Her Story
About Stephanie
I've been working in finance for 8 years total, after moving from Miami from Houston where I wanted to incorporate myself into an industry that was growing. Before finance, I worked in real estate for 3-4 years, starting with some temp jobs before getting an opportunity in finance once I started to apply. As an Executive Operations Manager, my role entails office management, HR, operations and data reporting to the C-suite. Most of what I do is support the CEO and ensure the office space creates culture while also establishing a workflow that is efficient for executives but also sustainable and attractive for employees on site. I've been with my current CEO for 8 months. Throughout my career, I've maintained roles as an executive administrative assistant and in office management. The accomplishments I'm most proud of include increasing my salary over the years, helping companies save money through auditing where I ensured there were no findings at the end of the year back-to-back for about 3 years so they didn't have to pay anything to the city, and creating a work culture atmosphere where employees want to stay, feel supported and celebrated for their achievements, birthdays, and holidays. I always get feedback that employees feel supported, that they feel helped, and that they really miss me when I'm gone, even though I've only been here for 8 months.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stephanie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'd say the key factor to my success has been consistency. Consistency in the way that I show up willing to help. It's about asking what is a need that needs to be met, and how can I help? Rather than focusing on what I can receive, I approach my work with the mindset of identifying what the company needs and how I can support those needs. This consistent willingness to be helpful and meet needs has been central to my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to focus on being valuable, not just busy. It taught me to prioritize work that actually moves the business forward and supports leadership effectively. As an Executive Assistant, that mindset has helped me anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and operate as a true partner rather than just a support function.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say go into it with a mentality not focusing on the role or the title itself, because sometimes when you have a big title, you can feel like that means you don't roll up your sleeves and help with what the company needs help in. When you come into this kind of environment, make yourself valuable by being helpful, as opposed to focusing on self and what you want to do. Instead, focus on what the company needs from you. Be flexible and adaptable rather than getting caught up in your title or position.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think one of the biggest challenges in the administrative field right now is how quickly the role is evolving. With the rise of AI, automation, and new technologies, the expectations have expanded beyond traditional support into more strategic, tech-enabled roles.
At the same time, that creates a huge opportunity. embracing tools like AI, data analytics, and project management can become true business partners to their executives rather than just task managers.
Overall, I see the field moving towards a more strategic impact, and I’m excited about continuing to grow in that direction.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What I love most is making a personal impact with the employees and creating an environment where they want to come to for 8 hours. Although work itself can be stressful sometimes, they know that at least the stress is not coming from a hostile work environment, but an environment that is designed and created for them to thrive and elevate. Making their job a joy and ensuring they feel supported and celebrated is central to my values. I want to create a culture that is inviting and welcoming for them, where they feel helped and supported in their achievements as well as in celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other important moments.
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