Her Story
About Cynthia
I'm a physician from Mexico who specialized in geriatrics. After completing medical school at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and my specialty training in Mexico City, I worked in healthcare and conducted research in Mexico. When COVID started, I made the decision to quit my job and move to Seattle 5 years ago. Starting over in the United States, I began as a caregiver just 3 years ago, with no family here to support me. Through hard work and dedication, I've managed to advance to Director of Care in that short time, and today I even interviewed for a Director of Operations position. In my current role, I oversee 54 team members, handle all caregiver operations, train medication technicians, create care plans for new residents, and help families during move-ins. My medical background and specialty in geriatrics has been instrumental in my rapid growth within the assisted living field. I'm able to bring valuable medical knowledge to this industry, which sets me apart. While I'm looking to eventually get my medical license back here in the U.S., I don't feel like I'm losing anything by working in assisted living right now. I'm adding to the field with all my medical expertise. My approach to leadership centers on trust and open communication with my team, staying close to residents and families, and delegating while following up on priorities. I keep myself extra busy all the time and believe that when the residents and families are happy, my team is happy, and everything becomes easier.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cynthia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think that living in the present is key to my success. I don't get stuck in the past and things that I can't change, and I don't worry too much for the future because it's unknown. I just focus on doing my best every day. I remember that every day I have 100 chances again to succeed, and I don't count the failures. That mindset has really helped me move forward and achieve what I have so far.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to be a forever student and be willing to teach. If you stop learning one day, then you're gonna get stuck. If you believe one day that you already know enough, that's the moment that you're gonna stop getting better. So I always keep learning and stay open to both learning from others and sharing what I know.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice for women entering the assisted living industry is that even when assisted living is managed by men and men dominate the admin positions, it will be harder, but you shouldn't be intimidated. You need to speak up and ask for a bigger position. Challenge yourselves, because it is possible to be in the big table with them. Don't let the male-dominated environment hold you back from pursuing leadership roles.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think that one of the opportunities and challenges is that women are seen like we cannot handle the stress with bigger positions. There is a lot of misconception that we are gonna just put aside work for family and other responsibilities. That's a challenge because you need to prove them wrong. You need to show that you can take care of your family, of your house, and everything on the same level as your team. But that's also an opportunity for us to prove that we can do it all and excel in leadership positions.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family first, putting yourself also on one of the top tiers, honesty, and trust. These guide both my work and personal life.
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