Influential Woman · Executive Attorney Recruiter

Sandra Ramos O'Briant

Writer, S. Ramos O'Briant

Los Angeles, CA

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Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of New Mexico

Her Story

About Sandra

I built my career as an executive attorney recruiter in Los Angeles, creating and running my own successful business during a dynamic period in the legal field. I worked with attorneys, initially mainly men and then gradually more and more women, helping them navigate career changes as firms were spinning off and forming new practices. Some of my clients were very appreciative and told me I made a real difference in their lives, especially those who were afraid to make a change. I was very proud of creating this business and making it work. I was making more money than my husband when I met him, though that changed as my kids grew up and I had to balance the unpaid work at home while keeping my business going. Both of my sons finished college and earned legal degrees, and they're both working in legal aid, helping people. After I retired, I pursued my lifelong interests in art, particularly sculpture and photography. I've taken many classes and have my work displayed throughout my house, including photographs I've had transferred onto canvas. I also published a novel that won the Best Historical Fiction award and conducted readings all over Los Angeles. Now I stay active with daily workouts, walking my dog, taking Pilates twice a week, and attending a balance class at my local community center.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Sandra

01What do you attribute your success to?

I've never been afraid of making mistakes. I think that's a big part of it, because a lot of people I know just lash themselves when they do something wrong. When you're an entrepreneur, you have to be creative, and you learn as you go along. There was no role model right in front of me, but there were people who impressed me and influenced me along the way. My mother was a huge influence. She had a 9th grade education when she got divorced from my father, and the only kind of job she could get was as a waitress working at night. That meant I was at home alone a lot with my younger brother, but she persevered. There was also a girl in my high school, Gloria, who completely changed my life. I was cutting a lot of school and not paying attention in class. After my Algebra 2 teacher chastised me, Gloria asked if I wanted to go with her family to talk with the financial aids people at the University of New Mexico. I said yes, and they offered me money and I got in. She made a huge difference in my life. Sometimes there are things to be learned and you don't know it at the time it's happening. You just think about it later and realize it made a difference.

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