About Me

I created this blog because I wanted to share my passion for both personal and professional development while creating a centralized location where you can find inspiration, motivational tools, and shared stories of encouragement. I truly believe that through dedication to continuous growth, we can all become strong leaders who are more empathic, compassionate, and connected to our teammates. This is the best way to inspire our members, coworkers, and subordinates to achieving their ultimate potential! That’s right! You don't have to be an overly aggressive hot-head to get your team to want to be more productive.

I’m also a co-founder of Growthology Podcast, a mental health podcast that talks about the importance of personal growth and self-improvement. 

 

MY BACKGROUND
My interest in professional development started as a teenager. I joined a Business Academy within my high school that focused on developing skills for a professional workforce. That was the first time I was introduced to books like, How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Alright, I know the title is a little weird, but this is an amazing read! It was then when I became inspired with the idea that being a good leader, who knows their team, can be impactful, and can improve the overall work productivity while creating a positive environment.

 

This spark followed me into my enlistment into the U.S. Air Force as I continued to go to locally held professional development seminars. Yes, I was that person. The one who volunteered, went to formal military functions I was not required or invited to, and started attending military evaluation writing classes for fun before my first evaluation was ever due.

 

Then, like most people at the age of 23, I had my first adult mental breakdown and hit a rough patch. I was dealing with depression, anxiety, and filing for a divorce. I started going to therapy for help. I quickly learned, I’m not crazy; I just needed to work on myself.

 

During this time, I discovered the miracle of audiobooks. I loved to reflect on my life and find ways to challenge my mindset. I listened to many books on the topic of self-help and personal development and still do to this day. I spend hours organizing everything I owned while listening to books on topics like: how to deal with covert aggressors, relationship attachment theory, and traits for every type of mood and mental disorder—just in case. 

Now, 6 years after completing therapy, I want to share my journey and lessons learned. Self development really changed my life, and I believe it can do the same for anyone who is willing to put in the time. I also believe that becoming your best self can also make you a better leader. By taking the time to improve themselves, leaders can really start to focus  on their team.

 

I’m currently serving Active Duty for the U.S. Air Force as a 3F5X1, Administration, Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). I have also earned the rank of Technical Sergeant (E6). Having been fortunate for the opportunity to serve in the military for over 10 years, I’ve seen 2 deployments, including one to Afghanistan, where I received an Air Force Commendation Medal with a Combat Device. Currently, I’m stationed in Phoenix, Arizona and also attending Arizona State University, working for my Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Leadership. My husband, Eric, has been my rock throughout the last 5 years. We have a sassy, independent toddler named Lily who keeps us busy throughout the week.

MY CULTURE & FAMILY
I am a first generation Mexican-American. I am proud of my mixed Latinx/Hispanic, Indigenous, and Afro-Latin ancestry. My father is mixed Puerto Rican, Native American, and Portuguese while my mother is Mexican from Jalisco, Mexico. My husband is a second generation Filipino-American. We have an ethnically mixed home where we love to share our cultures and foods. I love cooking and primarily cook our meals, so my husband is now more Mexican than Filipino—sorry Nanay.

 

Lastly, I'm currently an Enlisted Advisor for the Hispanic Employment Assessment Team (HEAT) of the US Air Force, where we are targeting issues and addressing areas of marginalization for Latinx/Hispanic Airmen.

 

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2012 - Honor Guard Airman of the Year, 90th Operations Group
2013 - Warrior of the Week, 376 Air Expeditionary Wing
2014 - Coined by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, James A. Cody
2014 - Airman of the Year, 90th Operations Group
2015 - First Sergeants Unsung Hero Award, Davis-Monthan Air For Base
2017 - Squadron Team of the Quarter, 355th Fighter Wing, Staff Agencies
2020 - Associates Degree in Business Administration, Community College of the Air Force
2021 - Diamond Sharp Award, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Course, Southwest Region
2021 - NCO of the SHEL 2, Field Training, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Course