WOMAN TO WATCH

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

catheran QUINTERO

on FINDING MY NICHE: I grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and attended Concordia University; I now live and work in Mooresville. In June, I started as a student in FeedNC’s Warehouse/Grocery Job Training Program. I saw a way to marry my goals of getting my forklift certification and working in an industry that is in high demand. I found a warehouse modernization position, so I know that there are positions available to use my skills in project management and as a Scrum Master (the head of a team that produces, develops, and strategizes within an organization—basically a human resource professional).

on WHAT INSPIRES ME: My grandparents were a big influence in my life and raised me with good Southern values. They taught me the importance of hard work and loving what you do. Currently, FeedNC has used its Platinum Partnership with a local Harris Teeter store to solidify a part-time position for me until I finish my training. The thing I love the most about this position is that it helps me give back to my community by mirroring the mission of FeedNC, and it contributes to what I am learning in the classroom.

on SELF-RELIANCE & RESILIENCY: I have had many challenges and losses in my life, but I always try to pray through any and all of those moments that life inevitably presents …at the end of the day, those losses have led me to great things. Obtaining my master’s degree (Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction & Educational Leadership) and then moving to North Carolina were life-altering experiences that taught me a lot. In accomplishing all of this on my own, I learned that I am much more resilient than I thought.

on THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE: My favorite hobbies are reading, listening to music, and being creative. I have started a voiceover business called Luminous VO and am hoping to book something within the next year. I love all of the performing arts and participate in many. I also spend a lot of time at Lake Norman State Park or at the boat docks because I love the water and nature in general. I have traveled to California, Las Vegas, Spain, and up and down the East Coast. Until recently, my most memorable trip was to Spain because it was my first time out of the country; however, I recently went to Cherokee County which was very special since I am Native American … it was an honor to go to the reservation and take in all the culture that I embrace.

on BEING THE CHANGE: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi. That quote has always resonated with me. I have lived a life of service from a very young age and the Southern values I was raised with help me move forward—treating others not only as I would like to be treated, but how they would like to be treated. w

Catheran Quintero is a student in FeedNC’s Warehouse/Grocery Workforce Development Program and employed at Harris Teeter through FeedNC’s Platinum Partnership. Catheran is not only the first female student to enroll in FeedNC’s Warehouse Workforce Development Program, but she is also the first student in the pilot program to gain employment.