MELISSA MEDINA: The Tech Trailblazer

Executive vice president of tech advancement platform emerge Americas, president of The Medina Family Foundation, and mother of five, Melissa Medina is seamlessly breaking tech (and stereotypical) boundaries. What challenges have you had to overcome?

Being a woman, being Hispanic, being a mom, being the founder’s [emerge’s Manny Medina] daughter. But I prefer to view them as drivers to prove to myself that I can push through. I was brought up by parents who encouraged me from a very young age to pursue whatever dream or passion I had. I never once thought that, because of these things, I couldn’t pursue a career.

What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your father?

I don’t think I realized how truly blessed I am to have been raised by such an incredible man until later in life. Before that, he was just my dad. I realize now that I was raised by a mentor who taught me about sacrifice, determination, and perseverance.

Tell us about the Medina Family Foundation.

Through the Medina Family Foundation, we directly help local nonprofits that impact our community through education and youth [programs]. I serve on the boards of several of these organizations, and I [like] to get my children involved, too!

How do you find balance?

I think it is virtually impossible to have a perfectly balanced work-life schedule. I feel blessed to have such an incredible support system with an extremely supportive husband, mother, father, in-laws, and friends who all help me. If it weren’t for them, there would be no way that I could work and be a mom of five children under 10 years old!

For more information on emerge Americas, visit emergeamericas.com.

PHILANTHROPY PHILOSOPHY: It all goes back to the way my parents raised my brother and me; no matter how little or how much you have, it is important to give back whatever you can.