Her Story
About Loressa
Loressa Martinez is the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chair at Steves & Sons, Inc., where she provides comprehensive executive support for one of the company's senior leaders. In her role, she manages complex calendars, travel arrangements, financial administration, executive correspondence, company events, and meeting coordination while supporting a wide range of strategic initiatives. She also assists with company foundation activities and collaborates with colleagues across multiple facilities nationwide, leveraging her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and passion for building meaningful professional relationships. Her proactive approach, adaptability, and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted partner in ensuring the efficient operation of executive leadership. Before transitioning into manufacturing, Martinez built a successful 27-year career in the service industry, including more than two decades as a professional hairstylist. Becoming a mother at the age of 15 strengthened her determination to succeed, and she graduated in the top 50 percent of her high school class before continuing her education through a short period in a business magnate program through her local high school and cosmetology training. Her extensive customer service experience developed exceptional communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving abilities that continue to serve her well in her executive role. Motivated by a desire to embrace new challenges and expand her professional horizons, she successfully transitioned into corporate leadership support, where she now wears many hats and continues to grow professionally. Martinez attributes her success to the strong work ethic and values instilled by her father, whose example continues to influence her leadership style and professional approach. She believes that honesty, transparency, integrity, and consistently delivering quality work are the cornerstones of long-term success. Passionate about continuous learning and personal growth, she encourages others—particularly young women entering traditionally male-dominated industries—to advocate for themselves, embrace new opportunities, and never allow others to define their potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters and granddaughter . Martinez values the importance of family as the foundation of both her personal and professional life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Loressa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the work ethic and values my father instilled in me from an early age. Watching him lead by example, provide for our family, and approach every responsibility with dedication shaped the way I work today. I also credit my success to being self-taught, embracing every opportunity to learn, and having leaders who believed in my potential and gave me the chance to grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that my work will always speak for itself. If I consistently deliver quality work and maintain high standards, I don't need to constantly prove my value because my results will demonstrate my capabilities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to never be intimidated by working in a male-dominated industry. Speak up, advocate for yourself, and have confidence in your abilities because no one can represent your potential better than you can. Don't allow others to define your limitations—show them what you're capable of, continue learning, build your skills, and create opportunities for yourself through hard work and perseverance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the ability to grow within an organization that values promoting from within. Those who are willing to take initiative, learn independently, and embrace new responsibilities can continue advancing their careers. While manufacturing remains a predominantly male industry, I believe that confidence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn create tremendous opportunities for professional growth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe honesty, transparency, and integrity are the foundation of both my professional and personal life. I also value hard work, continuous learning, personal accountability, and building genuine relationships. These principles guide every decision I make and have helped me earn the trust of those I work with.
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