Her Story
About Luz
I've been in my field for over 10 years now. My current title is Director of Operations at USHLI, and this is going to be my third year in this role. I started my career working in higher education where I had different positions - I was an administrator managing a $5 million grant that the institution I worked for received, and I also was a college success coach for students. I have a background in accounting because I actually started with this exact organization that I'm now director of as an intern when I had my associate's degree in accounting. Even though I am a business major and I have my master's in business administration, which I recently earned, I've always been somehow in education. I'm very passionate about supporting and encouraging students and young professionals to find their path because I know the education system in this country is kind of complex. Right now in my position, I do more than just making sure everything is running smoothly and the bills get paid - I mentor students, I guide young professionals. This organization hosts one of the largest leadership conferences in the nation, and this past year we had over 3,000 participants in a period of 4 days. I'm the director of operations, but essentially I'm the one who directed the entire conference. I work with volunteers, vendors, manage my team, and work directly with the president of the organization. I'm also a board member of an organization here in Northwest Indiana dedicated to empowering students through education - they give out scholarships and do community events. And I'm a board member of another organization empowering professionals that are already working in corporate. Additionally, my husband and I registered a construction company, GCS Construction Inc., a few years ago, and I help with the administrative piece of the company.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Luz
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say dream big. Don't be afraid to dream big. And I always want to say also that there is always a way - there is always a way to accomplish whatever is in our minds, as long as we put it in God's hands, and we do the work, and we show up. Just keep going, even when times are difficult, because you will get those times, you will doubt yourself sometimes. As women, I think we suffer a lot from imposter syndrome and self-doubt. And I say that even when you feel afraid and scared and you don't know if that's the right direction, just keep going. I always say that God will show us the way.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The current policies and the current administration are affecting the resources our students need, particularly their finances. Some of these students depend on grants and scholarships in order for them to continue their education, but now spending has been cut. All of these changes with policies - some of them are official, some of them are not - have been a big impact on education. Another major challenge is not knowing how to manage our time as professionals. Burnout is real. We struggle so much, and it often comes until we get sick or burned out. I think we still have to learn how to give priority to the things that matter - our health, our family first, and then everything else.
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