Katiria Dominguez

I didn't take the traditional path into leadership. I didn't go to college or earn a university degree. Instead, I built my career through hands-on learning, perseverance, and a willingness to keep growing every time a new opportunity came my way.

One of my proudest achievements is earning a leadership role in a field that is still largely male dominated, where many of the people in leadership positions have formal educational backgrounds. I don't. I worked my way up by learning on the job, asking questions, taking on new challenges, and proving to myself that I belonged in the room.

I became a mother at 16, so after high school, my focus was on working and supporting my family. Everything I've accomplished professionally has come from real-world experience and a commitment to learning as much as I could along the way. There were plenty of moments of self-doubt, especially when I found myself sitting in meetings with executives and industry leaders who had degrees and credentials that I didn't have. Over time, I realized that experience, knowledge, and determination have value too, and that my perspective deserved a seat at the table.

I started my career as a receptionist. Little by little, I was given additional responsibilities, which sparked my interest in logistics and warehousing. Eventually, I became a warehouse manager, and through that role I was exposed to the customs side of the industry. I immediately found it fascinating.

I've now spent about eight years working in customs brokerage, and what I love most is that no two days are ever the same. The industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, trade policies, and compliance challenges emerging all the time. Especially today, with changing tariff policies and global trade developments, there is always something new to learn. It keeps me engaged, challenged, and excited about the work I do every day.

Never stop learning. No matter what career you're in whether you're working in fast food, logistics, customs brokerage, or any other field there is always something new to learn. Industries evolve, technology changes, and new challenges arise every day. The more knowledge you gain and the more willing you are to adapt, the better you position yourself for growth and future opportunities. You don't have to know everything, but you should always be willing to learn the next thing.

I want women to know that just because their education ended with high school doesn't mean their growth has to end there. There is absolutely a place for us in leadership, and we are capable of achieving incredible things.

One of the reasons this recognition means so much to me is because I hope my story can inspire women who may feel held back by not having a college degree. I want them to know that success isn't limited to one path. You can still climb the career ladder, lead teams, make an impact, and build a meaningful career through hard work, continuous learning, and perseverance.

When I first received the message that I had been nominated for this article, my immediate reaction was, "I'm not influential." I looked at my lack of a college education and compared myself to many of the accomplished women who are often recognized for their achievements. But after taking some time to reflect, I realized that there are probably many women who think the same way I once did.

That's when I recognized that my story does matter. I worked my way from an entry-level position into leadership through hands-on learning, determination, and a refusal to let self-doubt define my future. In an industry that is still largely male dominated, that's something I'm proud of. If my journey encourages even one woman to believe in herself and pursue opportunities she thought were out of reach, then I consider that influence.

One of the biggest challenges in customs brokerage right now is keeping up with constant change. The industry is evolving rapidly, from advancements in AI and automation to ongoing changes in trade regulations, compliance requirements, and tariff policies. What may be accurate one day can change the next, so staying informed and adaptable is essential.

At the same time, that's also what I enjoy most about this field. No two days are ever the same. There is always something new to learn, a new regulation to understand, or a new challenge to solve. It keeps the work interesting and engaging.

Success in this industry also requires strong communication and relationship building skills. We serve as a bridge between our customers, government agencies, and customs authorities, which means clear communication and collaboration are critical. Being able to navigate complex regulations while helping customers understand and respond to changes is one of the most important parts of the job today.

In my personal life, fitness is my number one hobby. I'm in the gym 6 days out of the week. I love working out, it helps with stress, mood, health, everything. I love it. I also love going dancing and I love music. In my work life, never stopping learning is most important to me. No matter what career you're in, things change daily, and the more you learn, the better you position yourself. I also value perseverance and adaptability, which is how I was able to get myself into a leadership role through hands-on learning despite not having a college education.