Carolina Acosta: The Latina Visionary Redefining Cultural Identity Through Creativity and Innovation

Introduction: A Creative Force Bridging Heritage and Modernity
Carolina Acosta stands as a beacon of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural representation. As the founder and CEO of Tragos, a vibrant and culturally inspired card game, she has revolutionised how Latinx communities connect, laugh, and celebrate their shared experiences. Her journey from a young designer in New York City to an internationally recognised entrepreneur showcases the power of embracing one’s roots while building an inclusive global brand.
In a world where representation often lags behind innovation, Acosta’s work has brought Latin culture to the forefront of mainstream entertainment. Her story is not just about business success but also about reclaiming identity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and proving that authenticity can be the cornerstone of a thriving enterprise.
Early Life and Educational Background
Carolina Acosta’s story begins in the culturally diverse borough of Queens, New York. Born to a Colombian mother and a Dominican father, she grew up immersed in a blend of traditions, languages, and values that shaped her unique worldview. Her upbringing was rich with the sounds of Latin music, the warmth of family gatherings, and the vibrant spirit that defines so much of Latin culture.
From an early age, Acosta showed a keen interest in design and creativity. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design at Parsons The New School for Design, one of the world’s leading art and design institutions. It was there that she honed her artistic skills and developed a deeper understanding of how visual storytelling could connect people across cultural boundaries.
During her studies, Acosta discovered that design could be more than aesthetics — it could serve as a language for social impact. This realisation became the foundation upon which she would later build her most significant entrepreneurial venture.
The Birth of Tragos: A Cultural Revolution in a Card Deck
Inspiration from Heritage and Community
The idea for Tragos was born out of a simple desire: to create something that resonated with the Latin community in a way that felt genuine and relatable. After a trip to South America, Acosta began reflecting on how culture, humour, and shared experiences could unite people. She realised that while many games existed in the market, few reflected the bilingual, bicultural realities of Latinx people living in the United States.
Drawing inspiration from her background and her friends’ diverse Latin roots, she designed a card game that combined fun, laughter, and cultural references — a mirror to the community’s shared experiences. Tragos, which translates to “drinks” in Spanish, quickly became more than a party game; it became a symbol of cultural pride and connection.
A Game that Represents ‘Toda la Gente’
Each card in Tragos contains prompts, jokes, or challenges inspired by Latinx culture — from food and family traditions to language quirks and iconic sayings. The game celebrates differences while highlighting the threads that unite people across Latin America.
By blending English and Spanish seamlessly, Acosta created a bilingual experience that feels natural to those who navigate both languages daily. Her approach was inclusive and innovative, ensuring that every player, regardless of their nationality, could see a piece of themselves reflected in the game.
The Rise of an Entrepreneur: From Start-up to Recognition
Navigating Challenges and Building a Brand
Like many entrepreneurs, Carolina Acosta faced her share of obstacles. Launching a culturally specific product in a competitive market required not just creativity but persistence and strategic thinking. Initially, the game started as a passion project — a small idea tested among friends. However, as word spread through social media and community events, Tragos quickly gained popularity.
Acosta utilised her design background to build strong branding, from packaging to marketing campaigns that resonated with younger audiences. Her ability to blend authenticity with modern appeal gave Tragos a unique edge. It wasn’t just another card game; it was a lifestyle brand celebrating identity.
Recognition and Accolades
Acosta’s vision didn’t go unnoticed. In 2021, she was honoured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her impact on the gaming and entrepreneurial landscapes. The recognition validated her commitment to creating something meaningful and fun, while also inspiring future generations of Latinx entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas fearlessly.
Her story has been featured in multiple media outlets and podcasts, where she often speaks about the importance of representation, discipline, and self-belief. She credits her success not only to hard work but to the unwavering support of her community.
The Power of Representation in Business
Breaking Barriers for Latinx Entrepreneurs
Carolina Acosta’s achievements go far beyond business success. She represents a new generation of entrepreneurs redefining what leadership looks like. Her journey highlights how embracing cultural identity can serve as a competitive advantage in industries historically dominated by mainstream narratives.
By creating a product rooted in authenticity, she opened doors for other Latinx creators to enter the entrepreneurial space without diluting their heritage. Her message is clear — diversity is not a trend but a strength that drives innovation and connection.
Cultural Products with Global Appeal
Although Tragos is deeply rooted in Latinx culture, its universal themes of family, friendship, and humour have made it appealing to people of all backgrounds. The game’s bilingual format encourages cross-cultural understanding, allowing non-Latinx players to learn and engage with the culture in an enjoyable way.
Through this, Acosta has demonstrated that culturally specific products can achieve global success without sacrificing authenticity. Her company continues to expand, releasing new editions and spin-offs that celebrate different aspects of Latin life, from music and food to generational traditions.
Carolina Acosta’s Vision for the Future
Empowering Communities Through Creativity
Beyond business, Carolina Acosta envisions a future where more creators from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to tell their stories. She is passionate about empowering others to see creativity as a tool for change. Through workshops, interviews, and community events, she continues to advocate for more inclusive spaces in business and design.
Her approach combines cultural pride with practical entrepreneurship — encouraging others to use their heritage as inspiration rather than limitation. For Acosta, success is not just about profits; it’s about building something that makes people feel seen and celebrated.
Expanding the Tragos Legacy
Looking ahead, Acosta plans to continue expanding the Tragos brand beyond gaming. Her long-term vision includes creating multimedia content, merchandise, and educational tools that further highlight Latinx voices. She also hopes to collaborate with artists and designers who share her passion for storytelling and cultural celebration.
Conclusion: Carolina Acosta’s Enduring Legacy
Carolina Acosta’s story is a testament to how creativity, courage, and cultural pride can redefine entire industries. From her beginnings in Queens to becoming a recognised entrepreneur, she has built more than a business — she has built a movement. Through Tragos, she has given voice to millions who longed to see their stories represented, proving that authenticity resonates far louder than conformity.
Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to Latinx communities but to anyone striving to turn passion into purpose. In Carolina Acosta’s world, culture is not just celebrated — it is elevated, shared, and immortalised through every card drawn and every laugh shared around the table.