Her Story
About julie
I've always wanted to be a team player and leader. Since I was little, I would make groups and teach people, inspired by the vision of one day leading and inspiring many people. I came to the United States and started working at 16, beginning at Dairy Queen where I was promoted to running the whole store after just 3 months. I then worked at McDonald's and Home Depot, and at both jobs, every 6 months they would propose leadership positions to me. I was at Home Depot for almost 4 years as a leader, running the Pro Desk department. In 2012-2013, my sister worked at The Children's Place and there was a position open, so I started part-time for extra cash. I've been a store manager there for almost 13 years now. I went from associate to store manager within a whole year, which was a big opportunity for me. Today, I'm running the number one store in Miami. I lead almost 3 stores, helping with coaching and training new leaders whenever they need me. I also used to do Bible studies, helping people become better. The leadership part of me and wanting to inspire and lift people has always been in my heart. I used to run a company called God Deals where I would gather people from social media and we would feed the homeless. I've always been that person who loves to inspire people with my experience and let them know that if I could do it, they could do it too.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with julie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mindset of progressing. Since I came here not having papers, and my first job I worked without papers (back in the day it was easier), I always felt a bit behind because all my brothers had papers. Sometimes it gets a little bit like they make you feel less than. So I always told myself, I promised myself I was going to get to a level of progression when I get my papers. That mentality has inspired me to be where I am because I'm always thinking I need to progress. To be honest with you, now I'm better than my brothers. They inspire me a lot, but that drive to prove myself and keep progressing is what got me here.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say find out what they really love to do, and don't give no excuses, and don't give up.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge is talent, because everyone works different and everyone grasps information or learns quicker or slower than others. To me, the most challenging thing, and where you really have to be that leader, is to be able to see opportunities or what strengths the other person has in tasks. You really have to love people to do this well.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To be honest, one of my values is just to be loving and honest with people. That's my main thing when it comes to work. Obviously I have more values, but those main ones are just being honest and loving people for who they are, and making them understand a little bit more or see different perspectives. That's my value, just being honest and loving.
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