Celebrating the Mothers of Our MLT Alumni
Before they were MLTers or successful business leaders, they were daughters. We asked these MLT Alums to reflect on how their mothers have influenced their journeys to success. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we invite you to read their stories and get inspired to say, “Thank you, Mom.”
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Cesarina Castellanos
Program: Career Prep 2006
Current Role: Director of Women’s Apparel Marketplace at Walmart eCommerce
Cesarina says thank you, mom “for being my source of strength.”
Looking back, how has your mother inspired your educational and career goals? Did she influence your decision to join MLT? If so, please elaborate.
Since a young age, my mother instilled in me a sense of accountability regarding my education and career path. She never pushed for a particular degree or profession, but encouraged me to simply follow my passion and do what made me happy. Although it was empowering and liberating to make any choice I wanted, as a young woman at times it felt terrifying because I didn’t want to let her or myself down. That sense of accountability led me to MLT as I was seeking guidance and needed support as I navigated the (then foreign) world of corporate America.
Share a piece of advice from your mother that resonates with you to this day.
My mother always said, “Just do your best and that’s all that matters.” When I make a decision, I like to know that I tried my best, and that gives me a sense of peace.
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Grissel Ortiz
Program: Career Prep 2005
Current Role: Associate Director (Accounting Applications Trainer) at Gen II Fund Services
Grissel says thank you, mom “for always going above and beyond! You never fail to amaze me with all that you have done for us and still continue to do even for your grandchildren.”
Looking back, how has your mother inspired your educational and career goals? Did she influence your decision to join MLT? If so, please elaborate.
My mother is a huge inspiration in my life. She leads by example, demonstrating the importance of hard work and dedication in everything you put your mind to. Because she had only completed a course in a business institute before becoming an accountant, she instilled in my five siblings and I, the importance of obtaining a good college education and a career. From a young age, I was very aware of my parents’ struggles and I understood their desire for their kids to have better lives, especially as we were all first-generation college students.
My mother was always there, helping each of us with homework, the college application process, and everything else that came along after selecting the college of choice, all while she herself was also working. My mother did it all! She was always there to support us in anything we needed and wanted us to just be happy in whatever we chose to do in life. Witnessing my mother’s selflessness to give us her all, even while exhausted, inspired me to make her proud–graduating college and also pursuing a career in accounting!
Share a piece of advice from your mother that resonates with you to this day.
Growing up, my mother was always giving advice, but the one piece that resonates with me the most, to this day, is to always remain humble, be respectful, and always treat others how I would want to be treated. This advice may seem rather simple, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve truly appreciated these words. Because of my mom, I am who I am today in my career, and to my son.
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Danelle Radney
Program: MBA Prep 2008, Ascend Coach 2016 & 2017
Current Role: Regional Operations Director at DaVita Inc.
Danelle says thank you, mom “for loving God, loving me, and loving others with your whole heart!”
Looking back, how has your mother inspired your educational and career goals? Did she influence your decision to join MLT? If so, please elaborate.
My mom has inspired me to never be complacent. From Olympic athlete, to coach, to volunteer, to leader, my mother is an inspiration. She inspires me to keep striving when it’s difficult, continually improve, coach others along the way, and live in authenticity. My mom first introduced me to the “business world” and paved the way for MLT, Harvard, and the leader I am today.
Share a piece of advice from your mother that resonates with you to this day.
My mom has taught me that I need to be able to be in any room and sit at any table with authenticity, confidence, and preparedness –from the locker room to the boardroom. Her advice was always to meet new people (my mom does not know a stranger), learn new cultures, and take the learnings to build empathy and understanding. You never know how God wants to use you. It’s advice she not only gives, but she lives.