We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Mendoza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Hi Ashley, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Success is subjective and varies from person to person. Personally, I consider myself successful. I have a loving spouse, well-behaved children, and I am living my dream. I am financially stable, engage in cultural activities, maintain a high quality of life, and work in a field I am passionate about, while also giving back to my community. This success was not achieved by chance. Reflecting on my life, I realize it was meticulously planned. I always desired a family, and homeownership, enjoyed traveling, and valued being an entrepreneur. Establishing and running Evolution Career Center aligns with my core beliefs. However, the journey was not without setbacks, pain, and failures, which ultimately shaped me. Early on, I faced challenges that taught me resilience and self-belief, despite criticism from family members. These experiences helped me develop a positive self-image and trust in my abilities. Raised in a community that emphasized the need for continuous learning and advancement, I internalized the importance of hard work and education to succeed. This drive stemmed from a desire to break free from historical constraints that hinder progress within certain communities. Being a black woman added complexities to my journey, requiring me to communicate assertively without being perceived as aggressive. I navigated challenges, leading subordinates while addressing disrespect and lack of support from senior colleagues. Embracing adversity, I viewed it as a catalyst for growth and personal development.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a supporter, educator, and counselor for perinatal mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health surpasses those seeking help. I am moved by the number of women grappling with shame over the complexities motherhood brings. The impact of mental health on families deeply saddens me, drawing from my personal journey. I have experienced the same struggles and aim to prevent other mothers from enduring similar hardships. Evolution Career Center was established to support the entire family unit through life’s challenges. We offer a range of services under one roof to cater to the needs of families, including career coaching, resume building, interview skills, life counseling, family planning, and various classes.
My focus is also on assisting high-achieving, career-oriented women in reclaiming their lives. I am developing a course based on the strategies I used to overcome obstacles as a new mother. At times, I felt having children hindered my productivity, transitioning from the boardroom to boredom. Balancing motherhood and career caused inner turmoil, but I refuse to believe that women can’t have both. My coaching services aim to dispel this myth. My personal journey shows that we can break generational cycles or past traumas to build a fulfilling life. The future holds endless possibilities.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I am amazed by the progress I have made. Often, we admire others’ achievements and success, yet in life, we tend to dwell on the negative aspects. It’s crucial to acknowledge both. I believe that both positive and negative experiences contribute to our growth. If I could offer words of encouragement, I would say, focus on your dreams as if your life depends on it. Visualize your goals because if you can see it, you can achieve it. It all starts with a dream, whether it’s owning a car or attending a specific college. Be clear about your aspirations and maintain focus. In my younger years, I enjoyed life and embraced typical youthful experiences. However, I always knew I desired more. I understood that certain actions could jeopardize my future. Maintaining focus provides clarity and helps set boundaries and limits to guide us. This might involve making sacrifices. I remember numerous nights dedicated to studying or saving money instead of pursuing other activities. Be willing to make sacrifices for your aspirations. Success doesn’t happen by chance. Appreciate the value of your achievements, knowing that the sacrifices made along the way enhance the significance of reaching your goals. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Failures are stepping stones to discovering more about ourselves. They offer a chance for self-reflection, helping us understand our strengths and limitations. These challenges can relate to mental health, finances, toxic environments, or other blind spots. Failure is not the end but an opportunity to try again armed with new insights. Persevere and know that success is a result of consistent and strategic efforts. Lastly, hold yourself accountable. With great abilities come great responsibilities. Uphold high standards, to embody excellence and strive for personal growth and development. Remember, you are your own competition.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The primary challenge lies in encouraging individuals to accept assistance. There is a common misconception that success implies privilege, which can lead to individuals feeling stuck or uncertain. Many marginalized communities are facing numerous obstacles, with mental health often at the core of these issues. I am currently exploring new methods to motivate individuals to seek support. Recognizing that I may not conform to societal norms, I sometimes feel disheartened by a lack of acceptance. I am educating myself on how to be a reliable ally for those seeking change, offering comprehensive services to break the cycle of poverty. Evolution Career Center is open to collaborating with community partners such as Doulas, Midwives, Daycare Centers, and churches to provide personalized support. By understanding the challenges families encounter daily, we aim to make a positive impact and support their growth. Through collaborative efforts, we can bring about significant change to empower families and address systemic barriers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolutioncareercenter.com/
- Instagram: @evolutioncareercenter
