Odrys De Jesus, MBA/ASM

I attribute my success to setting clear goals and striving to continuously improve. While some may focus on their origins, I focus on my aspirations and the path ahead. I come from a small island that many might underestimate, assuming it’s a place where people only socialize and relax on the weekends. In reality, I value balance—I enjoy my downtime, but during the week, I prioritize productivity and meaningful achievements. I believe that where you come from does not define you; it’s your vision, drive, and dedication that shape what you can accomplish.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be humble. Early in my career, one of my leaders advised me, “If you want to truly influence others, you need to communicate at their level, not just at your own.” In technical fields, it’s easy to overwhelm or unintentionally intimidate others with specialized knowledge. I learned that to make an impact, I must balance technical expertise with empathy—ensuring that others can understand and engage with what I’m communicating. Being humble allows me to connect with colleagues across different teams, foster collaboration, and ultimately achieve the outcomes we’re working toward together.

I believe it’s incredibly empowering for women to be economically independent and to pursue their passions without relying on others. For young women entering fields like science, technology, engineering, or mathematics—which are often seen as male-dominated—there’s an opportunity to change the narrative and bring a fresh perspective. Challenges will inevitably arise, but facing them not only advances your own career, it also helps pave the way for other women who follow. My advice is to embrace the journey, overcome obstacles with determination, and know that your efforts are creating a path for the next generation.

I see education as both the biggest challenge and the greatest opportunity in my field. To meet the demands of the new century, education needs to be forward-thinking and fully leverage the tools and technologies available to us. Currently, many people undervalue continued learning or professional training, but the systems themselves need to evolve. With advancements like AI rapidly changing how we work and live, aligning education with purpose and emerging technologies is essential. If we can adapt effectively, we have an opportunity to prepare the next generation—and ourselves—for a future that is both innovative and meaningful.

The value that matters most to me, both in my work and personal life, is service. I strive to be a servant leader—supporting others and contributing to a positive, helpful environment. I recognize that the pressures of society can create stress and make it difficult for people to feel gratitude or happiness, so I try to offer support and encouragement wherever I can. While I may not always be outwardly enthusiastic, I focus most of my time on fostering positivity, and when I need space, I ensure I recharge thoughtfully. Being of service and helping others thrive is what I consider most important.