The Scenic Route: Embracing Non-Linear Career Paths
Who said that career paths are a straight line? That certainly hasn’t been Amy Crandell’s experience! Join us for a conversation with Amy, a seasoned software developer whose career journey has taken exciting, unexpected turns. From studying Hotel and Restaurant Administration to leading technological innovation at Expedia, Amy's path is anything but linear. She’ll share insights on how embracing diverse experiences can lead to both personal and professional growth. Whether you're considering a career pivot or simply curious about the value of non-traditional career paths, Amy’s story will inspire you to think outside the box.
Amy Crandell
Amy Crandell is a seasoned technology professional with a proven track record in software development, procurement, and leadership. Currently serving as a Software Development Engineer III at Expedia, Amy has been instrumental in driving efficiency and innovation within the organization. Her expertise includes automation, infrastructure upgrades, project management, and ERP system implementation.
Beyond her technical roles, Amy is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. As the Vice President of the Seattle Chapter of LEAD at Expedia, she actively works to foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Embracing Ambition, Owning Your Career, And Finding Purpose at Salesforce
Ready to take charge of your career and blaze your own trail?
Join us for an inspiring webinar featuring two powerhouse leaders from Latinoforce, Salesforce’s Equality Group dedicated to empowering Latinx employees and allies to advance their careers, develop leadership skills, and thrive both personally and professionally.
Pierre Higueros
Pierre Higueros serves as an Engagement Director for Salesforce Professional Services, having joined Salesforce in 2012. Over the years, he has held several key roles, including in Product Management and M&A. In his current capacity, Pierre collaborates closely with Salesforce Sales teams, with a primary focus on the automotive industry, where he advises clients and delivers innovative solutions to drive business transformation through Salesforce's platforms.
In addition to his professional role, Pierre is the Global President of Latinoforce, Salesforce’s Business Resource Group (BRG) for the Latinx community. In this role, he partners with Salesforce leadership to design and implement programs that empower and uplift Latinoforce members, while also supporting the broader Latinx communities.
Hear from Elsa Silva, Director of Enablement and President of Chicago Latinoforce, and Pierre Higueros, Engagement Director and Global President of Latinoforce, as they share how they’ve navigated challenges, taken bold risks, and positioned themselves for success.
In this session, you’ll gain practical strategies to:
- Take ownership of your career journey and pursue roles that ignite your passions.
- Build a powerful network that opens doors, even when you’re not in the room.
- Grow comfortable with discomfort to seize opportunities and make an impact.
Don’t miss this chance to learn actionable insights directly from Salesforce leaders who’ve forged their own paths
Greening Our Cities: Fighting Heat Inequities for the Latinx Community through Tree Equity
In "Greening Our Cities: Fighting Heat Inequities for the Latinx Community through Tree Equity," Eileen F. Lambert, a passionate 2nd generation Latinx social impact strategy consultant and community builder, will share their insights on the importance of tree equity in addressing urban heat challenges faced by the Latinx community. With a diverse background in environmental nonprofits and technology, Eileen will discuss their mission to promote nature-based climate solutions and community resilience. This engaging conversation promises to inspire action toward creating healthier, greener urban spaces for all. Eileen will be joined in conversation by PowerToFly’s Hunter Lee Canning.
Eileen F. Lambert
I am a 2nd gen Latinx Social Impact Strategy Consultant, Community Builder, Nature Based Climate Solutions Champion and Women in Tech Seattle Leader. I’m considered a Third Culture kid as both my parents are First Generation Latinx though I was raised mostly overseas within the military and was not raised with my Latinx extended family or community. My father is Cuban, and mother Colombian. I was born in Madrid, Spain and lived also in England and Japan before settling in Seattle with my family at the start of high school. I am a lifelong activist, most likely influenced by my global upbringing. With a PR degree, I worked in environmental non profits for several years before pivoting to a decade long career in tech in Technical Program Management while also leading a non profit Women in Tech Seattle chapter. In 2023, I left tech to pursue mission-driven work again through my Social Impact Strategy Consulting business, Peak Impact with a mission to advance, amplify and accelerate those working for the greater good. I am passionate about Nature Based Climate Solutions and in 2023, founded a Seattle Climate Tech + Impact meetup group that hosted an event on Urban Forests and the Effects of Urban Heat Islands. I am also a Naturalist in training and plan to offer Nature Based programming with a Climate Solutions focus to my local and broader community through my company, Nerdy by Nature.
