Giving Back Magazine October 2019 | Page 51

GB: How has Southwest Airlines allowed you to achieve success? LS: Since I work in the San Diego and San Francisco markets, my office in the sky is Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines accommodates my ever-changing schedule without charging extra fees. This is exactly what I need to be able to serve my clients. Plus, due to the number of flights I’ve taken with Southwest, I enjoy “A-List Status.” Southwest Airlines also supports many of the non-profits with which I’m involved; we refer to them as our “Hometown Airline.” It is because of Southwest Airlines’ support for our non-profits and their exceptional customer service that I fly to Seattle for the 3-Day Walk, to DC with our Hermanitas, to San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland for work, and to vacation destinations with my family. The Sierra Family GB: What is it that you do? LS: I develop relationships and bring in new clients within the life sciences industry for McDermott + Bull. Companies hire us to find exceptional leaders to help them build their executive team and board. I have been developing relationships in biotech since 1992. Part of what I enjoy doing most is opening new markets and building a pipeline of clients to propel growth. Because of my involvement with STEAM, I enjoy introducing the idea of STEAM careers into my community and to younger generations. GB: What is your key to success? LS: Building genuine, deep, trusted relationships and friendships, while being passionate about the quality of work I do. I have a constant hunger to learn and I am curious about everything. Equally as important, I have informal mentors like Lidia Martinez and Linda Katz who have unknowingly guided me since I first met them and have helped me grow and challenge myself in ways I didn’t know I could. GB: As a respected leader who is always asked to support various needs in the community, where do you choose to invest your Time, Treasure and Talent? LS: I am involved in several local organizations, including MANA de San Diego, Women Give San Diego, Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk and Chicano Federation of San Diego County. OCTOBER 2019 | GBSAN.COM 51