Meet Daniela Perez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniela Perez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Daniela 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?

My work ethic was shaped in the early mornings I spent alongside my dad at job sites, or with my mother at various events. Whether it was holding a rake double my size as my father landscaped yards under the sun, or helping my mother set up for events – I learned a tremendous amount from both of my parents and continue to use their lessons as the foundation of my work ethic. My parents, both immigrants, worked long hours to support our family of six, yet they always made time to show up — at school events, dinner tables, and life’s crossroads.

When I was the first in my family to walk across the stage as a college graduate — and later, again with my master’s degree — I thought of my parents. I had inherited more than just a work ethic from my parents; I had absorbed their discipline, pride in effort, and the belief that dreams are built one step at a time.

My mother, too, modeled strength. While working full-time in hospitality, catering, and cleaning homes, she raised four children and managed to make our lives feel full. Her ability to balance responsibility with care showed me that consistency and showing up — even when it’s hard — are habits worth holding onto. She also exemplified perseverance. Despite many struggles that life brought us, her positivity and steadfast convictions became my foundation for handling adversity.

Those early experiences didn’t just teach me how to work hard — they taught me why it matters. My parents and their example have grounded every goal I’ve pursued since. I am confident that I can pursue my goals to no end – the sky is the limit.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

In my current role as an Administrative Analyst/Specialist at California State University, Fullerton, I specialize in streamlining administrative processes, customer service, and training. I’m known for my ability to efficiently handle large volumes of inquiries and provide exceptional support to both students and staff. I’m particularly proud of my role in assisting with the development of the department’s website and reference manual, and in training new hires, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide top-notch service.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend strong technical skills, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellent customer service, all while being bilingual in English and Spanish. My experience in event planning, HR, and administration allows me to approach challenges from different angles, ensuring I can support and improve any department I’m a part of. Additionally, my passion for creating opportunities and serving my community, alongside my strong educational background, drives my dedication to fostering positive change.

Although I didn’t originally envision a career in higher education, I’ve grown into a mentorship role with our student assistants — many of whom are navigating college just as I once did. Being a mentor has not only supported their growth but also my own. As someone who made it a goal to graduate debt-free, I now make it a mission to share resources and financial literacy tips with students. Outside of work, I’ve been exploring content creation as a creative outlet, focusing on highlighting local businesses and community events. It’s been a fun and meaningful way to stay connected to my community and promote unity through storytelling and shared experiences.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in shaping who I am today: communication, risk-taking, and initiative.

First, communication has been the most important skill I’ve developed in my adult life. It may sound simple, but the ability to ask questions, seek help, and speak up when something isn’t clear is powerful. Whether in school, the workplace, or personal relationships, clear and open communication helps build trust, foster collaboration, and unlock opportunities. My advice to anyone early in their journey: never be afraid to ask. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of growth.

Second, taking risks has played a huge role in my progress. In my experience, those who take thoughtful, calculated risks are often the ones who grow the most. Whether it’s applying for a role you’re unsure about, suggesting a new idea at work, or stepping out of your comfort zone, risk leads to discovery. Growth rarely happens without discomfort — and embracing that truth has opened doors for me.

Lastly, initiative has been a guiding principle in everything I do. I’ve learned that even small projects can have big impacts when approached with intention. Taking initiative not only helps you gain valuable experience, but it also allows you to turn your ideas into real outcomes. My mindset is: every challenge is an opportunity to improve — so why not seek those opportunities out?

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’d love to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals. I consider myself an outgoing, curious person who enjoys exploring local communities, supporting small businesses, and continuously learning. Whether it’s working on creative projects, community events, or content that highlights local stories — I’m always open to meaningful collaborations.
If this resonates with you or sounds like something you’d enjoy, feel free to reach out to me on social media. I’m always excited to meet new people, share ideas, and create something impactful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/daniellla25
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellla25/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@peezdaniela?feature=shared

Image Credits

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