Her Story
About Valeria
Valeria Rojas serves as Principal Executive Recruiter at Brio Group. She began her career there as a talent scout for six months before advancing to Executive Recruiter for one year, then Senior Executive Recruiter for one year and two months, and most recently to her current role two months ago. With a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology from California State University, San Marcos, earned in December 2022, and a six-month certification in HR Management and Personnel Administration from Cornell University, she leverages her scientific background to engage with senior leaders in the life sciences sector. Valeria speaks English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and attributes her adaptability to an international upbringing across Belgium, Mexico, and other locations due to her parents' work. She is a member of SDHR and values loyalty, trust, and authenticity in her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Valeria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my parents. My childhood wasn't very conventional. I grew up all over the world. ... I am very grateful to my parents that gave me the opportunity to see the world at such an early age, and that really shaped the chameleon that I am today, I think I'm a very adaptable person, and that is due to, you know, all of the moves that I did in my childhood.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be okay with not being the smartest person in the room. If you are the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Out of college, no one's really holding your hand anymore, and applying online only gets you so far. You need to network. You need to show face, you need to go outside, you need to brand who you are, you really need to show presence. ... You need to get out of your comfort zone. You need to look up events related to your specific field.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Loyalty to your family, your friends, even your employer. Staying somewhere for a longer period of time and really building a connection with the people that you work with. Trust - developing trust in relationships and being honest. Being authentic - being true to yourself and what you believe in, and not changing or wearing a specific mask to fit a mold.
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