Tell us about yourself and what you do in your current position.
I’m a bit of a hybrid across all aspects of life. I’m bilingual and bicultural, having grown up in Latin America and in the U.S. and I’m also a working mom, committed to providing the best of me at work and at home with my son. My career has also straddled two worlds, as I’ve spent time in advertising agencies as well as production companies, working on commercials and films. So in some ways, it’s not a surprise that my job title today is also a hybrid. As COO and Director of Client Services, I head up client management while also playing a role in the operation and management of the agency as a whole. It’s something I love and feel very fortunate to be able to do!
Describe the culture at your agency; What is it like?
We are an independent, family-owned agency that has been around for 30 years. Our founders, Norma and Hector Orcí, a married couple with two children, started the agency together and family has been at the core of their agency’s values ever since. I’m happy to say that we can still see that today with the current generation of “Orcistas.” We also see it in what we call the boomerang effect, as many folks, (like myself) that worked at Orcí in the past and went off to other agencies, eventually came back for several reasons including the work and the agency’s culture.
How does that culture compliment the juggling act that is being a working mother?
It makes the juggling act seem more manageable. Orcí has always encouraged their employees to come to work as their full selves, meaning we’re not just creatives and producers and account people, we are parents or artists or activists in our lives outside of the office, and we bring those parts of ourselves with us to work. This also means it’s not uncommon to see someone’s son or daughter sitting in a meeting with us from time to time.
How has being a mother changed how you approach any aspects of your job?
My time management and prioritization has changed, and my ability to focus and work under pressure has gotten stronger. Scheduling plays a huge role in my day to day!
What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of being a working mother?
Feeling like my whole self. I don’t like the phrase ‘having it all’—what does ‘all’ even mean and who defines that? That said, I do think it’s important to be your own ‘all,’ whatever that means for you.
What are the biggest challenges, if any?
Feeling like there is enough of me, my time and my attention for everyone and everything that needs it. I feel rushed frequently and it is challenging to not make others feel that way, too.
What steps do you take to ensure you achieve a healthy work-life balance?
My calendar is my best friend. I schedule more than I’d like but it helps keep me on track and allows me to be focused and in the moment.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
I don’t think I can point necessarily to one achievement, but as a whole, I would say that I’m proudest of the work that has helped educate and inspire our communities to better their lives and the lives of others.
What changes do you hope to see for future working parents?
I would like to see our country’s government and companies acknowledge the obstacles that most working parents face, from the moment children are born, including medical costs, parental leave and child care. I hope future working parents will have a more supportive structure to help them succeed as parents and in their careers.
Who are some working mothers that you admire/look up to?
My own! My mom was a working mom of two and somehow made it all look pretty effortless. Looking back on it now as a working mom myself, I’m a bit in awe of everything she accomplished and the grace with which she handled it.