A Little About Me
Fortunate to have been raised by two super-humans: My Mexican mother, who instilled in me the ability to authentically-connect with people and the world around me. My New York Navy Veteran father, who emphasized the importance of trusting in the power of teamwork, learning from failure and a embodying goal-oriented perseverance. These two (along with so many other mentors) greatly shaped my approach to life and work.
Key Factors Shaping My Approach
DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP
LatinX & Native@ Community
Proud to be an internal Community Leader and Ally across the LatinX,@ Natve@ and Veterans@ groups at Meta.
HUMAN-FIRST APPROACH
Fuel Program & Remote Work
Leading creative groups in highly ambiguous and fast-paced environments taught me a lot about how to guide teams to perform at top-levels while avoiding burnout. I also was asked to be on the Remote Work Global Council for Meta.
COACH AT HEART
Mentor, Lecturer & Coach
Coaching is my passion, whether on the soccer field, in a university setting, or in the workplace. It brings out the best in me.
A Couple More Tidbits
Too Much History. Too Little Time.
On a Xmas morning early in my childhood, my grandmother gifted me a Bruce Catton Civil War book with the inscription “If you fall in love with History, you will never be bored a day in your life.” Truth. History, to me, is the greatest story-teller, mentor, guide, teacher and entertainer. Thank you, Grandma!
Pacific Ocean Obsessed
Grew up in San Diego just a short hop from the Ocean. I am fortunate to be here in LA, still just a short hop from the Ocean. It’s my happy place. My energy source. It’s the way I start every day (before the sun peaks up to day hello). Truly, one of our greatest gifts.
Marcus Aurelius Fan Club
What Would Marcus Do? (WWMD?) tends do be something that pops into my mind often. After repeat listening to Ryan Holiday’s collection of audio-books on Stoicism, I realize that some of the most valuable guidance to help us thrive in the fast-paced, highly-volatile creative landscape of today - comes from wisdom that was shared and voiced a thousand years ago.
Part-time Professor
Over the course of my time leading groups of creative people, I realize that the “teaching, mentoring and learning” part of the role is one of the areas that comes naturally and provides mountains of fulfillment. I have been honored to be invited to be an Adjunct Professor, Guest Lecturer and Mentor to connect with the next generation of story-tellers.
Novice Gear Head
While I’ve spent years guiding creative approaches for Auto brands, I spent very little time under the hood of an actual vehicle. My young son and I are re-building this 1972 K20 — learning how to get our faces oily, bruising our thumbs and watching our hand-done work bring a proud vehicle back to life.
Wanna-be Cowboy
Being married to a bad-ass woman and multi-buckle winner/rodeo powerhouse, you kinda have to learn how to keep up on a horse. We are a family of horse people and love to spend time with our 4-legged horse and cattle friends. Giddy up!
Pixel Painter
I occasionally point my iPhone at things. Love the chase of grabbing pixels that paint a beautiful feeling or moment (my family sitting through me chasing 50 shots… they don’t love it so much).
