Cecilia Clinton

By the Grace of God, I was blessed with two children, and with them emerged a ferocious resilience and perseverance that I did not know existed before them. Throughout my professional and academic journey, I have been supported, mentored, and learned from some amazing groups of individuals, ranging from my family, friends, and a host of professional relationships. My first professional experiences intersect between fine and decorative art services and hospitality, including fine dining and catering for high-profile clientele. I have worked with blue-collar union teams, industry icons, and read many books authored by profound writers. Make no mistake, success is not achieved in a vacuum, on the contrary it is a collaborative effort and experience therefore I will always pay it forward.

The best career advice I ever received is "to do what comes naturally because it usually aligns with what you like or are interested in."

The piece of guidance I will provide is that positive influence is powerful! It builds trust, inspires cooperation, and spreads naturally through human connection and nurtures long-lasting professional relationships.

Also, to the young women entering any industry: never stop learning. Education is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Whether your learning is formal or informal, asynchronous or synchronous, continuous education fosters a growth mindset and prepares you to adapt in an ever-changing world. Just as importantly, seek knowledge from valid, credible sources. Then look for ways to apply what you learn in real-world settings. For example, if you are pursuing a business degree, consider taking courses in business psychology. If you are learning Microsoft Office, earn a professional certification to validate your skills. Take full advantage of employer-sponsored benefits, such as tuition reimbursement programs and a 401(k). These opportunities can strengthen both your career and your financial future, so when possible, don't leave those valuable benefits on the table.

Last but not least, understand that job loss is often part of a professional journey. Circumstances can change for many reasons, and with experience and self-awareness, you may even recognize the warning signs and have an opportunity to prepare. Even so, losing a job can be a profound blow to your confidence and self-esteem. If you are fired, or if life circumstances or personal choices take you out of the workforce for a time, resist the urge to define yourself by that moment. Instead, view it as an opportunity for reflection, growth, and reinvention. Lean on the people you trust for support and guidance. Invest in developing new skills, build on your existing strengths, and establish clear goals for your next chapter. Setbacks do not define your career how you respond to them does.

As a continuous learner, I see challenges as opportunities to learn. Therefore, as a non-engineer working with an engineering design firm, I remain happily immersed in a plethora of learning.

It is important to recognize the complexity of values and their constructs. One core value is Life Work Balance, not Work Life Balance, because we must first and always take good care of ourselves, of our body, mind, and soul, which contributes to our optimal performance in our work.

I believe in random acts of kindness, transparency, morality, and ethics. I believe that being emotionally intelligent, thoughtful, considerate, and open-minded is far more beneficial and contributes to a happier life. While these are identified as behavioral tendencies and psychological traits, they are deeply rooted in my personal and cultural values.