Influential Woman · English education and food service
Natalia Sakowski
City College Student, The City College of New York
New York, NY 10031
Remembering I was once in their position helped me lead better. Putting yourself in their shoes helps you navigate your team more effectively.
Natalia Sakowski · In Her Own Words
In Conversation
Natalia Sakowski for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Natalia Sakowski: Being an influential woman means taking every negative piece of feedback that you've ever gotten that has to do with anything that feels like subconsciously someone is saying it to you because you are a woman, don't listen to them, listen to your gut. You can overcome the task that's in front of you regardless of if anyone says that it's crazy or whatever. Yeah, just follow your heart, follow your dreams. We don't live in a world of stereotypes anymore, so if you're asking for feedback from someone who still lives in that world, just tell them that you're gonna take your next call now. Yup.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Natalia Sakowski: If someone gave you a task to complete, it's because they thought that you could get it done. It's not because they're. They just think that you can get it done and if you get it done, you'll see the magic unfold. So yeah, if someone tells you that you can't do the task that someone else gives you or someone is using you blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, no. If the task feels right and the task feels like it's gonna lead to something good, get it done, complete it. And also, show up, even if you show up an hour late, if you're show up 1 hour late ready to work, it's better to work for 9 hours in one day when you were supposed to work 10 than to work 0.
Her Story
About Natalia
Natalia Sakowski is a dedicated college student and emerging education professional pursuing studies in English education at The City College of New York. Currently in her third year of college, she is preparing for a career teaching English to students in grades 7 through 12. Her academic interests are complemented by a strong passion for reading and writing, which have played an important role in shaping her decision to pursue English education. She also holds a high school diploma from Lindenhurst High School and a food handler’s license.
Alongside her academic pursuits, Natalia has gained valuable professional experience through her two-year tenure with Rokstar Chicken, where she progressed from Cashier to Store Team Lead. Her work has strengthened her leadership, communication, customer service, and teamwork skills while teaching her the importance of responsibility and consistency in a professional environment. She credits her parents and the guidance of former employers, beginning with her first professional experiences at age 16, for helping shape her work ethic, confidence, and professional development.
Looking toward the future, Natalia is passionate about making a meaningful difference through education and is particularly interested in creating opportunities to teach in nontraditional environments, including correctional facilities and programs serving incarcerated individuals. She is also interested in expanding her education through studies in business and psychology, reflecting her broad intellectual curiosity and desire to understand both people and organizations. With a commitment to continuous learning, Natalia is building a foundation that combines education, leadership, communication, and service as she works toward her long-term goal of becoming an English educator.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my parents, particularly my father’s guidance when I was younger and my mother’s continued encouragement today. I am also grateful for the influence of every manager and employer I have worked with since I was 16, as each experience has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, leadership, communication, and perseverance. My passion for reading and writing has also played an important role in my development, especially during challenging periods when writing became a meaningful way for me to process my experiences and recognize the impact of language and education. These influences have strengthened my confidence, shaped my perspective, and inspired me to pursue education not only as a career but as a way to make a meaningful difference in a variety of settings.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received came from a scene in The Devil Wears Prada, where Anne Hathaway’s character is encouraged to recognize that being challenged by someone who has already achieved a great deal can be an opportunity to learn and grow. I have carried that perspective with me because constructive pressure and high expectations can be valuable when they come from someone who is trying to help you develop. Rather than immediately viewing demanding guidance as criticism, I believe it is important to consider what you can learn from the experience and how it can help you become more capable, confident, and successful in your own career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I had any advice for a woman going into the work industry, I would say that
1.make sure every opportunity you double check who you are receiving the opportunity from and that they are credible for the most part
2.if they reach out to you about a photoshoot/modeling/ ad work make sure
•they have a real product
•they have necessary equipment to get the job done
3.if you are ever feeling overwhelmed, tired, fed up and want a change take a breathe and take a look back at all the work you’ve been doing- if you can look at it and build something from what’s been growing..keep making it grow. Instead of looking for the next employer, or promotion focus on what’s already in front of you and if you see a vision, your dream can be turned into reality.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say definitely the biggest challenge is being put in front of a task that someone may think that you can’t complete on your own, but you do it on your own anyways and you do it right you ask the right question even if you thought you couldn’t do it in the beginning with the right guidance you can get anything done believe in yourself
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are personal growth, creativity, balance, and maintaining a positive outlook in both my work and personal life. I value staying active and making time for my well-being, whether that means going for a run or taking a daily walk, swimming at the beach, or strength training during the winter. I also value creativity and self-expression through reading, writing, and poetry, as well as artistic activities such as paint-by-number and bedazzling. These interests give me opportunities to stay curious, express myself, and maintain a healthy balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
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