The founder and CEO of Voto Latino and Emmy-nominated cocreator of MSNBC’S Beyond Borderlines takes our career questionnaire.

What’s your best habit, and what’s your worst?

I can eat everything. I guess that would be my best and worst habit.

What do you do when you’re creatively stuck?

I go for a walk or start reading trends in consumer marketing. Reading trends sparks ideas!

What’s the business buzzword you never want to hear again?

When we’re in external meetings or conferences and folks say that it’s time to take a “bio break.” That’s really too much information. It’s gross.

How do you unplug?

I play with my kids, who are 6 and 7. Our home is pretty neat, but there is an understanding that the Hot Wheels race track going from the second floor to the front door remains up. I get particular joy launching a Hot Wheel down the track, and watching it do a loop and sail through the air before I head out for the day.

What advice are you glad you ignored?

A Hollywood executive who served as my boss very briefly said I wasn’t articulate, that I spoke too fast. He expressed that my career would stagnate as a result. Eighteen months later, I secured a contract with MSNBC. Having earned an Emmy nomination since I started with MSNBC, I’ve been piping myself into his living room most evenings for the past decade. when her husband, 14 years her senior, shared that it was too much responsibility and left her. She taught me about persistence.

Is there a meeting you never miss?

My kids’ performances. They didn’t choose my line of work. So I make it my priority that I’m there when it’s a big day for them, regardless of where on the road I may be the day before.

What’s your favorite object in your office?

A statue of Cesar Chavez next to the American flag. It speaks to why I do what I do. I deeply believe in America and her possibility, and it’s a constant reminder that her possibility can’t be realized until we provide real equity and opportunity for the most marginalized among us.