Jessica Ortiz

Welcome back to Stories of Chicago! This month, I am delighted to interview one of my very close friends, Jessica Ortiz. Jessica stands out as a woman of great importance. Her identity as a Latina and a member of the queer community is central to her sense of self, and it's a beautiful facet of diversity that we don't frequently encounter in the corporate world. Jessica walks us through her transition from a computer science degree to a sales role in tech and shares a unique perspective on being Latina in tech, challenging traditional Latino values, and redefining her path in the corporate landscape.

"What event has been so impactful that it changed the trajectory of your life?"??

That is no easy question to answer, but my answer to this would have to start with the biggest event in early 2022 that changed my trajectory. That was the leap I took after graduating with a degree in computer science. I went from working as a sales manager at Warby Parker to making a big move to LinkedIn in 2022. This whole transition happened in less than a year, and it's been the most significant moment for me so far in my professional life.

Let me paint the picture for you as far as the buildup. This was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It was a challenging time for everyone, especially in the retail business. As employees, my team and I had to be in the stores as early as June 2020. It was a lot to handle, especially since I had just been promoted to a manager position while still finishing up my college degree. I'd be dealing with customers all day and then clock out to work on my schoolwork. But I was no stranger to hard work. ?

I was always taught to work hard and believe that it pays off, and I think a lot of that comes from my culture. I have great role models to look up to and that work ethic has carried over into my own career.

What made you want to jump into sales, and have you thought of finding something within your field of study, or do you like being in a sales role??

Well, at first, I thought I wanted to major in psychology, but then I had a change of heart. It felt like it would take forever to complete, and I was eager to start working. So, I left my undergrad and took on two or three jobs while figuring things out. Eventually, I decided to pursue something that was rapidly growing in the world, which led me to software engineering.

The tech industry, especially software engineering, intrigued me because I had grown up around it. My father had a successful career as a software engineer, and I was familiar with the field. I thought it was a good fit for me because it offered the potential for financial success and because there weren't many women in tech, even though this was five years ago, and it's still a hot topic today. I wanted to be challenged.?

However, after graduating, I struggled to find a job in the tech field. That's when I had a heart-to-heart with myself. I asked myself why I wanted to pivot and what I truly cared about at my core. It became clear that my passion lay in helping people. Back when I was interested in computer science, what brought me joy was teaching and assisting others, whether it was coding or computer-related tasks. So, I decided to pursue a role with a more people-centric focus. With over five years of experience leading sales teams, I felt confident in my leadership abilities. I thought, "Why not give corporate sales a shot?"

That's when I found my way to LinkedIn, and it turned out to be a blessing. Initially, I didn't fully grasp how significant LinkedIn was, but it didn't take long to see that it was a special place. It allowed me to combine two of my passions: helping people access useful products for their businesses and being at the forefront of technological innovation. So, in a nutshell, my journey took me from psychology to software engineering to a fulfilling role at LinkedIn where I get to serve people and stay engaged in the tech world, which I'm truly passionate about.?

If you feel comfortable, do you mind discussing what it's like being a Latino in tech or, more specifically, a Latina in tech??

When I think back on all that has happened to me so far in life, it's clear to me that my identity is shaped by several important aspects. First and foremost, I identify as a woman. I'm also proud of my Latina heritage, and I'm openly queer.

These three aspects of my identity have become increasingly significant to me as I've grown older. I've come to realize that they are superpowers that I should embrace. Working early and young played a significant role in helping me recognize the importance of these aspects of my identity. I’m proud of who I am and to share my culture with others. Whether it's showcasing my Puerto Rican heritage or being open about being queer woman, I am enthusiastic about leading events and discussions that allow people to learn more about these aspects of my identity.

Being a Latina in the tech industry is something I find truly amazing. When I meet another Latino or Latina in the tech community, it's like an instant connection. There's a strong sense of belonging that comes with it, and it's something I deeply appreciate, especially here at LinkedIn. It's incredible how much more aware I am now of the significance of my culture, even outside of work.??

You've mentioned that strong work ethic that's ingrained in many Latinos, where saying "yes" to everything is often seen as a necessity to prove our worth. However, I've recently learned the importance of setting work boundaries. It's changed my perspective, helping me understand that overcommitting can lead to burnout. Learning to say "no" when needed has allowed me to focus on what truly matters and perform at my best. Has there been a similar shift in your mindset or values that you've experienced, whether recently or in the past??

I've got two big things on my mind. First, there's the challenge of work-life balance, which is no joke. Being Latina, it's something that's often on my mind. I look back at my parents, who came from Puerto Rico when they were in their teens, and they started from nothing. The fact that they did that, not knowing too much English, speaking with heavy accents, and without many connections or relationships outside of our family, inspires me every single day.

I think, if they had the courage to do all that and provide for my sister and me, why can't I? That's where the work-life balance comes in. I've come to understand that it's not just about working hard; it's about living life to the fullest. Personally, I'm a big fan of travelling. Exploring new places brings me so much joy. So, finding that balance is crucial, especially in the tech world where there are lots of benefits, but it can also be demanding.?

The second thing that struck me is a piece of wisdom I heard recently: "Don't want more, be better." It's an interesting concept, and when you tell it to someone from the Latino community, they might look at that like you're crazy.

I've had this conversation with my family many times. It's not always easy because they don't always understand certain things, but it's important to educate people and not shy away from those tough conversations. So, that idea of striving to be better, combined with maintaining that work-life balance, is something I keep in mind.

It's easy to get caught up in comparisons and expectations, but if you do what's right, work hard, set your boundaries, and focus on improving every day, I believe you can overcome anything. No one can stop you from pursuing anything you set your mind to once you adapt this mindset.?

This mindset is common among older generations, who may misunderstand younger ones like us millennials. It's not about laziness but coping with modern challenges, including stress and depression stemming from internal and external factors. I agree that having these tough conversations is vital. Ultimately, it benefits everyone involved. So, my final question is, what advice would you offer to someone in your position??

?If I could offer some advice to my younger self or to anyone going through life changes, it would be this: always show up and show out. Looking back, I believe that if I had embraced this philosophy earlier, I might have achieved remarkable things by now, perhaps even becoming a CEO or starting my own business even though it’s never too late. The key is not just to show up when you need to, whether it's in your professional or personal life, but also to show up for yourself. There's nothing more important than pushing yourself to do something that scares you but will ultimately benefit you in the long run. So, don't hold back; show up and show out.?