Meet Erica Fernandez, Member Relations Coordinator at AIM Institute (aiminstitute.org).
Tell us a little about your business. – AIM Institute is the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to growing a strong and diverse tech talent community, and it remains committed to educating and inspiring individuals of all ages with innovative, effective technical and leadership training programing and community outreach initiatives.
How did you get started in the business? – My passion for helping people has been a calling since I was a little girl. I started my career at Cox Communications at a very young age where I was able to very quickly join the leadership team. That’s where my passion for leading while helping others was in full bloom under the leadership and guidance of Flor Flores. I got an opportunity to learn more about AIM Institute through Itzel Lopez, and I knew serving my very own community where I grew up is the difference and change I want to make in Omaha by making tech education and programming accessible to anyone who has a dream to pursue a rewarding career in tech.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Work-Life Balance: Balancing work commitments with personal and family responsibilities can be a constant challenge, leading to stress and burnout if not managed effectively. I’m so thankful for the support system I have. My family and friends fuel me to be the best I can be professionally and personally.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important professional achievements aren’t awards or promotions, it’s leading and working alongside successful teams while demonstrating strong and effective leadership skills to achieve collective goals. Contributions to the community such as actively volunteering, participating in charity initiatives or community projects that have a positive impact beyond the workplace and overall mentoring and developing others to grow and succeed professionally.
Tell us a little about your family. – My parents immigrated to the United States from El Salvador. I was the first born in the United States out of my five siblings. My mother raised us on her own while most of us were still very young. We had many challenges, but she did the best she could, and it taught me a lot about parenting. Now, I get to be a mom to my daughter Aria Nova. She’s my anchor in life and what keeps me grounded.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Learning from my failures. Embracing and learning from my mistakes always leads me to be resilient and have the determination to pursue different paths to grow.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I believe my life experiences make me unique and interesting. No two people have the exact same life journey. My own experiences, triumphs and struggles have made me uniquely imperfect.
Who inspires you? – The women in my life inspire me. I’m surrounded by some amazing, empowering women in both my professional and personal life.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – efernandez@aiminstitute.org.