Her Story
About Claudia
I've been in law for 9 years, and it's been a life-changing journey. I started as a receptionist at a law firm whose commercials I used to see when I was younger - it was popular here in the Valley in Fresno. When I got the phone call for an interview, I knew this was my opportunity. I accepted the job and worked my way up from receptionist to legal assistant, and then to case manager, which is my current role. As a case manager in workers' comp, I help a lot of clients understand their rights when they get injured on the job. There are so many people out there who don't know anything about their rights when it comes to workman's comp, so my job is to help them understand. I'm now attending Fresno City College to become a paralegal. When I look back at where I started and where I am now, it's kind of unbelievable - I've grown so much through this journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Claudia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lot of things in my life - the way I grew up, very poor, very humble. My kids and my mother are huge motivators for me. I just want them to be proud of me. That drive to make them proud and to rise above where I came from has pushed me to keep going and achieve what I have today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is no matter what you come across, believe in yourself. Sometimes it's not us - it's just the person that's not happy with their own situation or what they're going through, and they try to bring you down. Don't let that bring you down. Just keep on pushing and moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering my industry is to believe in yourself. Don't give up, even when there are dark days. They will come across very difficult situations, but they can't give up. They just have to focus on what their goal is and do whatever it takes them to reach it. The journey won't be easy, but staying focused on your goals and persevering through the challenges is what will get you there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I experience in my field is the language barrier. My first language is Spanish, and I went to elementary and high school where it was almost 90% Hispanics and all the teachers spoke Spanish. Growing up in that environment, even though I do speak English, I sometimes have a lot of difficulties trying to explain something in English. This language barrier is something I continue to work on in my professional life.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are respect, honesty, and integrity. But the biggest value for me is to be humble. Staying humble no matter where life takes me or what success I achieve is something I hold close to my heart.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · California
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.