Laureen Aguinaldo

My biggest advice is to always rely on self-growth. A lot of people just go to their bosses, and whatever their boss says, even though the answers may be uncomfortable, they just stop there. I really preach to my mentees to do the research. You know, you're an analyst, we do data, take the data. You could make changes in the company you work for by being prepared and doing that research. Don't underestimate your voice, because there will be moments when speaking up is scary and uncomfortable, especially when you're the only person who's asking those difficult questions. Don't be afraid, build confidence. The worst thing that could happen is that you'll realize it's not the place for you, and you could go somewhere else and build and be with an employer that aligns with you. A lot of times, women underestimate the impact that they could create, especially in fields where it's always a male CEO or a male superintendent. Don't be afraid to voice it if you don't agree with something.

One of the biggest challenges in my field has been navigating situations where doing the right thing isn't always the easiest or the most popular answer. In healthcare and human services, you are faced with a lot of complex ethical decisions, and especially when you work for for-profit companies, it could get a little dicey. I believe in always doing the right thing, even when no one's watching, even when you don't have to. There have been times I've had to advocate for my clients, for their quality of care, and advocate for professional integrity, and those conversations can become uncomfortable. For me, it's just really important to stick to your core values as a human being and just be very transparent. If you outgrow a place, not being afraid to move on or find spaces where your core values align. For example, when you work with insurance, you could provide services that don't really align with your ethical code as a BCBA. For me, it's important to say no, you're allowed to bill for those services, but you shouldn't.

I believe in justice and just doing the right thing at all times for your kiddos, for your clients. Justice is a big thing for me. An example of that is when you work with insurance, you could provide services that don't really align with your ethical code as a BCBA, so for me it's important to say no, you're allowed to bill for those services but you shouldn't. I believe in integrity and advocating for ethical treatment. I believe in compassion, putting your client at the forefront and supporting not only your client but the families. I have a core value of advocacy. We work with a demographic that can't consent, so there's an alternative phrase called ascent, where their body language will tell you if they want to participate in their own treatment. I work on just making sure that my clients' voices are heard. And I have a core value of courage, being able to have those uncomfortable conversations and staying by my values.