Her Story
About Jessica
Before healthcare, I worked my way up from the bottom in every position I had. My very first job was fast food at Church's Chicken, where I started as a cashier and worked my way up to restaurant manager. When I hit a ceiling and the team could work on their own, I shifted to retail, then back to school, which led me into healthcare. I started in healthcare 6 years ago as a manager in the implementation department with a team of 3, setting up portals for members to enroll in healthcare benefits online. I was able to show that I can lead a team without a title, and I was promoted to Director of Implementation as the team grew to 7 people. As the company grew, I transitioned to product management, working across sales, call center, claims, retirement, and different departments. Because of how quickly I adapt and learn, I now focus on data governance and implementing AI to automate tedious tasks. Every role I've had in this company was non-existent before they created it for me. I'm someone who adapts quickly - you give me a task, I will learn how to do it and do it 110%. I also have 3 other jobs: I'm a fitness trainer, a nutritionist coach, an online coach, I have a tax service business called Ramos Refunds, and I have a meal prepping business called What the Fork with my husband, who is a chef.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the influence I have when I speak. A leader at my company told me twice, 'When you speak, everyone listens' and 'You have more influence than what you believe you do.' At first, I didn't realize it, but I started noticing that people across departments were listening and reacting to what I was saying, even when I was just a manager with a team of 3. I think people know that I'm being authentic - I'm very honest, very genuine, very direct. I speak because I want to see people succeed. This influence follows me everywhere, not just at my company but also at the gym and in my other businesses. It's not just the voice, it's the confidence. I've had to become more self-aware about what I say in public because I now realize how much impact my words have. I'm still trying to learn and grow just like everybody else, living one day at a time and being my authentic self while also empowering other females to be themselves and love who they are.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is showing people that money is not everything. Yes, it pays the bills and makes you more comfortable, but at the end of the day, if you wake up and achieve one of your goals that's fulfilling your heart, you're gonna go to sleep and rest a restful night. I'm not trying to be a millionaire - I'm trying to live day to day and teach other people this perspective. I also believe strongly in the philosophy 'put on your mask first, and then help others,' like the airline tells us. I wake up at 3 in the morning and go to the gym first before my kids wake up, because I have already fulfilled my cup and done something for myself that makes me feel good. When they wake up, they're already seeing Positive Mom. My answer is always no if you don't ask - that's another value I live by. I asked the Terry Foundation committee if I could use my remaining scholarship money for my MBA, and they said yes. It was a long process, but I asked. I also value honesty and authenticity - I don't think I'm better than anybody else, and I don't think I deserve more than the next person.
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