April 14, 2024
If you have been reading my stuff for a while, you probably know my story: I was born, raised, and married my high school sweetheart in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We moved to New York City in the Fall of 2008. We now live in Miami with our child.
My formal education includes a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology and I attended the Certified Professional Coach Program at the University of Miami.
Real talk…
The move to NYC was wild.
We were 27.
We had been married for a year and eight months at that time.
We had no jobs lined up.
I spoke ZERO English.
But,
I was excited, committed and determined.
That was more than enough for both of us.
Before relocating to the US, I was the HR Manager for a well-known financial institution (I was in my 20s, so this was kind of a big deal). I had an office, a team, a great salary. We were living our best lives. At least according to social standards and family expectations.
Moving to NYC without the language meant I had to “start over”. This was an ‘over’ that, by the way, I had not experienced ever before, as all my previous jobs were “good jobs”, “comfortable jobs”. I was spoiled. In New York I worked as a cashier at a supermarket, I was a floor stocker, a front desk assistant for a dental office, and some other traumatic “job” experiences I buried so deep in my subconscious that I can barely remember now. Those are stories for another time.
I had to walk blocks and blocks to the train,
to the bus,
in the rain,
in the sun…
and most of all,
while carrying our son.
And still,
to this day I believe
what an amazing journey that was.
What an amazing journey my life is.
Three months after our kid was born (he is 14 today, btw), I went back to work. This time, as a Banking Associate (or something like that) for a debt settlement company. The office was located in a building across the street from the Charging Bull in Wall Street. Goosebumps. There was something magical and energizing about that area of the city.
This was my first “in-a-traditional-office” job since moving to the United States. I was excited. The company was about to experience exponential growth and they were getting ready to embark in a massive recruitment campaign. I was brave enough to pitch my HR skills to help with the hiring. I got it.
In the summer of 2012, we moved to Miami and I left this job. I continued my HR journey in other organizations.
On January of 2017, I get a WhatsApp invite to a group called “Getting the band back together” with two of my former colleagues from the debt settlement company. They were my closest work friends when I left.
Every now and then, we explored the possibility of me returning to work with them. I shared my many job news, my growth, and my learnings. We reminisced (I legit can’t pronounce this word) about the good old days…
Fast forward to January of 2024.
I get a message from one of my “getting the band back together” friends that reads: “We need a person that can own employee engagement and culture… we are fully remote now.” I also learn that my two friends are now in the c-suite. The company has 4,000+ employees. HR is a proper 40+ people team.
There is, of course, more to the story (like going through the recruitment and interview process) but for now…
Yes.
I start tomorrow
(like April 15, tomorrow, that is).
Goosebumps.
—
Two and half years ago I shared this in the caption of an Instagram post:
What is this chapter of your life called?
I saw a version of this question posted somewhere, and found myself staring at the answer I had just given myself: Alignment.
I believe that when we start to show up fully, authentically, and in complete alignment with our values and purpose; we create opportunities for ourselves, we find our community. We belong.
Today, I’m so incredibly excited to join an organization that aligns so well with my values and the work I want to do. Looking forward to the journey!
#FirstDayOfWork
The message may not change much for tomorrow’s announcement.
I have manifested amazing opportunities for myself because I am committed to my journey of growth.
As I was telling a friend the news, they said, “You are so lucky! Jobs just fall on your lap, and you are not even looking for them.”
And to be honest, I don’t remember getting any of the jobs I ever applied to. I get the jobs I respond to.
As a manifesting generator (Human Design): I have learned that “…we’re not initiators. We are great doers and workers when we RESPOND. This is the right way for us to access our energy…”
—
We, human beings, are incredibly powerful.
We get to create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling and that truly works for us.
We get to manifest the sh*t out of our dreams.
We get to live our best life.
As long as we do the work.
And that will look different for everyone.
For me:
I firmly believe this life is like a 401k plan.
The universe will match YOUR contribution and the results are fully vested. They are yours.
When I take care of myself, I see the matching contributions.
When I invest in my development and growth, I see the matching contributions.
When I foster, and care for, relationships, I see the matching contributions.
When I get out of my comfort zone, I see the matching contributions.
I’m a Coach and HR professional who partners with emerging leaders to help them design their lives and careers in a way that is meaningful, fulfilling and that truly works for them.
Human beings are constantly creating opportunities for development and ever improving. Working with people is an unlimited source of success and growth.
first coffee, then things 