Her Story
About Joanna
My career journey began right out of college with an internship in New York, where I started as a receptionist and took various temp jobs, including an exciting experience working at the NFL with about 10 other receptionists. After several years working as an admin in New York, I moved to Dallas, Texas to work with a friend at his company. Over my 15-plus years in the field, I discovered my true passion: being an executive assistant and serving as that essential right-hand person. What I love most is assisting with the operations of the company I work for and being deeply involved in the business. My confidence level has increased tremendously throughout this journey. I'm assertive and proactive in my approach, always thinking ahead and staying a step ahead of what's needed. One of my most formative experiences was working at Masiza with Rob, who truly valued me and included me in all his meetings and trade shows. He didn't treat me as just the admin person on the back burner but as an integral part of the team, allowing me to learn the operations so I could help run his side of things if needed. Currently, I'm working as a project admin in a temporary position, but I'm working to get back to that executive assistant space where I truly thrive. I believe in building strong relationships where one hand washes the other, and I love being involved in every aspect of supporting leadership and operations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and pushing through challenges. For example, when I lost my job and couldn't find another corporate position, I didn't give up. I went and worked in retail for half of what I used to make, but it allowed me to meet people and build my confidence even more. I kept getting myself out there and never gave up on finding my way back. That determination to keep moving forward, even when things were difficult, is what brought me to where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to stay on the path and trust that I'm good at what I do. When I got let go from my job, I was in my fear, questioning why this happened to me. One of my colleagues walked by and told me, 'Joanna, you are good at what you do, and stay with that. Don't let this discourage you, because you are amazing at what you're doing.' That validation, even though I hate that sometimes you need it from other people when you're in your own head, really helped me. It reminded me to have confidence in myself. I even pass this advice along now, like with my niece, giving her affirmations. The message is simple: I am good at what I do, and confidence is key. It just took a while to get to where I'm at, especially through the tough times in my 20s when I was trying to find myself and dealing with identity issues.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not anyone dimmed your light, we as women are always considered emotional and even haromonal, but have you meet a women who is determineed, organized, throuogh, we are all powerful. AT the end of the day we are superwoman.
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