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Ana Barrera is a search investor at Mosaic ETA, where she helps empower underrepresented leaders on the path to becoming CEOs of small to medium-sized companies. She works closely with talented searchers, develops strategic partnerships in the ecosystem, and manages firm programs such as the Mosaic Mentor Network. Barrera is deeply committed to building resources and support systems that maximize both individual and portfolio success while advancing Mosaic’s mission. She is a proud Mexican American who was born in Mexico and raised in Memphis.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest career accomplishment is helping build more inclusive capital platforms that prove exceptional returns and social impact are mutually reinforcing. Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to create tangible change at different levels of the ecosystem. At Morgan Stanley, I amplified diverse voices on an international Webby Award-winning podcast, reshaping narratives around entrepreneurship. Through my fellowship with the National Association of Investment Companies, I designed talent programs that uplifted the next generation of high-performing, diverse investment managers. Now at Mosaic ETA, I’m helping underrepresented leaders step into CEO roles at search-acquired companies, creating long-lasting ownership and generational impact.
Each of these experiences reinforced the same truth: when we intentionally expand access and opportunity, we don’t just help individuals, we strengthen entire systems. My accomplishment isn’t just professional success but also contributing to a fundamental shift in how capital moves, who receives it, and what real equity looks like.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment is serving as a role model for others who may resonate with aspects of my identity or journey.
As a first-generation Mexican American, I didn’t have direct exposure to higher education growing up, but countless books and TV shows sparked my aspiration for it. Yet through hard work, meaningful mentorship, and luck, I was able to attend the University of Pennsylvania and later Harvard Business School – experiences that opened a new realm of possibilities for my future.
I feel deeply grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to embrace life’s transformative moments: studying in my areas of passion, calling cosmopolitan cities home, connecting with friends from around the globe, and supporting my family. Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working on impactful challenges alongside brilliant mentors and peers. These nourishing experiences have enabled me to grow and build confidence in conquering the unknown.
I hope my journey shows others from similar backgrounds that the sky truly is the limit. Looking ahead, I’m humbled by the opportunities that lie before me and the chance to leave a positive impact on the world. This is just the beginning.
What do you do today to impact your community?
I’m passionate about uplifting others, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. I enjoy helping aspiring first-generation students as they navigate the college and graduate school application process and their academic journeys. Having benefited from the generous guidance of mentors throughout my own educational path, I believe deeply in paying it forward.
I also give back through the Hispanic Search Network, a collective dedicated to empowering the Hispanic community through entrepreneurship-through-acquisition, because I believe in building generational wealth and expanding business ownership within our community.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing my commitment to fulfilling work that drives meaningful impact. Specifically, I want to scale capital solutions that empower inclusive entrepreneurship and business ownership. I’d like to gain experience serving on boards to support strategic growth and innovation. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with academic institutions to broaden the accessibility and awareness of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), helping more people discover this path to business ownership and leadership.
Alongside my professional goals, I want to continue living a values-driven life by being a present daughter, sister, and friend, and staying deeply engaged to empower my local community.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I care deeply about dismantling systemic barriers that prevent historically disadvantaged communities from achieving prosperity, especially through access to education and economic empowerment. When individuals are unjustly excluded from opportunities for advancement, we lose immense human potential and perpetuate cycles of inequality.
This mission has shaped my career trajectory, leading me to pursue roles focused on building innovative solutions to advance economic inclusion. At Morgan Stanley’s Inclusive Ventures Lab, I helped global technology startups led by underrepresented founders scale through access to resources, investment and mentorship. At Harlem Capital, I supported investments in women and diverse entrepreneurs building the next generation of innovative companies. In my current role with Mosaic ETA, I’m expanding pathways to business ownership and leadership by supporting talented underrepresented search entrepreneurs as they acquire and lead businesses as CEOs. Each role has reinforced my belief that when we provide access to capital and opportunity, we unlock transformative change.
Beyond economic mobility, I’m committed to protecting human rights and dignity, particularly for Latino communities facing harsh immigration policies at this time in our nation. This is fundamentally about our shared humanity: when we deny people the chance to contribute and thrive, we diminish ourselves as a society. I hope that together we can create a more prosperous, equitable, and peaceful society by embracing rather than excluding those who seek to build better lives.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
During my time at Morgan Stanley’s Inclusive Ventures Lab, we would culminate each program with Demo Day, an event where founders pitched their companies to potential investors. As part of this celebration, we showcased the founders’ portraits on Times Square, something I worked closely on coordinating.
When the day arrived, founders brought their families, teams, and loved ones to share in the experience. Watching them see their images displayed on such an iconic platform was incredibly moving. The surprise and pride on their faces became my favorite part of the entire program!
In these moments, I saw how powerful representation can be. These founders weren’t just building successful companies. They were becoming visible proof of what’s possible for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
Embrace failure. I used to view failure as a personal shortcoming rather than just part of learning a new skill. I’ve come to understand that talent isn’t innate; everything worth doing takes work. Life rewards consistency, not perfection (Still working on my golf swing!).
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
I love how celebratory Latino communities are. From birthdays and anniversaries to family reunions and weddings, we embrace every occasion to celebrate blessings and wish each other well. These vibrant gatherings are an expression of gratitude, love, and unity that strengthens our community and reminds us to cherish every moment together.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Happy” by Pharrell.
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Connect with Ana Barrera on LinkedIn.
