice President, Talent & Diversity, Global Functions
Citi Bank
August 2023 - April 2024
•Lead the development and execution of global talent management and diversity strategies across multiple functions. •Partnered with senior leadership to identify talent skill gaps and implement succession planning processes for managers and executive leaders. •Drove the design and implementation of diversity and inclusion programs, resulting in a 20% increase in diverse hires over three years. •Developed and manage employee engagement initiatives, improving overall employee satisfaction scores by 15%. •Oversaw the creation and facilitation of leadership development programs for high-potential employees. •Directed talent development programs, including performance management, leadership development, and career planning. •Collaborated with business leaders to assess training needs and develop customized learning solutions. •Implemented a mentoring program that increased retention rates among high-potential employees by 25%. •Collaborated with a team of HR professionals and external consultants to deliver training programs across global locations. •Designed and launched D&I initiatives that aligned with corporate goals and enhanced organizational culture. •Conducted customized training workshops and seminars for employees at all levels. •Analyzed workforce data to identify diversity trends and inform strategic planning. •Partnered with external organizations to promote company’s D&I efforts and attract diverse talent. *Reduced time-to-competency for new managers by 30% through targeted training initiatives. •Lead the development and execution of global talent management and diversity strategies across multiple functions. •Partnered with senior leadership to identify talent skill gaps and implement succession planning processes for managers and executive leaders. •Drove the design and implementation of diversity and inclusion programs, resulting in a 20% increase in diverse hires over three years. •Developed and manage employee engagement initiatives, improving overall employee satisfaction scores by 15%. •Oversaw the creation and facilitation of leadership development programs for high-potential employees. •Directed talent development programs, including performance management, leadership development, and career planning. •Collaborated with business leaders to assess training needs and develop customized learning solutions. •Implemented a mentoring program that increased retention rates among high-potential employees by 25%. •Collaborated with a team of HR professionals and external consultants to deliver training programs across global locations. •Designed and launched D&I initiatives that aligned with corporate goals and enhanced organizational culture. •Conducted customized training workshops and seminars for employees at all levels. •Analyzed workforce data to identify diversity trends and inform strategic planning. •Partnered with external organizations to promote company’s D&I efforts and attract diverse talent. *Reduced time-to-competency for new managers by 30% through targeted training initiatives.

Founder + CEO
Global Woman Leadership
January 2021 - Present
Hiring Manager
• 90% of program graduates land promotions, new jobs, or leadership roles within 6 months. • Led clients to negotiate $10K–$50K salary increases, win executive roles at Fortune 500 firms, and elevate their leadership brand. • Built a referral-based community of high-achieving women leaders across industries and borders. • Created proprietary leadership accelerator curriculum on strategic communication, negotiation, influence, and executive presence. • Delivered custom corporate trainings for mid-size businesses and startups. • Programs offered include: o Leadership Accelerator Program o Negotiation & Salary Mastery o Executive Presence & Influence o 1:1 Leadership Coaching o Corporate Workshops

Faculty & Student Advisor, Intercultural Business Communication
New York University
January 2018 - Present
• Teach graduate courses in Intercultural Business Communication and Organizational Ethics. • Serve on NYU SPS IDBEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, Equity, Accessibility). • Advisor for Career Development & Mental Health Resources at NYU Wasserman Center. • Designed flipped classroom and blended learning models using Brightspace, Google Workspace, and multimedia resources. • Host annual symposiums featuring industry leaders in diversity and global workforce topics. • Recognized for innovation in pedagogy and student engagement (20%+ boost in participation).

Faculty & Student Advisor
Mercy College
September 2013 - Present
• Teach courses in Oral Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Conflict Management. • Advise 300+ students per year on academic planning, internships, and professional readiness. • Created workshop series on career skills, raising student performance on presentations by 20%. • Frequently collaborate with local organizations to integrate experiential learning into the curriculum.
Education

Adelphi University
Master of Business Administration, Management
1993

Kean College
Master of Arts - MA, Organizational Communication

Pace University
Bachelor's Degree, Marketing
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Zuleika has helped Leland clients get into New York University
Zuleika has helped Leland clients get into Stanford Health Care