There’s an old adage, “Nothing Is Constant Except Change” and in 2001, the trajectory of my life completely changed …
I was born and raised in the Philippines. My parents owned multiple businesses, a tire shop, a restaurant, and a jewelry store. But in spite all that, life as we knew it in a third world country was unpredictable.
Between school tuitions, mortgage payments, and everyday living expenses for a family of 6, we barely broke even.
My parents knew in that moment, that a major change had to happen and in December of 2000, their efforts paid off as my dad took a job offer here in the U.S.
Eight months later, we purchased a one-way ticket and after a long 13 hour flight we never looked back …
I was 18 years old when I came to the United States. Like many immigrants I was scared, I didn’t have any friends, and I barely spoke English. But in spite all that, I was determined to work hard, meet people and adapt quickly. So, I did.
The first thing I did was go back to school and get another degree. For me that was the most efficient way of meeting people, learning the language, and adapting to American culture.
I also started a school organization called FWBO which stands for Future Women in Business Organization, which helps educate women who want to start their own business in the future.
My next goal was to figure out a career that would satisfy two things, self-sufficiency and the helping of others.
I went from working at a bank, to becoming a personal trainer/nutrition consultant, and then found my way to the medical sales industry.
My first year in medical sales reminded me of the same feelings I had when I first came to the U.S., scared, intimidated, excited and fascinated.
One of my favorite moments was learning extensively about pediatric deformity in spine and being able to work with such a knowledgeable and hardworking team at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
A decade later, I’m still so blessed to be working in the same industry, constantly learning new technologies, while continuously building strong connections and maximizing relationships with physicians and their medical staff.
Fast forward to the end of 2023, while looking back at all of the blessings I’ve received, I decided that’s it’s time for me to give back to the community.
It started as myself simply just volunteering and donating and then in the beginning of 2024, I partnered with a brand new organization and became the President of SFE Streets AZ. Our Mission is to not only feed the homeless but to also get them off fentanyl, an ongoing epidemic in AZ, so that they can have a better chance in life.
I believe in second chances. I also believe that in order to achieve true fulfillment in life, you have to give without any expectations of getting back.
My motto, “Give to Give and not Give to Get.”