Stephanie Rivera

I attribute my success to my journey and the growth I’ve experienced throughout my career. I’m originally from El Salvador, and I came to California at the age of seven. That experience shaped my perspective early on and motivated me to pursue an education in Journalism. While that was my initial path, I discovered a passion for sales and the behind-the-scenes work that brings media to life. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by strong, successful women throughout my career who have helped shape me into the professional I am today. Their leadership, guidance, and example pushed me to grow, take initiative, and believe in my own voice. Having that kind of support while also being trusted to take the lead gave me the confidence to step into my role and continue evolving.

What has made the biggest difference is that I genuinely love what I do. There’s nothing like hearing a campaign I helped build on the air while driving and knowing it’s making an impact for my clients and their businesses. That feeling never gets old. Over the past 10 years—all within the same company—I’ve grown from intern to receptionist, to assistant, and now to account executive. Each step has shaped my understanding of the industry and strengthened my ability to bring ideas to life behind the scenes.

The best career advice I’ve received came early in my media career. I was encouraged to learn everything I could, with the reassurance that I would be guided and supported—but also trusted to take the lead. That advice empowered me to take ownership of my growth and development. It taught me that having mentorship rooted in trust and encouragement is invaluable. Being given the space to learn, lead, and make decisions built my confidence and shaped how I approach my career today—with a mindset of continuous learning, accountability, and initiative.

My advice to young women entering the media industry is to never stop learning and to stay open to opportunities—even if they look different from what you originally planned. I went to school for journalism with the goal of becoming a reporter, but I found my way into sales and discovered a passion I didn’t expect. Don’t be afraid to explore different roles within your field—you might find what you love in a place you didn’t anticipate. It’s also important to seek out mentors, especially women in leadership who can inspire and guide you. Being surrounded by strong women who believe in you and give you the space to grow can make all the difference. And most importantly, be ready to work hard and stay committed. This industry can be fast-paced and demanding, sometimes requiring long hours and weekends. But if you genuinely love what you do, it’s worth it. There’s nothing like seeing your work come to life and knowing you’re helping your clients succeed—that makes every bit of the effort meaningful.

The biggest challenge and opportunity in the media industry right now is how quickly everything is evolving. The landscape is constantly changing, and it requires you to stay informed and adaptable.

As an account executive, I’ve gained a broader perspective on the industry. Earlier in my career as an assistant, I only saw a small piece of it. Once I transitioned into brand partnerships, I began to understand how much goes into bringing campaigns to life and how rapidly the industry continues to transform. You have to be willing to continuously learn, adapt, and understand what happens behind the scenes. Sales plays a major role in making everything come together. From getting commercials on air to organizing events and coordinating talent appearances, it all starts with the relationships and strategy we build. The opportunity lies in seeing that bigger picture and growing with the industry. It’s about staying flexible, building strong networks, and consistently showing up for your clients. That commitment not only strengthens your work ethic but also helps you build lasting relationships that drive success.

The values that matter most to me are continuous learning, building meaningful relationships, and staying connected to my roots. In my work, I always try to maintain a mindset of growth. I’m still young, in my early 30s, and even though I’ve been in this industry since finishing college, I know there is always more to learn.

I genuinely enjoy expanding my network and meeting new people, especially learning from other women in business. Hearing their stories, how they started, and where they are now is always inspiring to me. Building strong relationships with my clients is just as important. I put in the time and effort to make sure they succeed, and seeing their businesses grow because of the work we’ve done together is incredibly rewarding. In my personal life, staying connected to where I come from keeps me grounded. I love traveling back to El Salvador as a reminder of where I come from. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my journey and appreciate how far I’ve come. I also value balance and making time for myself. After attending events and concerts for work, I truly appreciate moments of quiet and quality time with the people I love. Being outdoors, especially at the beach, is my reset. It’s where I go to recharge and feel my best.