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tatiana mendoza

#WomenofFVI: Tatiana Mendoza

  • Your current role is in Career Services. Is this the role that you expected to be in when you started in the workforce? How did it change?

My goal has always been to help others improve their quality of life. I have found that I have really been able to positively impact the lives of the students I have had the privilege of helping start their careers. I feel this position has been rewarding to me both on a personal and professional level.

  • Since you’ve worked in different positions throughout the years, do you remember any personal incident where you were made to feel inferior/superior solely for being a woman?

This world is full of prejudice and biased individuals. I am sure that throughout

my career I have encountered individuals that intended to make me feel inferior. I have always maintained a professional attitude and have let my work ethic and enthusiasm demonstrate the caliber of the person I am.

  • Do you feel women’s contributions at FVI have played an integral part in our success?

Absolutely! I have personally seen how women have been an integral key to FVI’s growth.  FVI has many empowered, educated and inspirational females that provide leadership and guidance. These women demonstrate daily that they are not only qualified but also inspired to lead and succeed.

  • What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

I have faced several barriers such as being overlooked for a promotion based on gender bias, being underestimated in respect to my value and worth and being underpaid compared to my male counterparts.  I have faced every barrier as an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. By increasing my determination, focus, and drive, I have been able to reach my professional goals and continue to do so.

  • What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you in the higher education field?

The biggest challenge for the next generation of women will be finding and maintaining a work-life balance. Despite the many advancements and achievements women have made in recent years there is still seems to be a stigma associated with professional/career women that they must forgo family and focus only on their career. Although work-life balance is difficult and may pose an obstacle for some, is it not impossible to achieve!

  • If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would that be?

I will tell my younger self to appreciate and enjoy life by viewing it as a journey. I would make sure that I understand the important realization that you can achieve anything you set your mind to by working hard, taking time to meditate, approach life with a smile, and show genuine appreciation to everyone and everything.