In celebration of Pride: My Journey From a Queer Latin Marketer to an LGBTQIA+ Retail Leader in NYC

During the month of June, Pride Month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing their significant contributions and profound influence on the world.

As told to the co-lab

Hello, Co-Lab community, my name is Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga, and I am a Queer Latin man working in the retail industry in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. My journey from my humble beginnings in marketing to becoming a successful retail LGBTQIA+ leader has been a whirlwind of life-changing experiences, grit, and determination. But it’s also a testament to my faith in my abilities and passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Laying the Foundations: An Advent into Marketing and Retail

My career began in the trenches of Abercrombie & Fitch, where I started as a Brand Representative. Over time, I evolved into roles like International New Store Opening Team Lead and Store Manager, where I handled the opening of 7 international stores and managed a 10,000-square-foot store, handling operations, visual merchandising, and staff training. This early stage in my career instilled in me the value of excellent customer service and store operations.

With the retail foundation solidly under my feet, I leaped into marketing, first with Westfield Property Group and later as Head of Media & Content for United Fray. These roles allowed me to fine-tune my marketing acumen, learn the art of strategic partnerships, and cultivate an authentic brand voice. My work in these positions was recognized, earning me the Marketing Campaign of the Year award in 2014 and a feature in the Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2018.

Evolving into Leadership: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

As I climbed the corporate ladder, I joined Ralph Lauren as the Flagship Store Manager for Club Monaco. It was here that I started leading the Pride and Diversity Council. I was proud to be at the helm of a group that encouraged diversity, inclusion, and acceptance within the organization. Our work made a tangible difference and contributed to a positive work environment for store and corporate employees. In this role, I was awarded the prestigious Retail Manager of the Year award in 2019, a testament to my management skills and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Digital Pivot: Thriving in the Digital Age

I have always been fascinated by the power of digital and social media, so I eagerly transitioned into digital marketing roles. Today, I balance multiple roles as a Content Creator for my website, Diego Downtown, and a Project Manager & Brand Consultant for several retail brands. Through Diego Downtown, I manage fashion, fitness, and lifestyle content on multiple social media platforms. I also offer retail and marketing consulting for retail, wellness, and fashion brands. 

The Power of Community: Advocacy and Volunteering

In addition to my work, I have always believed in giving back to the community. I volunteered to lead virtual and in-person workshops on what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in the retail world. I have leveraged my experience to empower others and create a space where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Networking on LinkedIn

I discovered Co-Lab through networking on LinkedIn, a powerful tool that has been instrumental in finding new clients, and jobs, and connecting with other industry professionals. I look forward to connecting and meeting with more professionals within the Co-Lab network. Here's my LinkedIn profile for anyone wanting to connect with me after reading this blog post.

Concluding Thoughts

My journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and lessons. I hope my experiences inspire others, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ community, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. As a queer Latin man, I am proud of the strides we have made in the retail industry and eager to keep pushing for greater acceptance and representation.

And as I continue to navigate my journey, I am committed to supporting, mentoring, and uplifting others along the way. I firmly believe in creating a world where everyone feels seen, accepted, and loved regardless of identity.

If you've enjoyed reading about my journey and would like to share your thoughts or experiences, I'd love to hear from you! Have a great week, everyone!