Dr. Pamela Marcenaro

I think it is really based on a very strong family foundation. My parents always supported me and made sure that I always showed up and tried, that I was always doing even when things were hard, it was understood that I was going to get it done one way or another. They really encouraged me to journey through different things and not be afraid, even if I thought I wasn't good enough. Even today, they carry me and cheer me on every day, they are instrumental in my life and my mentors. Professionally, it has been some of the supervisors that I've had throughout the years who really took a leap of faith in my work, who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow. I am truly grateful to each one of them, they've made a difference in my growth and have also contributed to my success.

The best career advice I ever got was from a former supervisor early in my career. I was up for a promotion, and during a review, he said to me, 'You need to be more assertive.' I took that to heart. I really understood that I had to own what I do and be very clear. I really absorbed what he said, and I've used it in my career consistently, especially when I advocate for students or as I lay out plans for my teams.

It's okay to start from the very bottom and work your way up, use any opportunity given to you. I started as an admissions counselor when I entered higher education, and I learned a little about a lot. It's okay to begin from a very baseline position, because I believe that when you work your way up, when you have opportunities to learn different areas, activities, or roles, you become better equipped on navigating anything you are given. This is applicable for any industry, but in my world, admissions was probably the greatest thing that happened to me. It definitely wasn't in my cards to go into higher education, I was thinking a different route, but that's how I landed. So I tell any young women, don't be afraid to explore your opportunities because you never know where the path may take you. Be open to the possibilities, I still am today!

I think for women in my field, the percentage of women in high-level positions is still a challenge, although growing each day. For me, a goal will be someday to possibly become a college president if I can, but we are still outnumbered by men. I think the more women can continue to move up and seek these opportunities and not be afraid of them, that will put us in a great place in higher education in the long term. Especially for women like me, Hispanic for example, who hold a doctoral degree, we're a very low percentage. There's much work to be done. It is really important that we represent, being that we're the second largest population of the United States. That's a challenge, but also an opportunity, because that's where we can really continue to grow, by fostering education and access, and by empowering our young women to think bigger and to not be afraid. I know for me it was really difficult, just the thought of going through college. A lot of people become deterred by that, especially with all the life responsibilities that many women face. For some, like me, when English isn't your first language, I was born and raised in Peru, or you have other family members to support, you get pulled in a lot of directions, it is complicated to juggle culture, needs, and getting an education. Don't let it deter you, keep going and find those who will support your journey.

I think the most important things when navigating both work and personal life are transparency and care. I value these very much. Really just being transparent, very family-oriented, and caring for others. I apply this with my own family, but also for the teams that I serve and that I support; a culture of care. If we care for one another, we can grow, we can trust one another, and we can reach our goals.