September 15- The Day My Journey Began

Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage month, day before Mexican Independence Day, and as is also my 50th birthday. As such I thought it was an opportune time for reflection and appreciation of the journey thus far.?When my mother calls to wish me a happy birthday, she always says “En este dia tambien grite ‘El Grito de Dolores’” (On this day I also shouted the ‘cry of pain’), while she lay in her hospital bed bringing me into this world.??Before I continue, a brief history lesson:?

The ‘Cry of Dolores’ (Dolores: pain or sorrow) occurred on September 16, 1810, when the ?Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave a call to arms that launched the Mexican War of Independence.?Every 15 September at around 11?p.m., the President of Mexico stands on the balcony of the?National Palace?in Mexico City and rings the same bell that Hidalgo rang in 1810, which was moved to the National Palace. The President then recites a shout of patriotism (a?Grito Mexicano ) based upon the "Grito de Dolores", with the names of the important heroes of the Mexican War of Independence who were there on that historic day. The Grito ends with the threefold shout of??Viva México!

Back to the story…I was fortunate to have spent my early years in Mexico, surrounded by friends, family and community.?Life was not easy, but it was simple; we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, music, and love.?My mother raised us in Mexico, while my father worked and provided for us from afar in San Jose, California.?When it came time to reunite, my older brother stayed behind in Mexico to finish high school and my older sister, younger brother and I made the journey to the United States.??I will not sugar-coat that the introduction to a new country, language, and culture was difficult.??

I vividly recall forty five years ago, a 5 year old skinny, curly head girl- wearing checkered brown and white bell bottom pants, too short for her, with a mismatched orange shirt, and an old brown nylon bandana around her hair, boarding a bright orange school bus.??The bus transported about 35 Mexican children into a wealthy Caucasian neighborhood school- this was the early 1970’s and part of California’s desegregation program.?However, these programs were not well thought out- and had no cultural awareness for how to integrate these populations.?The mix of these 35 Mexican children included first and second generation Mexicans.?About 75% of them spoke English, the rest of us did not.?I entered Kindergarten not understanding a word of English or anything about American culture.?I was quickly given the name ‘mojada’, by the second generation Mexican-Americans, or ‘wetback’ ‘spic’, by the Caucasians’ at the school.?I spent recess and lunch by myself—eating burritos wrapped in foil when I so desperately wanted a bologna sandwich- just like all the other kids.?I wanted to fit it.?Needless to say, I disliked school.?I would beg my parents to return back home- back to Mexico.???My father would pull me aside – he would say- this county has so much more opportunity.?All you have to do is work hard, and you will need to work harder than others. Study and learn as much as you can.?Sure, it’s difficult now—but you’ll learn English.?Just stay focused.?You can choose BE anything you want.?You see his life goal was to provide a college education for his four children.

My father was a pretty amazing man.?He assumed the role of ‘provider’ to his 10 brothers/ sisters at the age of 16.?He came to the United States under the bracero program; worked in agriculture and sent money back to support his family.?With that money, his two youngest brothers went to college. One became a doctor and the other a lawyer.??He would tell us that all of his work was to provide us with options he never had.?

He allowed us all to choose anything we wanted to study in college.?He specifically told my sister and I—you will be educated, so that you can be independent and always have options.?Pretty progressive for someone born in 1936.

He truly helped mold my identity- in a period of time when I felt disadvantaged (poor neighborhood, used clothing, food banks, bullying in school)—he helped me see the opportunity that lay ahead and that anything was possible.??He was positive, always had a smile on his face, full of ideas, friend to all, charismatic, and an incredibly hard worker.?He believed in the American Dream - ?in the possible. And in turn, I believed.??In order to know who you are, you need to know where you’ve come from. I believe there is something positive that can be learned from every experience.?While in college I reflected on what was important to me, what mattered, and what I could do in my life to make a difference.?I made a list- and these became my set of core values.?Core values are what I use to ensure I stay true to myself- they are my guardrails in life.

My values are focused on Family, Integrity, Positivity, Community, Fun, Growth & Learning. I use these when choosing career opportunities, charities, schools for my children, friends--these center me.?These force me to make tough choices – and take risks.?

