Name and how long you have been in the industry
Teresa Mendoza co-owner and Business Director of Level One Imaging Solutions and board member of CMIA Los Angeles. I have been a part of the HTM industry since 2003.
Short background bio – How did you get into the industry? Anything that drew you in?
In early 2003 I was a guest teacher for Resource Specialists and K-8 teachers when my husband decided to leave his OEM imaging field service job and go independent. (It was inevitable because he has high standards and is very opinionated. He really needed to be his own boss.)
I handled the business end of the enterprise so he could focus on the service end. After a year of working both jobs, I put my career on hold to run the business. I worked from home and this allowed me the flexibility to be available for my kids, their various activities, and all the volunteering that goes with them.
What roadblocks did you have to overcome?
In the beginning I felt like the business was his thing and I was just helping out. I thought that someday I would go back to doing my own thing, especially because when he would have a very bad work day he would tell me he was done with it all. At the end of 2015 I began work on my MBA in management with the hopes of promoting my assistant and leaving to manage a not-for-profit business.
In early 2017 when I finished my MBA, and my husband had closed a side business, we decided we both wanted to be all in. I realized that if I used my talents and gave back to my work community, I could have the career I was looking for.
The last two years I have especially felt like a part of the community after participating in trade shows and my local HTM association (CMIA). I have met so many great people that make me want to come to work each day.
What do you feel makes a great leader in this industry?
This industry is not perfect. It is predominately male and at times women, even those in executive positions, are underestimated or belittled. It requires strength and courage to take up space and be heard. A great leader is someone who guides, motivates, and genuinely cares about others on their team.
I feel that motivation is especially important in this industry because we need to be reminded why we do this on hard days.
What advice to you have for the other women in HTM?
Ask for honest feedback, have the guts to listen without interrupting, then do something about it. Own your mistakes. Look for ways to improve.
If you feel insecure about your skills, education, or accomplishments, take action. Find a free class or volunteer to gain knowledge and confidence.
Dream big and find role models who have done what you want to do. Most importantly ask for what you want!
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