Meet Trailblazer Caylin Jimenez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caylin Jimenez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Caylin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My dream was always to become an actress. I graduated from New World School of the Arts for Musical Theatre and then went on to study Acting at the University of Central Florida. After my Freshman year, confusion and doubt set in. I decided to come back home to Miami, enroll at Florida International University, change my major to communications, and work doing commercials/film/TV. In this time, I realized that I did not just want to do one thing with my life. I wanted to have a multidimensional career that would constantly grow and evolve. Going into my last semester of college, I worked as a PR intern at a top-ranked PR firm and later, after graduating and finishing my certificate in Global Media, I even acquired a full-time position as an Assistant Account Executive (my accounts varied from hospitality to a law firm and a gas station). My time at the agency sparked an interest in me to pursue a master’s in business. I knew once I graduated that I was not done, not in the slightest. While I was working on my certificate (the semester after I finished my degree), I worked at a boutique agency (where I currently work) handling PR for The World Stem Cell Summit, The Regenerative Medicine Foundation, Phacilitate, Phaciliate Leaders World, FIU’s CARTA, etc. – basically, my focus switched to healthcare and nonprofits. I fell in love with the idea of helping others and making a difference. I knew that no matter what I do in life, I would strive to always give back.

Coincidentally (considering all my work with stem cells, regenerative medicine, and healthcare, in general), months after landing a spectacular full-time job, my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was faced with the difficult decision of staying at my job or leaving it to care for my Mother. I opted to resign and do what I can for my family. I worked remotely for the agency where I handled healthcare and nonprofit accounts while I studied to take my GMAT/GRE and supported my Mom every step of the way. Currently, I have been accepted into grad school (starting in fall), I actively write on my blog (posts consist of tips, reviews, recipes, etc.) and post videos on my channel on YouTube (ranging from cooking to travel to beauty), and my Mom is cancer-free and done with treatment. My journey has taught me that timelines are detrimental, you are never given more than you can handle, family is everything, and that I can do anything I set my mind to.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been the smoothest road but it can always be worse. We are never given more than we can handle. Personally, I have found success in creatively and positively spinning my hardships into news projects and endeavors. For example, my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last May. I used her journey as a means of educating others by sharing tips and advice on my blog and YouTube channel.

The best advice I can give young women is to put an end to these ridiculous timelines. I used to be a timeline person and at the end of the day, it caused me so much pain. Once I let go of the notion that I HAVE to be at this place in my life by this age, I was happier. Also, at this day and age, anything is possible. We do not have to be this one thing forever. I get so much joy thinking about all the things I can do with my life and others should be the same. It truly never is too late. All of the women I idolize have had various careers.

Some people fear to work in an office environment forever, I fear to stay stagnant and not evolving. I plan on following my passions and then when there is no more love, I move on. I wrote a blog post on latching on and letting go a while back and it is still a relevant theme in my life and I think in everyone’s life. I, of course, want to be successful and make money but I do not want to do something I do not love. It is so important to know when to walk away and when to stay and that applies to everything from relationships to professions.

I have been told that I should be a life coach but honestly, I am just saying the truth. When my friends need uplifting, I tell them that hard work always pays off. No, we do not always get what we want – that being said, sometimes what we want is not what is best for us. I have had plenty of doors closed in my face but that never stopped me. The entertainment industry is rough and my time working in it has made me so much stronger. I do not act as much anymore but that is because my focus has switched to writing my own content (ultimately, I would love to have my own production company where I put out films and projects that uplift women). My dream of being an actress is not buried but if it does not happen, it is okay. I have found that my life will have the meaning as long as I continue to pursue my passions.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I currently work as a publicist (Account Executive at a PR agency). I do a lot of work in the healthcare and nonprofit fields. In January I worked the World Stem Cell Summit and Phacilitate Leaders World for the second time; it was an incredible experience. We garnered an immense amount of media coverage for the event, held here in Miami, that brought together the greatest minds in regenerative medicine from all over the world. I coordinated a really great piece that aired on Univision recently; it featured the 2019 WSCS & PLW. My current projects involve multiple releases for Dr. Robin L. Smith, internationally renowned doctor, business leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and global thought leader in regenerative medicine, and FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts’ (CARTA) partnership with Lee Caplin’s iSTAR Enterprises to create the Immersive Studios for Altered Reality (iSTAR).

I specialize in professional writing (press releases, media advisories, pitches, etc.), media outreach, and communications. I am known for my handwork, dedication, organization skills, and the fact that I am quick to learn. I knew nothing about regenerative medicine and stem cells prior to my position but I was able to pick it up quickly and run with it.

What sets me apart from others are my versatile work experiences and skill set. I like to say that I am not the best at anything but good at many things. I work really hard at everything I do because it is who I am and well because I am not the most brilliant. I would rather work hard than to be the smartest person, though. Intelligence is not much without dedication and perseverance.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think that things have changed for the better with the Time’s Up movement but there is still a way to go. I am glad that it is being talked about and dealt with – although, I do think this is something that will take time.

That being said, we are at times our own worst enemy or biggest barrier. As a woman, I have questioned myself constantly and stopped myself out of fear. I have been trying to make more of an effort to stop apologizing so much. Women tend to apologize for simply wanting more and at times even for existing. What I am trying to say is that apologizing is not always necessary – lead and do not apologize for standing your ground and caring. Oh gosh, I lost count of how many times my caring has been used as an insult. Caring is not a weakness or a barrier. It is, in fact, a positive – caring means you want.

I think family is also at times used as a barrier when it is not. I do think you can have it all – a family and a career. Men do it and so can women.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://caylinjimenez.com
• Email: caylinjimenez@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caylinjimenez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaylinVJimenez/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Caylin_Vivian
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/CallMeCaylin

Image Credit:
The picture of me in red shirt (commercial headshot) was taken by Bob Lasky

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.