1. You’ve recently become a U.S. Citizen. What did it feel like to accomplish such a feat? Why did you want to become a Citizen?
When I migrated from Brazil to the United States, I never thought it would mean so much to me to become a U.S. Citizen. But after so many years as a permanent resident, it felt like I finally belonged. Being able to vote and having a passport make the whole experience of moving to an unknown country worth it.
2. What kind of work have you done before joining us at the M Network? Are you new to this kind of agency?
During college I had all different types of jobs, such as a Teller at a major bank, a hostess at restaurants, and a teaching assistant for college classes. After graduating, I worked for a major research and advisory firm on the client services side. So yes, I am new to the marketing and agency world but very excited to have this opportunity.
3. Expand on your journey learning English. What was it like? What were the challenges? How many languages do you speak?
When you grow up in a country where English isn’t the first language, it is almost a requirement to learn it to be successful. Another key thing is that a lot of the TV shows and music that I watched and listened to growing up were in English. So, when I turned 13, I officially started taking classes in order to learn the language properly. After 3 and half years, at 16, I believe I was about 50% fluent. Then, once I moved to the United States, I was able to improve it to where I believe I am 95% fluent. I speak three languages: Portuguese (mother tongue), English, and Spanish.
4. It’s your second week at the M network. What do you like about working at the M Network? What’s surprised you so far?
Yes, it is my second week, and I am so grateful for it. Working at the M Network, even for only a few days, I have to say my favorite thing so far are the people I am working with. Everyone is so knowledgeable and so willing to teach and share knowledge. For this reason, my biggest surprise has to be how open the team is for feedback. Even though they have been in the industry for decades, they are still willing to listen to someone brand new like me.
5. After a long work week, where could we find you on a Saturday evening and a Sunday afternoon?
Weekends for me equal trying new food or going back to eat at my favorite spots. I just recently moved to Miami, so it has been an amazing chance to explore all the amazing food this city has to offer. I also love to go on hot yoga classes on Saturday mornings, starting the day with a relaxing yoga session.
5. Favorite sports team?
Growing up in Brazil, I was huge on soccer teams. Since moving to the United States, the only sport I follow is from my alma mater, the University of Florida – so I have to say the Florida Gators football team is my favorite.
6. What’s your dream vacation destination?
I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in the most recent years and visit my dream destination, which was Rome. So, I guess I would love to explore Italy more – my great-great-grandmother is Italian, so I guess I always felt close to the culture plus it’s my favorite type of food.
7. What is the most effective way for companies to target their marketing efforts towards you?
I hate to admit it, but influencers play a big role in what I have been buying lately. While I do my own research, I have seen that I take certain products into consideration more if there is an influencer that I like that approves or supports said product. I also think that through paid advertisements, while I don’t pay attention to all of them, I would affirm that 35% sparks my interest.
8. What is something about you I wouldn’t know to ask about?
I think one thing that surprises most people that meet me for the first time is the fact that I have tattoos. That’s definitely something that you wouldn’t know to ask about!
9. Is there anything else you want to add?
I never knew that working for an agency could be so fun, coming from a big Fortune 500 company, this has been a breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to see what’s to come!