The first job out of college was as an Environmental Engineer at a small semiconductor company- I accepted the role thinking I was going to make a significant impact on the environment.?Instead, I spent 80% of my time writing reports, reading regulations, working with attorneys, city agencies, and state regulators.?It became repetitive- and I wasn’t learning, I was not making an impact, and I wasn’t having any fun.?So, I looked for another opportunity- I applied to over 50 positions- 90% of which I knew I did not qualify.?I received a call back for a global position leading Business Continuity.?I had a bit of experience- but, I definitely didn’t meet the requirements they had posted. ?I let go of the negative self-talk- and told myself you can do this.??I interviewed- and got the job.?The reason I believe I got the job was because I was transparent- I told them I loved a challenge, was a fast learner, hard-working, had high integrity, was flexible, and I believed I would exceed their expectations.??Now, was I afraid that I was in over my head—you bet!?But they didn’t know.?

Early in my career I often felt out of place as the one technical Hispanic female in the room. It is very easy to fall into the imposter syndrome.?I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying—if you’re comfortable, you’re not growing. ?Well, get used to being uncomfortable— You are the only one that can get in your way.?Once you get past your own self-doubt, realize that all you are in control of is yourself, your thoughts and your response, then and only then, can make clear decisions and positive choices.

My second job out of college was an amazing experience—I had access to executive leadership.?I listened intently to all their years of wisdom- absorbed as much as I could.?I also kept a list of what I would do—and would not do.?Because I didn’t necessarily agree with it all—again back to core values.?Be true to yourself- don’t bend to a mold.?That further built my confidence and inner strength that I could try something bigger- after 3 years, the program was mature and I felt comfortable handing it off to someone else.?For me- once something is operational, I get stale and bored.?I need to solve unique problems to be energized— my core value of growth & learning.??

?Over the next 10 years, I then took on several roles- each one unique, and more challenging.?In one role, I was the western region lead for a consulting practice focused on risk management (my take away: I learned sales/ marketing/ financial mgmt. and how to run a business.).??I then started my own consulting business.?I used skills from previous roles and was able to use networks to subcontract the work. ?I did this part-time to focus on my toddlers- ?my children today- time to brag- my son is a software test engineer at a pharmaceuticals firm and my daughter is a systems engineer for an aerospace company. I could not be a prouder mom. ??

After 3 years of running my business, I sold the contracts and went back into Corporate.?I held several technology leadership positions at various Silicon Valley Tech first- what an awesome learning experience.?I led IT Global Services, Data Warehousing/ Business Intelligence, and Web Operations teams.?I was fortunate to be approached for all these roles- Why??I was viewed as a risk taker and problem solver; AND I had mentors and sponsors that vouched and promoted me.?To this day, 15 years later, I keep in touch with most of them.?Networking, being gracious, and giving back is critical.?Keep connected with your LinkedIn circles, associations, and non-profits.?We all need each other.?

Again, in all those roles, I was taking on positions where I had the opportunity to learn from great leaders, technical talent, and expand my technical knowledge.?I was not an expert in the fields I was leading- but had the ability to quickly ramp, identify talent, build teams, identify problems—and enable the team to solve and succeed.?I was also able to obtain Hands-on experience up and down the technical stack—it fed my passion for learning, providing leadership, and grooming young talent (community- giving back).?

?The past 10 years, I’ve been focused solely on Cyber Security.?Cyber security had been a component of what I had done in all my past roles- but had not been the sole focus.?Why have I stuck with it??Because it’s constantly evolving and there is always a new challenge to solve and it’s fun to keep the bad guys out.??I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing talented professionals in cyber throughout my career.?Also, again, very fortunate to have sponsors and mentors.?In particular, sponsors who I can identify with—strong Hispanic women and men that are allies.?Each company has its own culture and values and that play a critical role in your success and overall happiness in your career. ??Being part of companies that are inclusive and supportive of diverse backgrounds, thoughts and expression is critical to me. ?I have been incredibly fortunate and grateful for being part of amazing organizations, past and current.

?You will spend about 60% of your life working.??You need to do what you love. My journey has not been a straight path.?It has been full of twists and turns.?However, I have chosen to embrace the opportunities, to say yes, to take risks and fail; to learn from those failures and persevere.??I continue to check myself- an annual reflection every December- am I holding true to my values.?When new opportunities arise, I keep these questions front and center.?Can I keep my family at the center? Does this align with my moral principles? Will it allow me to remain positive and proactive? Will I be able to give back to my community? Am I doing things I enjoy? Am I growing and learning??If all these boxes are checked, I proceed.?

I thank my family, children, friends, Hispanic community, mentors, and partner for the great journey thus far.??In this new pandemic world, it is important to be listen, empathize, share, learn, and support one another.?Life goes by in a flash—appreciate each day.

?The journey continues…

One of my favorite quotes from MLK-??Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”?Take the first step…?