Cecilia Hernandez is based in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. She studied Industrial and Systems Engineering at Universidad del Valle de Mexico. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in different areas such as Human Resources, Quality Control, Sales and Customer Service, providing processes for continuous improvement to promote work plans to reach the goals or objectives of each department. In order to continue with her development in the area of sales and business projects, she decided to study an MBA at the University of Barcelona, which provided her with great knowledge to continue evolving in the commercial segment. Currently, she holds the position of Key Account Manager at American Gaming Systems (AGS), where she has been working for more than four years. “Through AGS, I have been given the opportunity to gain more experience, as well as to know the diversity of the gaming market in Mexico and internationally, attending events focused on gaming,” Cecilia comments.
CHALLENGES AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
When talking about the industry, she echoes the word ‘dynamism’ in her voice. “Despite the fact that my journey in the sector is relatively short, I have been able to face challenging situations that motivated me to continue preparing myself and have high expectations about the industry. Since joining the commercial team of AGS Mexico, my goal has been to develop our brand presence in the Northeast region of the country. We were able to consolidate our premium products and integrate all the available items from our portfolio. A relevant achievement was being able to have the largest number of live gaming equipment installed in this area,” explains the executive.
Hernandez is currently managing the development of the online gaming division for AGS Mexico. “We make the most successful products of our video slot platform available to our customers. I am very satisfied with my performance in the industry. I consider that my development has been progressive, taking new accounts and overcoming challenges,” she states. Precisely, it is her desire to add positive contributions to the industry that lead her to keep moving, in search of reaching new goals.
INCLUSION AND UNITY IN THE SECTOR
It’s not just the gaming industry that presents challenges, but life in general. In any case, in recent times, minorities have managed to carve out a space with sacrifice, perseverance and ability. On this subject, Hernandez remarks: “Our industry is distinguished by its openness towards gender equality. I believe that, in Mexico, there is a great window of opportunity, with attractive executive roles for women, through which we can contribute with our knowledge, experience, dynamism, and stand out for generating a change factor.”
Moreover, about gaming, she highlights the camaraderie, openness to new ideas and innovations that help attract customers, with a work philosophy that reinforces the unity of the industry. “The type of diversity that our sector manages motivates us to encourage other women to integrate and be part of the new gaming culture in Mexico,” she assures.
LIFE BALANCE, HOBBIES AND PLANS
When describing herself, she chooses characteristics such as ‘helpful, dynamic and dedicated.’ In addition, she admits being a person inclined to listen and to propose new ideas. “Continuous improvement is an essential part of my life, both professionally and personally. I highlight my attitude of assistance, which is fundamental for the position I’m in, along with values such as teamwork and the urge to be constantly updating. The limit is set by oneself,” she maintains. Fully focused on her activities, she knows how to find the exact point of balancing her personal life and her working role. “I really enjoy the combination of my profession and my personal life. It is important to create a balance for the efficient distribution of time between each facet. When this combination is achieved, motivation flows and we can take better advantage of what each space of our existence offers,” she confesses, thoughtful and happy.
As for her hobbies, she admits her fascination for knowing new places, customs and people. As she makes each trip, she values interaction with other people and the discovery of new worlds. She also loves to attend concerts and music festivals, go hiking, and watch movies. Besides, she has a lot of fun watching soccer games. In order to have a good life, she advises to slow down and dedicate some time to self-discovery that will let a person develop his/her own passions, with moments of joy and relax.
Living a present with full energies helps her to project a better future, beyond the difficulties and uncertainty of the current context. Cecilia knows how to set clear objectives, always necessary to visualize a future and continue progressing. On this subject, she reveals that her main desire is to be a relevant person in the gaming industry. “I want to position myself as an outstanding woman in the sector that can be recognized for her contributions, her ideas and her experience. At the same time, the concept is to continue motivating other women in their development within gaming, carrying out some projects that reaffirm the importance of the gaming industry in Mexico as a space of great professionalism and social contribution,” she remarks.
In one line
A book: “Fahrenheit 451” (Ray Bradbury, 1953)
A movie: “The Notebook” (Nick Cassavetes, 2004)
Favorite music: alternative rock
A fragrance: Black Opium, by Yves Saint Laurent
A place to live: Scotland
A place for vacations: Cartagena, Colombia
A place for dining out: the Japanese restaurant ‘Señor Tanaka’, in Monterrey, Mexico
A meal: roast beef
A drink: daiquiri
A sport: football (soccer)
A teacher/mentor: my Physics teacher