Azucena Barclay
Grateful daughter, united wife, proud mother, loyal sister, and loving aunt.
For Azucena Barclay, family is the foundation of everything—her inspiration, her strength, and
her compass. She is an Accountant and MBA with more than two decades of experience in tax
and business solutions, and the founder of Azucena Barclay, MBA, Tax & Business Solutions.
Beyond her accounting practice, she is also an author, international magazine writer, and the
heart behind Leadership by Free Minds, a project dedicated to building bridges between
neurotypical and neurodivergent communities.
Crowned as Mrs. México Woman of Achievements, Azucena has been recognized
internationally for her professional journey. She was honored with the International Innovation
Award for introducing MasterGrill Eco-Friendly Charcoal & Briquettes into the U.S.
market—an innovation born in Chihuahua, Mexico and now distributed under her leadership.
MasterGrill is more than a product; it is a symbol of sustainability and health: 100% eco-friendly
charcoal that requires no additional fuel, is chemical-free, and safe for families and the
environment.
Azucena is also the author of several books and a monthly columnist for the Global Magazine
Consortium, with articles reaching audiences in more than 40 countries across Europe, Latin
America, and beyond. Her writing has earned her two of the highest recognitions in the field: the
Red Diamond Award for magazine cover feature and the Black Diamond Award as a
distinguished writer. She is also the proud founder of her own magazine, Raíces Latinas, which
highlights and celebrates Hispanic businesses and voices.
Her journey extends into leadership stages worldwide, including serving as a panel leader at
the 5th World Congress of Women Leaders, and even into modeling, representing strength
and elegance as part of WALA Designs.
I participate in various organizations, such as: CSTC (California Society of Tax Consultants) as
a Regional Director; PROSPANICA (Association of Hispanic MBA’s & Business
Professionals); ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America, previously known as
Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting); IAPO (International Association
of Professional Business Consultants); PNL Girls (PNL / NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
where I encourage self-confidence by giving trainings on how to achieve personal and
professional growth in order to improve one’s life and the lives of the people around them.
For Azucena, every role—whether professional or personal—is guided by a simple yet powerful
belief: Leadership begins with the heart, and no one should ever feel forced to fit into a mold.
About Azucena Barclay
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is my greatest treasure and the heart of everything I do. I am a grateful daughter,
united wife, proud mother, loyal sister, and loving aunt. Each of these roles is a source of
strength and joy, reminding me that leadership and success begin at home. Despite our busy
lives, we remain a close-knit family that values time together—whether it’s sharing a meal,
watching a movie, or exploring something new. Family is not only my foundation, but also the
inspiration behind every dream I pursue.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
For over 20 years, I have built my career as an Accountant and MBA, serving families and
businesses with integrity and professionalism. Numbers may be my foundation, but the true
reward is in building trust and creating stability that changes lives.
As an entrepreneur, I proudly lead MasterGrill Eco-Friendly Charcoal & Briquettes, a product
created in Chihuahua, Mexico and now distributed in the U.S. under my leadership. This
innovation was honored with the International Innovation Award for its groundbreaking impact
as a 100% natural, chemical-free, eco-friendly charcoal, proving that sustainability and culture
can transform industries.
Beyond business, I am an author and columnist whose writing reaches audiences in more than
40 countries, and I am preparing to launch Leadership by Free Minds, a project dedicated to
building bridges between neurotypical and neurodivergent communities.
What I love most about my work is knowing that every path I take, whether in business, writing,
or community leadership, serves a greater purpose: to inspire others to embrace their
authenticity, honor their roots, and lead with compassion. That is, to me, the true meaning of
success.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice is simple: live fully, live freely, and live authentically. Don’t measure yourself against
someone else’s definition of success, and don’t allow the world to place you in a mold that was
never meant for you. We are all different, and that is our greatest gift.
Choose happiness without apology, extend respect without judgment, and build your life around
the values that truly matter: love, integrity, and compassion. When we live this way, we don’t just
create a better path for ourselves; we leave behind a legacy that inspires others to do the same.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself continuing to enjoy life surrounded by my family, my greatest
source of strength and joy. Professionally, I will still be doing what I love most, serving as an
Accountant and MBA, helping families and businesses find stability and growth through trust
and integrity.
At the same time, I envision Leadership by Free Minds fully established as a global platform,
connecting neurotypical and neurodivergent communities and proving that authenticity is the
foundation of true leadership. I also see my writing and businesses expanding their reach,
creating impact not only in numbers and markets, but in lives and communities.
In the years to come, I envision MasterGrill being celebrated not only as an award-winning
innovation, but as a call to greater awareness: that every choice we make—even how we
grill—can protect our bodies, our families, and our planet. MasterGrill is a legacy of culture and
sustainability that I am proud to share with the world.
My vision is simple: to keep building a legacy of values, love, and leadership that lasts
far beyond me.
