BCIC Staff Spotlight: Lizeth Villarreal, Senior Operations Specialist
Meet Lizeth Villarreal
Our senior operations specialist is one of BCIC's longest-standing team members. Since 2018, Lizeth has been putting her finance and accounting expertise to work, helping keep our financial processes running smoothly. But there's more to Lizeth than spreadsheets and budgets. From exploring life coaching to hosting a podcast and singing, she's got quite a range of interests. Let's get to know the person behind the numbers.
Q: You've had a diverse career path in finance and operations. What drew you to this field initially?
A: I was looking for a position in an organization that helps the community while allowing me to continue practicing my career as a Public Accountant through finance and operations activities.
Q: Your financial background is clearly valuable to BCIC. Can you walk us through your role at BCIC and how your expertise contributes to the organization's mission of improving Brownsville?
A: I've been working in the Accounting/Finance area since 2006. Throughout this time, I have acquired experience and skills that I've been able to implement in my role at BCIC. I've improved payment processes, which helps the community receive their grants in a timely manner. I also create reports with clear and key information to make them understandable and accessible.
Q: Tell us about your podcast experience. What inspired you to start it, and what was the focus?
A: During the pandemic, when we were isolated, I was looking for a way to motivate people. I decided to get certified as a life coach and started a podcast to discuss different topics that would be helpful for people. I also shared affirmations and ideas for a positive lifestyle.
Q: Striving for a positive and meaningful lifestyle involves various factors that often intersect in both your professional and personal life. Which professional skill unexpectedly proved beneficial in your personal life?
A: Being organized and analytical are skills that have definitely helped in my personal life, from my daily routine to planning travels and managing my expenses accurately.
Q: If you weren't in your current career, what alternative path could you see yourself pursuing?
A: Nutritionist is a career that is still on my mind.
Q: BCIC has a multifaceted mission to support Brownsville's growth. What aspect of BCIC's mission resonates most strongly with you personally, and why?
A: The purpose of helping entrepreneurs and small businesses resonates strongly with me. It's about inspiring them to believe in and work on their projects to foster growth.
Q: We know you have a passion for both finance and music. How do you think your dual passions have influenced your work at BCIC?
A: In Brownsville, we have a lot of cultural diversity. Something that unites people, regardless of race, gender, or origin, is music. At BCIC, we believe in uniting the community by helping them through our programs and workshops to start new businesses.
Lizeth's journey at BCIC is all about growth—both for herself and the community she serves. She's got a knack for making numbers work, but it's clear her real passion lies in helping local entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve their dreams.
When she's not crunching numbers, Lizeth's got quite the creative streak. From dipping her toes into podcasting to exploring life coaching, she's always up for trying something new. And let's not forget her love for music - a passion that she sees as a great unifier in Brownsville's diverse cultural landscape.
Thank you, Lizeth, for your hard work. Your contributions are greatly appreciated at BCIC, and we are confident that your efforts are valued by your social circles as well.
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