How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?
My time at Chaminade exposed me to a global community, fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds enhanced my adaptability and broadened my perspectives—essential skills in today’s interconnected professional landscape.
Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?
The most significant experience at Chaminade was my time at the Awakening Retreat # 25 – L.O.V.E. [Lord of Victory Everlasting] led by Demyla Rodriguez and Angel Orozco. All I can say is, “IYKYK and if you don’t, give it a try.”
How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?
Embracing diversity not only enriched my personal growth, but it also equipped me with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural environment, a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of the global workforce.
How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?
Investing in my professional development has been crucial for staying competitive in today’s dynamic job market, and I’ve been grateful enough to have that development covered through work benefits. For example, while working at Harvard University, I completed a graduate certificate to acquire new skills and knowledge, and it was completely covered by my employer (except books and materials).
Networking has also been a valuable avenue for my professional and personal development. I’ve attended industry events, joined professional associations and connected on platforms like LinkedIn, which have led to doors being open for new opportunities.
Additionally, I constantly seek mentorship and coaching opportunities to provide personalized guidance; I continuously read industry publications, and I try to stay informed about emerging trends to stay relevant. Finally, I have taken on several challenging projects at work. For example, I have co-led Harvard’s Latinx Employee Resource Group, and I have volunteered for such cross-functional tasks as raising $10K and running the Boston Marathon for a nonprofit that trains high school students to run marathons. These valuable experiences have honed my existing skills, demonstrated initiative, and allowed me to align my work and life values together.
