Her Story
About Maricelda
Maricelda Palacios is a hiring specialist with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She returned to the department about four months ago after previously working there as an investigator for six years and as a conservatorship worker for one year. In between, she spent one year in early childhood intervention and three years as a preventative sexual abuse coordinator with the Office of Refugee and Resettlement. Palacios holds a master's degree in social work from Texas A&M Kingsville and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She is pursuing her licensing in social work while drawing on her extensive background in child welfare, family services, and public service to connect professionals with meaningful roles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maricelda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance. I came from a not wealthy family with a lot of struggles emotionally and somewhat physically. I just never let that get me down. I continue to go and don't let anything bring me down. I just keep going. That taught me that in order to get through it, you just gotta continue to fight through it and don't let anything or anyone bring you down.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is if you're gonna do something, do it right, don't leave anything, don't do anything halfway, do it completely. Also, pursue what makes you happy.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to know that they are stronger than they think they are. They can achieve a lot more than what they think they can if they just believe in themselves. Come from a place of love, de-escalate by being calming, understanding, and empathetic. Show them that you are there to help them and make the family better.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is that it's ever-changing. You have to be patient to continue to grow and do better, and not become resistant to any type of change because there's always changes, especially with the department but also in social work or the medical field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Unity is most important to me. Working for the department or anywhere, your work life is kind of like your family because you see them the majority of the time. Just to have unity, and that you care for one another, and that you have supervisors who are there for you, have an open door, and are always willing to teach you and guide you. A supportive environment where people invest in you.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.