Her Story
About Tequila
Tequila Toussaint serves as a supervisor at the Dallas Passport Agency for the Department of State, a role she has held for the past 10 years. In this position, she oversees more than seven passport adjudicators, monitoring their production, teaching and training the adjudication staff, writing yearly evaluations, and collaborating with team members to maintain policy compliance. Toussaint began her career in the military at Schofield Barracks in the Army before transitioning to a contractor role and then joining the Department of State as a specialist. After six years as a specialist, she advanced to her current supervisory position. She attributes her professional growth to the guidance of mentors and her ability to accept feedback constructively. Toussaint holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, which aids her work with fraud cases, and a master's degree in adult education and training, which supports her training responsibilities. She aspires to roles such as assistant director or regional training coordinator in the coming years.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tequila
01What do you attribute your success to?
One of the reasons I've been successful in my role is because I cling to other women that I knew were where I wanted to be, and I latched on to them. I took their feedback and it built my confidence to be able to understand that I am who I am and that I'm not going to allow anything else to deter me from my goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never take no for an answer. When you're young there are so many opportunities... just you have the ability to not get complacent. Go reach for your dreams, whatever it is, if it takes you to another state, if it takes you to another country, just go for it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To always look for mentors and to be able to take feedback... always finding a mentor, latching on to someone that you see yourself wanted to get to, and just taking feedback really well.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Just remembering that people have their own perceptions of you, and the only one that matters is your own. Not allowing what other people prejudge you as be your definition. And I just try to carry myself professionally in all matters... I always try to keep a calm and professional demeanor.
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