Azucena Barclay & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I don’t limit myself to just one favorite—I love discovering new places and appreciating the
culture, passion, and dreams behind each restaurant. Supporting diverse local businesses is
very meaningful to me. With my magazine Raíces Latinas, I highlight Hispanic-owned
restaurants, and soon, through another magazine project, I will also spotlight other local
businesses that deserve to be celebrated. For me, every table tells a story, and every business
represents someone’s courage to dream.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
San Diego has been home to me and my family since 2013, a place where both my personal
and professional life have flourished. Over the years, I’ve built deep roots here—not only as an
accountant and entrepreneur, but also as someone who values community and connection.
Living here has been more than just a timeline; it has been a journey of growth, opportunities,
and gratitude. And every year spent here reaffirms my belief that where we plant our roots, we
can also inspire others to grow.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
San Diego has given me the privilege of meeting incredible people from all walks of life. Each
encounter has taught me something unique, whether through resilience, creativity, or generosity.
Choosing just one person would not do justice to the richness of this community. These stories
are what inspire me to highlight voices through my magazine Raíces Latinas and through my
project Leadership by Free Minds, because I believe no one should ever feel pressured to fit
into a mold. For me, greatness is not only found in titles or positions, it’s found in the everyday
courage of people who strive to make a difference.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What I love most about San Diego is its diversity—of landscapes, cultures, and people. In a
single day, you can experience the calm of the ocean, the energy of the city, and the warmth of
its communities. That diversity is not just geographic, it’s human, and it reminds me every day of
the importance of inclusion and connection. For me, San Diego is more than a place to live; it’s
a living example of how different backgrounds can come together to create something truly
extraordinary.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with William Levy. Beyond his talent and success, I admire how he
has opened doors for Latino representation on a global stage. His journey reflects
perseverance, pride in his roots, and the courage to dream big—values that deeply resonate
with me. I imagine sharing that conversation in a place that reflects both culture and elegance,
where stories of resilience and vision can inspire others to pursue their own path.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
More than just one, two movies have truly touched my heart in different ways: Coco and The
Family Man.
Coco beautifully captures the importance of family, legacy, and honoring our roots. Every time I
watch it, I am reminded that who we are is deeply connected to where we come from, and that
love transcends generations. For me, it is more than a film—it is a celebration of culture,
resilience, and the bonds that keep us united across time and distance.
The Family Man, on the other hand, reflects a profound truth—that true success is not defined
by titles or wealth, but by the love we nurture and the memories we build with those closest to
us.
Together, these two films remind me that the greatest legacy we can leave is not in
achievements or possessions, but in the love we give, the values we live by, and the family
bonds that endure beyond time.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Something many people don’t know about me is that I love to draw using black charcoal. There
is something powerful about creating with such a raw and simple element—it allows me to
express emotions in their purest form. For me, it is a quiet practice of reflection, balance, and
authenticity. And perhaps with a smile, I can say that charcoal has become part of my life in
more ways than one—not only through MasterGrill, but also as a form of artistic expression.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
For me, a true 10 out of 10 is my family—the foundation of everything I am and everything I do.
They are my greatest source of strength, joy, and inspiration. But I also believe a perfect 10 lies
in the values we choose to live by: integrity, love, and the courage to stay authentic no matter
the circumstances.
When family and values come together, they create something unshakable—a legacy that
endures beyond achievements or titles. That, to me, is the highest measure of a life well lived.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My greatest inspiration will always be my family. They are my anchor, my greatest joy, and the
reason I strive to grow every single day. Their love reminds me that true success is not
measured by achievements, but by the way we care for one another and the legacy of values
we pass on. Knowing that my actions today shape the memories and strength of tomorrow
inspires me to be the best version of myself—for them, and because of them.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I deeply admire and support organizations that are dedicated to protecting and uplifting the most
vulnerable. For example, I support St. Jude and Operation Smile for the incredible impact they
have on children and families. Beyond that, my heart is also with organizations that provide
hope and resources to women who have endured physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, and
to children who deserve safety, love, and opportunity.
For me, giving back is not just about supporting a cause—it is about standing with those who
need to know they are not alone, and helping create pathways for healing, dignity, and a
brighter future.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to never stop pursuing your dreams, no matter the
obstacles. Life will always bring challenges, but those challenges are not walls—they are
stepping stones that shape resilience, strength, and clarity of purpose.
This advice has guided me through every stage of my journey, reminding me that dreams are
not meant to be postponed or silenced. They are meant to be lived, even when the path
requires courage, patience, and faith. Following this wisdom has taught me that the most
extraordinary achievements often come from refusing to give up when it would have been easier
to stop.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
I live in Shadowridge – a community where beauty and peace come together. The scenery, the fresh air, and
the quiet moments inspire me daily and remind me of the importance of family, balance, and
gratitude.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
What I love most about my neighborhood is the way nature and peace coexist. The beautiful
scenery and the ocean breeze remind me every day that life is richer when we slow down to
appreciate the simple gifts around us.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
For me, an ideal weekend isn’t about where I am, but who I am with. As long as I’m surrounded
by my family—whether we are exploring, sharing a meal, or simply laughing together—it
becomes perfect.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, love, and gratitude.
