I am in currently in a leadership learning program that mandates me to craft an essay bio. I didn’t really dig too deep for fear of over-sharing so I opted for polished, resume-like draft. It is my understanding that the more comfortable I get with the people in the group, the more I can share so this is a work in progress:
Circa 2024
In the small city of Caloocan, Philippines, I made my entrance in 1975, the eldest daughter in a Navy family. A life shaped by perpetual movement began at just one year old when our family crossed oceans to America. By the time I turned four, my father’s naval duty led us to Japan, where fleeting moments etched memories of cherry blossom festivals and the enchantment of chasing butterflies.
It was not in the bustling streets of Japan but later in the American landscape that my grandfather, a former Mestizo actor from a Spanish aristocratic lineage, became a prominent figure in my life. His tales of Spanish royalty and practical lessons in card marking and dog training became pillars of my childhood. His Spanish roots run deep, with a relative having a street in Spain named after her—Calle de Asuncion Castell. My grandfather, a mastermind, taught me invaluable skills, from marking cards to picking locks. His patience and kindness left an indelible mark, influencing my journey profoundly.
Navigating educational pathways amidst challenges and triumphs, my kindergarten days were marked by words eluding me and camaraderie with fellow children remaining a distant prospect. Initially perceived as trailing behind due to my reluctance to speak, special classes were introduced. Subsequently, these tailored sessions identified and acknowledged my gifted capabilities. Transplanting to the United States found me academically ahead, having covered subjects introduced later in the American educational system.
Artistic pursuits emerged early, with a bronze medal in Japan for a watercolor tree painting hinting at a creative spirit. Junior high brought exploration in a Magnet Program, delving into woodworking, graphics, typing, electronics, and programming. Programming games on a Tandy 1000 in BASIC marked my first encounter with computer programming.
High school, punctuated by the guidance of exceptional teachers like Mr. Murray, Mr. Balentine, Mrs. Curtice, Mr. Gamez, and Mrs. Coffeen, molded my academic trajectory. Their impact transcended the classroom, shaping my interests and influencing my choices.
Transitioning to college introduced a Pentax K100 camera, a gift from my mother, igniting a passion for photography. At the age of 23, beckoned by the call of the Air Force and under the paternal influence of my father, a transformative phase unfurled. A steadfast commitment to delve into the realms of photojournalism emerged as a pivotal decision, shaping the trajectory of my career.
Family dynamics underwent a significant shift when I enlisted in the military and married, taking on the sole provider role. During this chapter, I joyfully welcomed my firstborn, Vincent. However, as he celebrated his first birthday, the threads of matrimony unraveled, leading to a divorce, and I chose to return to my home of record. Later in life, Vincent received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), now living independently. As a single parent, I learned the art of juggling responsibilities, finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Years later, my life blossomed again with the arrival of my son, Orion, who demonstrated remarkable intelligence by graduating high school early.
Post-military service, my educational pursuits guided me through film studies at UC San Diego, followed by a paralegal program at San Diego University, and a certification in Web Server Administration from the San Diego College of Continuing Education. These diverse experiences converged into a fulfilling role as a Producer-Director at Calit2, UC San Diego, where I spent seven enriching years. A subsequent transition led me to a position as a Network Management Systems Administrator, allowing me to further leverage my diverse skill set.
Along this intricate path, marriage to Brandon Smith, a seasoned software engineer, brought solace and companionship. A friendship spanning decades developed into a partnership grounded in shared interests in technology, music, and social justice. Brandon emerged as a guiding force, fostering confidence during moments of self-doubt within the delicate interplay of personal and professional growth.
As my personal and professional journey unfolds, I find myself leaning towards leadership styles between democratic and laissez-faire. I embrace the manner of an informal mentorship, one that allows mentees to steer the course of the relationship. Within the intersectionality of continuous growth, personal development becomes the cornerstone of effective leadership. Nourishing this growth requires drawing wisdom from mentors, engaging in workshops, participating in conferences and forums, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technologies.
Harmonizing work and personal life requires meticulous planning and organization. Calendars and project lists are my constant companions, but true fulfillment resides outside the realm of work. Engaging in a cyber club, hiking, gardening, bonsai cultivation, language learning, wargaming, and the strumming of my ukulele provide a welcome escape and a chance to explore my passions.
Life is an ongoing lesson in growth and resilience. As this expedition continues, my personal goal is to manage time effectively, avoiding burnout, while professionally evolving in the dynamic landscape of technology. To those embarking on their own unique paths, I offer this: embrace challenges as steppingstones, learn from them, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.