Building Inclusive Workplaces: A Conversation with Patricia Mota, President & CEO for the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)
Get ready for a dynamic conversation with Patricia Mota, President & CEO of HACE, as she chats with PowerToFly's Hunter Lee Canning about building inclusive workplaces. Patricia will share her insights on how organizations can create environments that embrace diverse talent, especially Latino professionals. She’ll offer practical strategies for fostering equitable opportunities, developing leadership pipelines, and ensuring diverse employees feel valued and engaged. Plus, discover how HACE is making waves in transforming corporate cultures and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Patricia Mota
Patricia serves as the President & CEO for the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), leading strategy, fundraising & development, leadership programs, and expanding impact on a national scale. As an advocate for access and equity, Patricia strives to create a multi-generational, diverse, and inclusive support network to catapult the career growth Latinos across the country. Patricia leads with a diverse industry background, from co-founding a nonprofit, leading in community affairs for local government, marketing for corporate utilities company, to administration in higher education, to circling back to nonprofit at HACE as a Director in 2010, Sr. Director 2012, then CEO in 2015. Patricia has a strong history of serving the community, as reflected by her service on various nonprofit boards and committees, and several accolades, most recently appointed as a commissioner on the Illinois Hispanic Employment Plan Council and named Crain's Business Chicago Top 25 Most Powerful Latinos. Patricia earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University Bloomington in Spanish and Communication & Culture and a Master's in Public Affairs (MPA) in Public Management from Indiana University's School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA)-Indianapolis. Patricia is also a certified leadership coach, Insights Discovery© licensed practitioner, and a proud Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
Bridging Cultures: A Yelp Fireside Chat On The Power of Languages
In our increasingly interconnected world, language acquisition transcends being a mere skill;it serves as a vital conduit for understanding diverse cultures and forging meaningful relationships and communities. By embracing the opportunity to learn and work in different languages, individuals can foster deeper connections and enhance collaboration with people across cultures. Yelp Software Engineer Percy has experienced this first hand in his career working in various places such as Bolivia, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom where he has effectively communicated in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish. Percy’s journey has taught him that linguistic diversity can play a critical role in enriching personal interactions and strengthening professional ties, work environments. Learn more about Percy’s journey, insights at this fireside chat where he and PowerToFly’s Hunter Lee Canning will explore his takeaways in detail. This discussion will provide valuable perspectives on the transformative power of language in both personal and professional spheres. Consider attending to gain a deeper understanding of how embracing linguistic diversity can enhance your own interactions and collaborations.
Percy Dante Perez Aruni
Percy is a software engineer on the Corporate Application team at Yelp and is currently based in Cambridge, UK. Before Yelp he gained diverse experience across different industries and regions. In China, he worked as a middle office engineer in the Investment Banking sector in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen. In Japan, he served as an infrastructure engineer in the gaming industry in Tokyo. Before Asia, Percy was in South America, where he worked as an automation engineer at two telecommunications companies in his home country Bolivia. Percy is of Aymara descent and was born in Viacha (Bolivia) where he grew up speaking Aymara and Spanish.
Throughout his career, Percy has had the opportunity to communicate with colleagues primarily in their local languages, such as English, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish. This has not only facilitated effective professional interactions but also enabled him to learn, understand, and respect the cultural and social dynamics of each community. Outside of work, Percy is a big Bruce Lee fan (even learned some martial arts) and loves to swim every week.