Her Story
About Marcela
Marcela Morales serves as Program Director at a nonprofit child placing agency, a role she has held for 12 years. In this capacity, she oversees the operations of the program, reviewing emails regarding children's concerns, supporting her team, providing guidance, and ensuring the safety of both children and staff. Her passion for working with children dates back to early childhood. After high school, she delayed college due to family situations but later pursued a social work degree and graduate degree. She began her career at Child Protective Services, where she worked for approximately 7 years, before moving to her current nonprofit agency. She is also a licensed clinical social worker who provides therapy services on weekends in addition to her full-time role. Marcela serves as a board member at Children's Montessori School. She attributes her professional success to determination, noting that she sets goals and pursues them without giving up, along with a willingness to continue learning and growing rather than staying stagnant. Her core values include honesty, transparency, strong work ethic, and commitment to following through on her promises.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marcela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination. I set my goals and pursue them. I don't see it as unfortunate that I completed them later in life. I see it more that I got there and continue checking them off the list. The willingness to continue learning for growth. I don't like staying stuck. I'm always looking to learn new things.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do something that you absolutely love, and you'll never work a day in your life. You absolutely have to do what you love and not do it for the money or any other reason. You have to love it and be passionate about it. That's a way to grow. You're curious about things going on at work, you ask questions, and people see the ability and potential in you when you're so invested.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is funding. I won't mention politics but I'll leave it at funding.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest, being who you are, being transparent about who you are. That goes a long way in both family and work. Work ethic is a very strong value for me. Commitment - if I commit to something, I ensure that I follow through and not let people down, both in family and work.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.