We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Arce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My career has been in the staffing industry for over 17 years. I manage our Miami operations for contract and contract-to-hire roles in the administrative and accounting field for Fortune 500 company Robert Half. I also volunteer with TheLatinaPro ®, a movement that helps the latina community grow professionally and personally through the power of networking. Currently, I hold the position of Vice President. However, it was tapping into my personal experiences of growing up as a Puerto Rican in the United States that made me decide to write a children’s book on such an important topic as diversity and self-acceptance. It’s crucial to engage in activities that bring you joy.

Some of my friends ask, ‘How can you volunteer when you’re a full-time mom of a 4-year-old and you work for a busy company?’ It’s true; life can be nonstop, but I’ve found a way to manage my time. My community work helps me create contacts, build friendships, and it simply feels good to promote social awareness.

As a professional, a mom to a toddler, and someone actively involved in social awareness, achieving balance comes in different forms. Perhaps the typical 9-5 schedule doesn’t work for me. I strive to be fully present in the task at hand, and I enjoy organizing my agenda. I understand that sometimes I may need to log in to finish an extra task at the end of the day

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have been with Robert Half since 2017, serving the Miami Dade area and working closely with companies to meet their staffing needs. I believe what sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to the business and my genuine care for providing the best options to my clients. I also have a strong commitment to giving back to my community.

When I made the decision to publish my book, ‘Kissed by the Sun,’ which explores themes of family, acceptance, diversity, and the uniqueness of growing up Puerto Rican, it was driven by my desire to provide families with a tool to discuss their Hispanic backgrounds with their children. The book celebrates and embraces diversity within a family.

When you are passionate about something that truly matters to you, it never feels like work. I grew up with my father emphasizing the importance of working hard, even harder than others, and planting seeds that will eventually bear the fruits of your labor. I have found this to be true in my own experiences, and I am grateful for the incredible journey I have had.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has been my home for 20 years, and I always express gratitude for the opportunity to travel but love living in Miami. This vibrant city offers a plethora of activities, from discovering charming little restaurants that constantly pop up to interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

If I wanted to show my best friend the best time ever, here are some of my favorite things to do:

Start with a relaxing spa day at The Standard hotel, known for its beautiful artsy atmosphere.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Fiorito, a traditional Argentinian restaurant with amazing food and a charming vibe.
For pizza lovers, I highly recommend Tomato and Basil in North Miami.
Savor a cup of coffee at Tinta & Café in Miami Shores, a fantastic coffee shop.
Treat ourselves to a little dessert at Below Zero, where they serve homemade ice cream.
Explore the numerous kid-friendly options such as the Frost Museum, Children’s Museum, and Legion Park.
Take a leisurely stroll around the Design District, appreciating the unique shops and creative ambiance.

There are simply too many wonderful places to choose from in Miami! Each visit offers a chance to create a perfect day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Even before the term ‘mentors’ was commonly used, I consider myself fortunate to have encountered individuals who not only mentored me but also sponsored me, advocating for me when opportunities arose. Recently, I received news of the passing of a beloved high school teacher, which prompted me to reflect on the role of mentors in my life.

When I was 15 years old, I participated in a school dance competition called ‘Juventud Vibra’ in Puerto Rico. My parents were facing financial difficulties at the time, and it was this teacher who generously paid the $50 required for my costume, allowing me to participate. Additionally, when I was the valedictorian, Mrs. Rivera helped me with my speech and public speaking skills. She consistently acknowledged me by saying my name in a room, making a profound impact on the life of a young Puerto Rican girl. It was through experiences like these that I came to understand the value of having a mentor or sponsor.

Currently, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Ashley Orfin as my boss. With 22 years of experience in the staffing industry, she has supported me in all aspects of my life and encourages me to continue exploring new opportunities.

Website: www.kissedbythesun.org

Instagram: @kissedbythesun_book

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brendaenise

Other: @thelatinapro @roberthalf

Image Credits
@msp_branding @amandaronphotography

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