Milestone Moments: Embracing Life’s Curves and Crossroads

Turning fifty marks a milestone far more significant than the years in my life. It is a pivotal moment, evenly split between my Brazilian roots and my American journey. It's a moment to pause, reflect and extend my deepest gratitude to the individuals who have profoundly influenced my path.

I'm often asked, "Looking back, what would you do differently?" My response remains the same: "Absolutely nothing." Even the difficult times have been invaluable lessons. These experiences, without exception, were essential, and given the chance, I would embrace them all over again.

A few lessons from this journey…

Curiosity, Discomfort, and Learning: Curiosity led me to a global life. Finding an 18-month internship program abroad was my way to fulfill the desire to see the world and meet people from different cultures. At first, with a broken English the interactions were very difficult, and as I continued to learn, I could feel how much growth there was in being comfortable with the uncomfortable. To this date, as the world around us continues to evolve, curiosity and continuous learning drive me and create room for growth.

Make friends and enjoy the ride: Arriving in Milwaukee and later in Miami by myself was daunting. My coping mechanisms were to look for like-minded people and invest time in meaningful relationships. Overtime these friendships became an incredible network. To this day, I remain committed to welcoming new friends. Friendships (new and old) lift me up and bring different perspectives to my life.

Put the oxygen mask on you first:  The analogy of securing my own oxygen mask before assisting others became my motto—a concept that took me years to truly understand. Battling Trichotillomania for over 15 years cast a shadow of imbalance, making the concept of self-care seem unreachable. However, through persistent effort and introspection, I've learned the critical importance of placing my own wellbeing at the forefront. Wellbeing may be an over-used term these days, but a practice that has proven essential at every stage of my life, be it as a single individual or as a wife/ mother. Parenthood, with all its challenges and joys, has underscored the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health. I often remind my daughters, "If we are not happy, nobody is," to highlight that moments of self-care, such as dedicating time to the gym—even at the cost of missing certain events—are in the best interest of our family's collective wellbeing.

Embrace the life you are building:  I have fond memories of the early years in my career, where I was navigating it all by myself. While lonely at times, I loved the feeling of achieving emotional and financial independence. Fate had Tassio Carvalho sitting next to me on a Dallas-Miami flight, where we met on a Friday evening, going home after a long work week. The rest is history! We did not start a family until later in our careers. Parenthood led us to unchartered territories, and we found ourselves balancing and integrating our personal lives with our professional ambitions. The role of a working mother is still a work in progress. This journey has taught me the importance of not postponing life for "the right time" but rather integrating our experiences, including our children, into the life we live now.

“Why fit in if you are meant to stand out?” – My favorite Dr. Seuss’ quote. At first, blending in was how I survived the corporate environment, only to later realize that my strength lies in my uniqueness. Once I learned that being myself was not only easier, but also what set me apart, I never looked back. It was not always easy! I have endless stories in the work environment, but one of my favorite episodes was as a working Latina mom, in a school where our family clearly stood out. During my daughters' kindergarten years, moms were invited to be Mystery Reader—a day where a parent (mostly moms, and it was refreshing to see a dad every so often) read to the class. At that time there was not a “working from home” culture, but I was determined not to miss out. After my first reading event, my daughter Livia questioned why I did not dress like the other moms, sporting yoga pants and a ponytail. At that moment, I wanted my girls to be proud I could be their mom and have a career. In the years that followed, I collaborated with their teacher to a remote Mystery Reader from various corners of the globe. From Shanghai to Prague, South Africa to Singapore, and beyond, I was present in the classroom for my daughters, despite of where work took me. The impact of this commitment extended beyond my own family. My good friend told me her daughter asked why she did not work like Livia’s mom. This friend, very comfortable in the life she chose, shared this story because she knew it would mean much to me. She witnessed how hard I was trying to balance it all and added it served as an example for her daughter that families make it work in many ways.

Understand your Organization’s Culture and Vision: While the phrase "drink the Kool-Aid" may sound cliché, embracing it, makes the journey a lot more enjoyable. Aligning with an organization's vision can significantly enhance our experience through work and life. I am fortunate to have been part of numerous organizations over the years, each with a mission that resonates deeply with me. From AIESEC to the YMCA , ALPFA to The Dallas Chambers of Commerce, Andersen to Johnson Controls, The Dallas Opera to TACA - The Arts Community Alliance , and especially EY —the company where I've invested the majority of my time—I've found fulfillment in embracing their ethos. I often say I bleed #EY yellow, as my dedication to the company's values and objectives. By immersing myself in their purpose and vision, I've discovered that my professional life becomes not just a job, but a source of joy and fulfillment.

Life is a game that we either win or a lesson we learn: My journey to EY, a company that has enriched my life far beyond my career prospects, began with a rejection. When my first boss in Milwaukee transitioned to a new role, her replacement did not take an interest in my career, and I was left with the impression she did not like me. I started looking for an alternative employment. Should that first and amazing experience stayed the same, I would’ve probably finished the 18-month program and be transferred to Brazil. However, fate intervened. That second boss walked me to HR – a walk I will never forget – to let me know the company no longer needed an intern in that role and was sending me to a plant in Brazil. At that moment, I already had the EY offer but was dealing with logistical and financial hurdles waiting for visa processing delays. These challenges pale in comparison to the invaluable lessons learned and the growth through an unpleasant experience that opened new doors.

Stay true to your roots: I take much pride that my upbringing defines me. From my parents, I inherited a legacy of unconditional love and support, instilling in me the belief that no dream was beyond reach. My sisters served as invaluable mentors, providing me with real-world lessons in resilience and adaptability through every disagreement and reconciliation. In my first major promotion, I sent them a thank you note for being my training ground for so many difficult conversations in my life. When I left Brazil, in 1999, I cherished the weekly calls- very expensive at that time. Thanks to technology, these bonds have grown stronger. Today I go for walks with my father on WhatsApp recreating our long walks on the weekends. Distance has only deepened my bonds, amplifying my gratitude for the sacrifices made by my father—a beacon of resilience who defied the odds, emerging from very humble beginnings, finding his way to be the first in our family to go to college to carve a path of opportunity for us all. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the legacy of family love.

Find your purpose and pay it forward: Defining my purpose wasn't always clear, and I've come to realize that it continues to evolve. I've embraced the multifaceted nature of my purpose— connecting friends, creating a sense of belonging and helping people overcome their fears to achieve their full potential. This journey of uplifting others and paying forward what others have done for me has been profoundly rewarding. Reflecting on the individuals who've contributed to my own journey (too many to name), I'm filled with gratitude. It's a reminder that each of us stands on the shoulders of those who've invested in our growth and success.

Loving this milestone to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for all that has been and all that lies ahead. I hope these words resonate with anyone who reads them until the end, inspiring introspection and perhaps offering a new perspective. As I reflect on my journey, I would not change a single step of the path I've taken. Every twist and turn have been a valuable lesson, shaping me into who I am today.

Embracing both the peaks and valleys; and cherishing the friendships helped me build a life that aligns with my values and aspirations. I will never forget those who have opened doors and above all, I will continue to pay it forward.

To my dearest family, friends, mentors, and colleagues: Thank you for enriching my life in countless ways. Here's to embracing the journey with open arms and a heart full of gratitude.