Influential Woman · Customer service

Perla Escandon

Driver and inventory assistant, Hi-Tech Production

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree High school graduate Degree 2011 Degree Trade school graduate Degree 2014 Degree Bachelor's degree in Business Administration Degree May 2025 Cert Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Her Story

About Perla

I've been working in customer care for over 10 years for a third-party company that serves an electric company up north. Most of my family worked in construction or fast food restaurants, so being able to work in an office job was something we weren't really used to. After COVID, I realized I wanted something more, so I went back to college. I was fortunate to get a scholarship and just completed my bachelor's degree in business administration in May, which relates to my current job. My first year of college was very hard because there was a gap between graduating from high school and entering college, and I was also working full-time. I was struggling so much, but I was fortunate to have really good advisors at school and a strong community and support that guided me. The scholarship was especially designed for DREAMers, and mentors like Peter and Miss Jessica Winstock were the biggest support I had. For my first two years, I worked Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 to 7, and after work I would do homework until 1 or 2 AM. Tuesdays and Thursdays I would go to school all day, and weekends were full of homework. I only got about 4 hours of sleep a day. Last year I got really sick because of the stress, so now I'm trying to balance work and prioritize my health. Currently, I'm studying for the LSAT exam for law school, hoping to obtain my law degree.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Perla

01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice is don't give up. It could be difficult, and it's difficult. And sometimes it could take time and effort, but it's way worth it in the end. I say this because I'm a person that came from Mexico with literally nothing. Going to college was something I never imagined I would be doing, or obtaining a degree, especially because given the current immigration laws and the difficulty to obtain scholarships for DREAMers like me. But I'm getting my bachelor's degree, and I'm still dreaming of obtaining my law degree, so if I can do it having all those obstacles, any young lady can. All they gotta do is just focus and try and take their time. When they feel like it's getting too much pressure, just breathe, take some time off, and then go back. You will see the clear picture.

Keep Exploring