Connecting with People: How Hilti Pushed Me to Expand My Network

When I responded to an inquiry for a bilingual account manager position in Miami in 2017, my Spanish was not fluent. Today, I would still use that term to describe my level of Spanish speaking, but the improvements I’ve seen through the years have gotten me to a point of being comfortable communicating in Spanish in all settings. From business to personal communication, I am much better suited to express my thoughts and feelings than I was when I applied for the job. This growth has enabled me to expand my network in so many positive ways and I’m truly blessed to have this community in my life today.

Overcoming Doubt: Starting My Career as an Account Manager in Miami

After I first started as an account manager in Miami, I was intimidated. But with 8+ years of schooling, a minor in Spanish from a University in Cordoba, Argentina and a Spanish speaking family behind me, I felt I was well equipped for the task. The General Manager at the time was trilingual (Spanish, English and German). I still remember meeting him, fumbling over my Spanish as he tested me, to later find out he told the gentleman I was backfilling he was concerned about me being able to survive in Miami with my level of Spanish.

Now I was feeling a bit more reluctant, but being the person I am, I didn’t let it stop me. I knew I had the ability to form genuine connections with people and build trust that would eventually turn into a business partnership. Despite having an incredibly tough time achieving plan as I took over the territory of an outperformer, I stayed the course.

Learning Spanish on the Job: How Client Interactions Improved My Fluency

My territory primarily consisted of power utility customers. I was meeting with various crews of linemen at yards or simply pulling over on the side of the road when I saw bucket trucks. Some of the crews I would talk to were Spanish speaking only. I stumbled over words explaining various tools with a lot of “como se dice” and they would teach me new industry specific words. I was building my vocabulary as I formed relationships. And the best part was that we grew together! Many of my customers expressed a desire to learn English so it was a beneficial exchange for both. I loved being able to see their English improve and give them their flowers for all the progress they made, and it felt great to have them do the same for me.

Jennifer and Cynthia Platero.

A New Chapter in Dallas: Finding My Community

By the time I was on my way out of the territory I had earned my stripes. Many of my customers had nicknames for me and I was a part of the in crowd calling them by their apodo, even the high-level superintendents. After four years, I decided I was ready for a change. I was on my way to Dallas to work in product management with our marketing department. I had far less daily exposure to Spanish while working at the office in Plano, but my desire to continue improving my Spanish brought me a new friend.

Cynthia and I connected through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work within our Employer Resource Groups (ERGs). We eventually became amigas first through café en Español chats which grew into so much more. Our one-on-one chats grew to a group of four and we still meet to this day. My Spanish journey was not restricted to my professional life. While living in Dallas I also gained a family, mi mayor bendición.

I had purchased a house soon after relocating but realized I would much rather live a minimal lifestyle and decided to rent it. With just a sign in the yard I was quickly connected with the Cardona’s. First, I met Fani y Axel who later brought Fani’s dad Juan to look at the house. On first encounter it was a done deal for both parties. They expressed their gratitude and happily moved in, Juan y Gabby, their daughter Fani, her boyfriend Axel and their little girl Allison.

My relationship with the Cardona’s was built on a joke that Juan still says to this day: “recuerda que mi casa es tu casa.” Very much true even outside of the logistical aspect of it. After settling in, an invitation to come over for dinner was soon extended. Now, from holidays to birthday parties I’m there to spend time with family. Over dinner we often have what I coined terapia en Español as we talk about life and all the things that come with it. It’s through this relationship that I truly felt empowered while speaking Spanish. I was not only communicating on a necessary basis or with the intent to practice the language, but with the ability to express myself, thoughts and feelings.  

Jennifer celebrating her send off with the Cardona's and their next door neighbors the Russell's. (Andrew is also in construction!)

Embrace and Celebrate Your Journey: Encouragement for Spanish Learners Finding Their Voice

As someone who is part Latina but doesn’t look it, I’ve had a hard time fitting in when it comes to ethnicity. Through my journey of learning, studying, practicing and enjoying the Spanish language, I have been able to find a sense of belonging. The customers and friends I met along the way, who helped me find my way, never made me feel judged. Even when I felt I was butchering the language, they encouraged me to keep going with a warm compliment.

As I reflect on this journey, I realize I am not alone and how impactful my efforts are.  The presence of Spanish in the workplace, especially in industries like construction will only continue to grow. I’m proud to work for an employer who supports this reality and am grateful for the opportunity I was afforded back in 2017. Native and non-native speakers, like me, are an important part of this landscape as we bridge the language gap in the workplace. I said I realized I was not alone because while I was striving to learn a new language my Spanish speaking customers were doing the same, in an effort to achieve success in this country. Language is more than a tool to communicate effectively; it’s a lens in which we see and understand the world around us.  To anyone going through a similar journey, always remember tu perteneces aqui – You belong here!

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