A Hispanic mother of four shares her inspiring journey from working multiple jobs to achieving career success through education, resilience, and self-belief, ultimately landing her dream IT position.
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I'd tell young women my story and encourage independence. I learned it from my mom. I struggled, but no one could ever hold it over me, and in the end, it wasn't impossible.
Cecilia Cintora · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Cecilia
Cecilia Cintora is an experienced inside sales, customer service, and office support professional with a strong background in the commercial roofing industry. She currently serves as an Inside Sales Coordinator at Architectural Building Solutions, Inc., a commercial roofing manufacturer’s representative firm, where she manages customer quotes, logistics inquiries, sales tracking, and administrative processes across multiple product lines. With extensive experience in inside sales and customer service, Cecilia has developed a reputation for being organized, responsive, and committed to delivering effective solutions for customers and sales teams. Cecilia began building her career in the roofing and building supply industry with ABC Supply Co. Inc., where she worked in inside sales before advancing into purchasing and receiving responsibilities. Earlier in her career, she served as a Sales Support Specialist at Ball Horticultural Company, managing customer correspondence, pricing quotes, order entry, claims, payments, reports, and daily operations using Excel and SAP. In addition to her professional work, Cecilia is a licensed realtor with A SQUARED REALTY LLC, where she assists her family’s brokerage business with property showings, open houses, and contracts. Her experience across sales, customer service, purchasing, real estate, and office operations reflects her versatility and people-focused approach. Cecilia holds an associate’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Purdue Global and has also pursued an Associate of Science in Information Technology, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and technology. She holds a real estate license and has earned an IT Fundamentals micro-credential, building on her interest in technology and professional development. As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated roofing and construction environment, Cecilia brings determination, adaptability, and a passion for growth to her career. Her journey as a young teenage mother who continued pursuing her education and professional goals has shaped her belief in perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for personal and career advancement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cecilia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to education, continuous learning, and the encouragement of my mother, who inspired me to pursue greater opportunities beyond simply living paycheck to paycheck. Earning associate degrees in Business Management and IT from Purdue Global, along with obtaining IT and real estate certifications, are accomplishments I am especially proud of. My passion for technology and professional growth continues to guide me in my current IT support role, while I also encourage my children and grandchildren to pursue their own interests and entrepreneurial goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Keep doing what you do until someone tells you differently"
"Know your worth! Don't settle for just any position when you know what your skills and experience are."
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to pursue opportunities in the industry with confidence. If you know how to communicate effectively and make your voice heard, you can make a meaningful impact. Most importantly, take the opportunity and do it—experience is the best way to discover what you are capable of achieving.
Remember, Believe in yourself, when there is a will there is way!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The current challenges in my field of work, in both sales and real estate are cost increases all around, however due to this being a nationwide issue, it's easier to help customers understand that the logistics, materials and rates are all seeing increases.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Perseverance, resilience, and determination are the values that guide me in both my personal and professional life. Becoming a mother at 15 presented significant challenges, but I continued to work toward financial stability and build a successful career in real estate. My experiences have taught me the importance of never giving up, and I hope to share those lessons through a book about my journey while encouraging other women, especially those entering male-dominated industries, to keep moving forward.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Cecilia
Know your worth, love what you do.
From Single Mother to IT Professional: A Journey of Perseverance and Self-Belief
I'm a huge advocate for working women, especially Hispanic women in all industries. I was a young mother of four by the age of 24. I held many positions, from working at Taco Bell and waitressing to cleaning and driving for rideshare services as side jobs. When I became a temp, I realized I wanted an office position.
I went to a computer learning center while pregnant with my second child. I became a statistic, but I wanted more than just working to make ends meet. Being the only parent raising four kids made it hard to make that happen. I never thought I would be able to find a good position that paid more than enough to be financially stable.
As my children got older and started having their own babies, I had more time on my hands, so I decided to go back to school in 2020. While sitting at home, I worked from home and pursued a degree in Business Management. Shortly after that, I wanted to help my mom so she could rest when she got sick, so I got my real estate license in 2023.
After some changes in my full-time position, I knew I needed a change! I wasn't valued for what I knew I was worth, so I spoke it out every day:
"I need a job where I am valued and appreciated for my experience and skill set."
I went back to school to pursue my degree in IT, and then ABS found me! I spoke life into what was to come, believed in myself, and am now in a position I dreamed about. I will be finishing school and actually walking to receive my hard-earned degree in IT.
Going back to school was always a personal goal of mine, since I never had the opportunity while raising four children on my own and working two to three jobs for years. I have learned not to settle for whatever life gives us, but to keep learning, growing, and pushing ourselves to our full potential. I hope this same mindset passes on to my sons and daughters and grandchildren!
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