We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denise Montero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denise below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Denise with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I developed my work ethic from my parents, who both exemplified hard work and dedication. From a young age, they taught me the importance of working hard for what I want in life and studying diligently to reach my goals. My mom, in particular, was a strong role model—she constantly pushed herself to learn, grow, and work hard to earn promotions. Her perseverance and drive have always inspired me to do the same, motivating me to work tirelessly for my goals and never give up.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Working with GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego over the past five years has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I can genuinely say it’s been one of my favorite and most cherished roles.
GiGi’s mission has opened my eyes to a community I wasn’t familiar with before, and these years have helped me grow both personally and professionally within this organization.
I began as an Office Administrator in October 2019, immersing myself in every aspect of GiGi’s—from managing the facility and equipment, coordinating with volunteers, supporting Playhouse events and fundraisers, and handling various administrative tasks. One of the highlights has been attending the National Conference, where I connected with GiGi’s staff from across the U.S. and even Mexico!
A few years later, I was promoted to Program Coordinator, expanding my responsibilities to include managing our Tutoring programs and utilizing various marketing platforms. GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego has taught me invaluable lessons about inclusivity and awareness, which I’ve proudly carried across the border into Mexico (where I’m originally from), sharing GiGi’s mission of global acceptance with friends and family.
With the incredible support of GiGi’s staff and volunteers, I launched our first Spanish-speaking events, “Amigos de GiGi’s.” At these events, we featured Spanish storytellers, sang songs in Spanish, welcomed a book truck with Spanish-language books, and enjoyed traditional Hispanic treats. It’s been a joy to connect with our community in this way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, empathy, and commitment to lifelong learning.
Adaptability – Working at GiGi’s has shown me the importance of being open to change and handling multiple roles as needed. Whether it was switching from administrative duties to coordinating programs, or quickly learning new tools, being adaptable allowed me to grow and take on new challenges. My advice: embrace change, seek new experiences, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. The more you adapt, the more resilient and resourceful you become.
Empathy – This quality has been crucial in my work with GiGi’s, especially in understanding and supporting families and individuals with diverse needs. Empathy helps you connect with people and approach challenges with sensitivity and patience. To build this skill, I recommend immersing yourself in environments where you can genuinely listen to and support others; volunteering is a great place to start.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning – The mission at GiGi’s, have shown me the value of continuous learning. New skills open up opportunities and bring fresh perspectives. For those starting out, I encourage investing in personal and professional development through courses, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Staying curious and committed to growth makes a lasting difference.
These qualities have not only enriched my role but have also prepared me to make a meaningful impact in each new opportunity.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I lean on the qualities that have shaped my journey: adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Here are some strategies I find helpful:
Embrace Adaptability: I remind myself that change is a part of growth. When faced with overwhelming tasks, I assess what can be adjusted or delegated. Being open to switching my approach helps me manage stress and remain flexible in finding solutions.
Practice Empathy: I take time to connect with myself and my feelings. Understanding my own emotions allows me to approach challenges with patience. Sometimes, I also reach out to family or colleagues for support. I have a great relationship with Mom and my Sister and we are always there for each other..
Introspection: When I feel overwhelmed, I see it as a chance for growth. I take time to reflect on the underlying causes of my feelings and explore new strategies or skills that could help me navigate the situation. As a spiritual person, I find solace in prayer, which brings me a sense of calm and clarity during challenging times. This practice not only grounds me but also helps me gain perspective, allowing me to approach my challenges with renewed strength and focus.
Break Tasks Down: I often break down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. This makes it easier to tackle one thing at a time rather than feeling buried under everything.
Set Boundaries: I recognize the importance of saying no when necessary. Protecting my time and energy helps me maintain balance and manage my workload effectively.
By using these strategies rooted in adaptability, empathy, and instrospection, I not only cope with overwhelm but also emerge stronger and more resilient.
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