Anna Azcona: Being A Go-Getter, Growing Up in Jersey And Navigating Work

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

One word to describe myself would be a go-getter. Everything I want I go after it and so far my optimistic mindset has gotten me far.

Name 3 things you love

• My family

• Myself

• God

Who/ what drives you?

My Parents drive me to continue succeeding in life, they are the reason I work hard every day.

What is your passion?

My passion is to inform people and interact with them. I enjoy being able to discuss current issues and hearing people’s thoughts.

When did you realize it was something you loved to do?

When I first realized I wanted to be involved with television/ media was in high school. I was always involved in clubs, school plays, and concerts held at my school. It was really fun for me to be able to put something together creatively. Growing up I was always known as a “chatterbox” and I even won most talkative in high school lol. I believe my personally really fits my career choice and I just can’t picture myself doing anything else.

What do you do to better your skills?

I really enjoy constructive criticism. I like to ask some of my most experienced and trusted colleagues for their feedback because I feel it helps me realize where I need work in. Another thing I do is review my own work several times and critic myself. Most of the time I am very hard on myself but it has helped me improve my skills over time.

Who do you look up to in your line of work?

There isn’t one specific person I look up to in my line of work. Many talented and successful people surround me in my industry. Therefore, I look up to many of them for different qualities. 

How do you deal with self-doubt?

I continue to remind myself why I am doing what I do. I also try to always realize how far I have come in my career and I tell myself there is no turning back. I believe if you stay optimistic and turn any negative situation into a positive one, it helps to stay on track.

What or who inspires you?

My mother.  My mother’s journey to the states is what gives me hope and strength to know that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. She migrated to the United States without knowing any English in search of the American dream. It was a difficult decision to make because she had to leave my older siblings and my father back in the Dominican Republic. After being in the states for a couple of weeks, she found out she was pregnant with me and she was extremely worried because she now was an illegal immigrant, who didn’t know English, had no money or job. My mother wanted to turn back to the island but my aunt wouldn’t let her. My mother kept strong and gave us a life I wouldn’t trade for any other. I just couldn’t imagine going through such a hard situation like the one she experienced so what is the reason she is my inspiration/ role model.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy listening to music, doing outdoor activities, the beach, dancing, and spending time with loved one.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in New Brunswick, NJ.

How did your environment influence your ability to express yourself as a creative?

New Brunswick was a low-income community when I was growing up; it’s a little urban city in New Jersey with the majority of the population being African Americans and Hispanics. Growing up I was around crime, drugs, teen pregnancies, and poverty. I always knew I wanted to be a better person and have a better life. My parents worked very hard to give us the best life and education they could afford. I knew I needed to repay them by making them proud and letting them know that because of their hard work, I am who I am today. I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life working in retail, bodegas, or restaurants. It was really hard not to follow the crowd with so many distractions but I always kept reminding myself, this wasn’t the life I wanted to live and that someday I would like to give my parents a better life. I definitely feel that the environment I grew up in plays a major role in my life to be able to express myself as a creative because I have so much passion in everything I do since it hasn’t been an easy journey.

How do you feel about society teaching women to constantly compete one another?

I think women should not go against one another if anything we should come together and empower one another. There are so many rights women are still fighting today. Instead of competing against one another, we should just fight for equality.

When do you think female competition can be considered healthy and motivational?

To begin with, I believe the only person you should be competing with is yourself. I always aspire to be the best of the best in my field and yes there will always be people I need to compete within a job to get a promotion or a specific role others are also trying to get but I think that the main person you should focus on is yourself and the rest happens naturally. If you want a certain role or job many other women are competing for, I think the healthiest way to compete against one another is by reminding yourself that you are your main focus and at the same time it's important to supporting those who are competing with you to avoid any negativity and envy.

Have you ever experienced cattiness from other women in your field?

All the time! I work in a very competitive field and women are constantly trying to step over each other to reach the next level of success. Some women refuse to offer their help because they are afraid you will be more successful than them.

Did that change your overall view on collaborating with other females?

It doesn’t change my view on collaborating with other women because I just look at those who are envious as weak individuals. I try my very best to surround myself with women who will support me and help me grow.

What do you think we can do as women to begin changing the narrative?

Support one another, appreciate each other's talents, and by never trying to compare ourselves with another woman. We were all made differently for a purpose.

If there were one message you could tell the world, what would it be?

Love yourself, be yourself, empower yourself, and trust yourself because if you are confident in yourself there is no reason you will feel the need to feel like you are in a competition with someone else.

What is the best way for people to see your work?

I can be reached via email and Youtube.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Cat Lantigua's positions