Daily Inspiration: Meet Yesenia Sevilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Sevilla

Hi Yesenia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m one of ‘those people’ – I am a woman, a proud mother of two, a wife to a wonderful husband, an indigo child, a Latina, multilingual, I’m tall, I’m strong, I’m first Gen – I’m also an innovation junkie.

My life has been built around the strength of my family – my husband, Alex and my two beautiful children, Lauren and David.

I have thrived as a leader in global biotech and healthcare industries, consulting, and higher education. I’ve focused on inclusive innovation, business development, client engagement, marketing, community engagement, ecosystem development, fundraising, co-curricular student engagement, mentoring and design-thinking.

I am firmly anchored in the belief that all of us have value, all of us can help, all of us can solve problems together – that change, inclusion, innovation – they lead us to solutions.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My college journey started with a paid, dream acceptance into a private school and turned into a 7-year working 9-to-5 grind, with credits earned on nights and weekends until I had a Bachelor’s Degree in hand. Work hard, ask for help and visualize the success!

I am an assualt survivor.

I’ve lost jobs in mergers and acquisitions, and survived a separation agreement – which means you’re good at what you do, but the company doesn’t think you fit, so you just agree to walk away. I have survived sexual harassment, and hostile work environments. I have been passed over for promotions because I was either too young or overqualified.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am committed to ecosystem building and have been a connector all my life – and I believe that includes empowering people to connect up not just across. Here is one of my favorite quotes:

“When you’ve worked hard and done well and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you.” -Guy Kawasaki

I also read Kawasaki’s book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions,” very early on and it has always been a game changer for me. I seek to really understand people and think about ways in which they connect into the ecosystem around me, and first ask how I can help them. This creates a living organic network of folks looking out for one another, as I can then reach out when I need help.

I see the building of a healthy ecosystem as the constant enchanting, inclusive engagement of people. To never tire of really learning about them so that you can create pathways for ideas, solutions and inevitably people themselves to connect!

I love what I do and I’m most proud to have a new generation of college-age leaders ask to intern with me and become connectors, too.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Pause.
Breathe.
Give help.
Ask for help.
Repeat.

As often as necessary to get past that moment.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://youtu.be/X4SR0npn4Pk?si=6LW7ai1Q_9hse_yF

Image Credits
Lauren Carnahan
Daniel Meigs
Igor Kasayanuk