Carving Your Own Career Path

1. What did you study at school and why?

I studied General Business with a focus on Marketing at DePaul University in Chicago. From a young age, I’ve always loved two things, being in charge and diving into different cultures. My business degree gave me a strong foundation in the financial side of things, while the marketing focus helped me better understand people and what drives them.

2. What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was at the local library when I was 14, helping tutor kids. I never stopped working after that and now that I think about it, maybe it’s time for me to retire! 😂 After college I worked at Leo Burnett, Chicago’s largest ad agency, where I worked on the US Army account. That experience taught me the importance of truly understanding both your business and your audience. One of the most impactful parts of the job was an ethnographic study we did where we spent a week on an Army base connecting with soldiers to understand their motivations for joining. I experienced life as they did—sleeping in barracks, waking up for PT each morning and doing drills throughout the day. It gave me a profound understanding of the crucial role marketing plays in shaping a business.

3. What is the boldest change you have driven in your career?

I feel like I've been shaking things up and driving bold change my entire life. Growing up in a low-income family shaped my drive to succeed and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of every opportunity. Now I'm part of the 1% of Latina C-Suite execs in the US. I can't point to one moment, but what I can say is there will be SO MANY people telling you what you 'are' or 'are not' capable of (parents, friends, colleagues, bosses) and you need to cut out the noise and trust your gut!

4. What leadership qualities do you embody and look for when hiring people?

I view a career as a collection of diverse experiences, and I value candidates who haven’t followed a traditional, linear path. This suggests they are curious, tenacious, adaptable, and able to learn quickly—all essential qualities for thriving in a fast-paced and innovative business environment.

5. What is your advice for other people who want to build a career at TikTok or in technology in general?

For any role you're considering, take the time to understand the business—how the company generates revenue and how your role directly contributes to that. Too often, we focus solely on the job description without considering the bigger picture and the impact you can make within it. Understanding this connection will help you see how your contributions fit into the broader goals of the company.