Sarah Flores, Client Manager at Cleverbridge, has a new take on what it means to show up “big” in life and work. She is now seizing global opportunities.
By: Linda E. Alberty, M.A.
She lived in her own personal shell for years, knowing full-well she wanted more. Raised in a bi-cultural Mexican and American home, Sarah’s biggest challenge was overcoming cultural expectations and her own internal self limitations.
“I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to become more outspoken and, I had to believe in myself.”
She admits, “I didn’t want to get stuck in that negative stereotype of being a Latina, putting my family above everything [even myself], not having any personal or professional goals of my own, and not having work-life balance. I always wanted to prove that Latinas can take the lead at home and in the workplace. We can do both. We have it in us to be leaders …”
Knowing what she wanted before she had enough confidence to ask for it, Sarah set out to earn her bachelor’s degree at Roosevelt University. Shortly afterwards, she took a Customer Service Representative role at at Cleverbridge, a global subscription billing provider.
Although she had advanced her experience in different departments over nine years at Cleverbridge, Sarah knew she needed something more.
Ladies from the FUERTE Program enjoy a hard-core workout together to strengthen physical and mental stamina.
Sarah jumped at the opportunity to enroll in the FUERTE Program. “I was comforted by the fact that it was on my level. FUERTE is the perfect fit. It is exactly what I needed. It is so motivating to surround myself with a younger pool of women who have the same aspirations to become better leaders.”
In less than 30 days, Sarah’s entire reality would shift drastically as her supervisor started to notice her improvement. “Thanks to the FUERTE Integrity, Confidence and Communication session, I am more outspoken, more assertive and more involved at work. I love the fact the we are assigned mentors who really take the time to get to know us. We can reach out to them anytime we need help.”
Sarah Flores is pictured with her coworkers at a company event.
Since enrolling in FUERTE, Sarah has learned to show up “big“ at Cleverbridge As a result, she has now been given three new opportunities to make an impact on a global-scale:
- Expanding responsibility – Sarah has been pulled into the interview process to be a part of the hiring process of new candidates.
- Creating legacy – Sarah will assist her supervisor in creating the first-ever women’s employee resource group at Cleverbridge.
- Building globally – Sarah will be traveling to Cleverbridge’s office in Cologne, Germany to develop the company’s first ever training curriculum for her department.
A naturally reserved Sarah before is now known by her peers as a rising star. “Being around all those women, has pushed me to do more and has empowered me to be the better version of me.”
If you know a young woman among your friends and family members who is ready to be fearless like Sarah, click HERE to contact Luz Canino-Baker, Founder of The Latina Mastery Institute or submit an application (Located on the right side of this page).