Hi, I’m Armando.

I’m Armando Esparza.

First-gen college graduate. First in my family to study abroad. First to earn a master’s degree. First to make six figures—before turning 28.

But none of it happened by chance. Every milestone was the result of strategy.

My story starts like yours—breaking ground with no map.

I was the first in my family to go to college. I didn’t have mentors explaining how to navigate office politics, negotiate a raise, or pivot to a role that actually fits. Like many first-gen professionals, I learned by doing—and often by struggling.

But through every step, I developed a mindset that changed everything:

Your career is not a lottery. It’s a strategy.

That belief has taken me from unsure undergrad to economic development director. From unpaid intern to six-figure earner. From confused to completely aligned.

A man in a white shirt and dark blazer standing in front of a red and white banner that reads 'America's SBDC Arizona', with hashtags and descriptions about startup growth and small business support.
Two people, a woman with glasses and a man, are having a conversation at a professional event. The woman is wearing a dark blazer and the man is wearing a dark shirt with a name tag. In the background, a table displays brochures and there is a 'RESER
A man in a suit and dress shirt speaking during a meeting, with papers and a pen on the table.
A man giving a presentation in front of a large screen displaying statistics about population growth, labor force participation, and growth since 2020. The audience is seated at round tables in a conference room.
Photograph of a smiling man, Armando Esparza, sitting at a desk with a white polo shirt, with a sign behind him that says 2024 Rising Star Award and features the logo of Under 40 Biz and NEXGEN, indicating he received an award at a business event in
Group of seven people standing in front of a foam wall with logos and pictures, at a real estate event. The wall features 'Goodwill' and 'Thrive' branding, along with various location names and photos.
A presentation in a conference room titled "Beyond the Books: Practical Skills for Public Service" with a speaker sitting at a table and audience members listening.
A young man in a maroon graduation gown and cap standing on a sidewalk lined with tall palm trees, smiling at the camera.

Why I coach.

I created AE Strategies because I know exactly how it feels to be the first, and the only, in spaces that weren’t built for us. But I also know how powerful it is to rewrite that narrative.

Now, I help other first-gen professionals build careers that reflect their value, not just their hustle.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, undervalued, or unclear about your next move—I’m here to help you think bigger, act smarter, and move with intention.