CATEGORIES
Inclusion and Impact | People We Admire | Women EmpowermentOverview:
- Heather’s leadership journey is shaped by her multicultural background and commitment to advancing women’s opportunities in the workforce.
- She believes that strong professional connections can open doors and help build one’s reputation in the industry.
- Heather’s diverse experiences eventually led her to become CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards, where she continues to lead with a mission-driven focus.
1. Can you share a bit about your childhood as a first-generation Latina and the values that have shaped your personal and professional life?
My parents immigrated to California from El Salvador in 1975 with very little. My dad, fluent in English, Spanish, and German, had been on the path to become a doctor but realized his heart wasn’t in it and decided to create his own path. My mom, young and full of life, juggled early motherhood with work, always bringing a free-spirited energy to everything she did. Growing up, I admired my dad’s relentless work ethic, and I quickly learned that if you wanted something in life, you had to work for it. My parents were living proof of that. I spent my school years in a private school, from kindergarten through 12th grade, in what felt like a bubble safeguarded from Los Angeles. An experience that caused me to crave space to figure out who I was outside of my family, so, I made the choice to go to college out of state.
2. Tell us more about your dynamic professional journey. What were the pivotal moments that led you to your leadership roles, including CEO of 50/50 Women on Boards?
My career path has been anything but linear. I started at Seattle University studying psychology, but my passion for problem-solving and strategy led me to pivot toward a business degree with minors in economics and painting. I began my career in accounting at Disney, later transitioning to E! Entertainment, where I explored sales and gained firsthand experience in TV production. A pivotal moment came when I was recruited by The Recording Academy. Although I was recruited for a position in the finance department, I worked my way towards marketing and public relations.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with global agencies and developing strategies for iconic brands like Shell, Starbucks, Nestlé, Toyota, and Louis Vuitton, gaining a comprehensive perspective across industries. In 2020, I joined 50/50 Women on Boards as the Chief Marketing Officer, drawn to its mission of addressing the lack of women on corporate boards. The organization’s unwavering commitment to driving systemic change resonated deeply with me. My role quickly evolved, and I transitioned to Chief Operating Officer, helping shape the organization’s strategy and impact.
In 2023, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of CEO. It’s an honor to lead 50/50 Women on Boards, an organization with a legacy of advocacy and progress. I am dedicated to building on this foundation as we continue advancing toward a future where gender parity in leadership is not an aspiration but a necessity.
3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while restructuring and digitalizing 50/50 Women on Boards, and how did you overcome them?
Leading the digital transformation and rebranding of 50/50 Women on Boards during the pandemic was both challenging and rewarding. It required aligning a global network of employees, freelancers, and over 100 volunteers within tight timelines. Drawing on my experience managing high-pressure projects, I successfully guided the organization through this pivotal shift in just six months. The biggest challenge was uniting our global team and volunteers around a shared vision during a time of uncertainty. To address this, I prioritized clear communication, emphasizing the purpose and long-term benefits to build trust, ease concerns, and ensure collective alignment.
Despite the challenges, 2020 and 2021 became some of our strongest years financially. Shifting to virtual initiatives allowed us to expand our reach and deepen engagement, while the societal focus on equity further amplified our mission. By fostering collaboration and maintaining focus, we not only achieved our goals but positioned the organization for future growth and impact.
4. If you could go back and do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
If I could go back and change one thing in my career, it would prioritize intentional networking. Early on, I didn’t fully understand the immense value of building and maintaining strong professional relationships.
That said, I’ve always relied on hard work and a strong sense of responsibility to leave a lasting impression. This mindset has served me well. For example, I was recommended for the board of Goodwill Southern California, and the CEO of one of my former clients—now the COO of Goodwill—backed up the vouched for me, which opened the door for that opportunity.
Today, I approach networking with more intention. I try to reconnect with people, whether it’s through a quick message, a coffee meeting, or just checking in. Nurturing relationships isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about building a meaningful professional community.
5. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved throughout your career?
Leadership has evolved as we’ve evolved. Early in my career, leadership often meant someone giving directions and others simply executing. Over time, we’ve witnessed a shift toward collaboration—teams working together and involving key stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives lead to the best outcomes. Leadership isn’t something you’re inherently taught. That said, leading volunteers and individuals who are driven by a shared mission has always felt natural to me—it’s the purpose behind the work that inspires and unites us.
6. Everyone needs a good mentor. Did you have someone who guided you in your journey? What valuable lessons did they teach you?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and supporters throughout my journey, and their guidance has been invaluable. I believe in paying it forward by offering the same support to others. While traditional thinking often separates personal and professional lives, authenticity fosters collaboration, even in high-stakes situations, by breaking down barriers and encouraging open communication.
This has been especially evident in my work with clients and directors. Initially, interactions can feel formal or reserved, but sharing a personal story or experience often shifts the dynamic. It creates space for honest conversations, smoother negotiations, and stronger support systems.
7. How do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life, especially given your demanding roles? What is your idea of taking a break to relax and rejuvenate?
Maintaining a balance between my personal and professional life can be challenging since I work from home. While having a dedicated office space has helped create some separation, the lines are still blurred. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of setting clear boundaries. For example, I make a conscious effort to shut down by 8 pm, so I can shift my focus to unwinding and spending quality time with my family.
For me, relaxation often comes from simple things. I also make it a point to prioritize social interactions—whether it’s meeting people in person or catching up with friends. As my kids grow older, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for family time. It’s taught me that balance isn’t about splitting my time equally between work and life; it’s about being fully present in the moments that matter.
8. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, what is your message to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles or break into boardrooms?
To young women aspiring to leadership roles or board positions, my advice is simple: intentionally build your expertise, step outside of your comfort zone, invest in professional relationships, and pay it forward. Leadership isn’t just about hard work—it’s about aligning your skills, visibility, and relationships with your goals.
9. Beyond your professional life, what are some of your passions and interests that keep you grounded?
My role on Goodwill Southern California’s board has been deeply fulfilling, reinforcing my commitment to supporting organizations that create meaningful change. Staying grounded is a mindset—one that requires self-awareness, curiosity, and the courage to embrace challenges while maintaining a purposeful balance that lets you truly love what you do.
10. Is there a particular quote, mantra, or book that resonates with you and guides your approach to life and leadership?
“Keep moving forward.” It’s something my dad always instilled in me. Whether it was a win or a failure, he would ask, “What’s next?” To me, it’s not just about rebounding from setbacks—it’s about growing and evolving, even when you’re excelling. There’s always another opportunity, another challenge, or another way to innovate and make an impact. It’s about constantly striving to improve, adapt, and discover what’s behind the next door. That forward momentum is what fuels both personal and professional fulfillment.
So, just keep moving forward! Keep going! ¡Adelante!
Conclusion:
Heather’s journey from a first-generation Latina to a successful CEO exemplifies her determination and unwavering commitment to empowering women. Through collaboration and authenticity, she has transformed 50/50 Women on Boards into a catalyst for meaningful change. By emphasizing the importance of networking, lifelong learning, and maintaining balance, Heather inspires others to unlock their full potential and create a lasting, positive impact on the world.
