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Featured WBE Interview
Victoria Villalba,

Victoria & Associates Career Services, Inc.

Tell us a little bit about Victoria & Associates Career Services.
Victoria & Associates Career Services, Inc. is a full service staffing company. Our goal is to establish long term, collaborative relationships with our clients as well as our employees. So we become part of your team, investing your human resources enterprise with our fifteen years’ experience in the personnel services industry. Victoria & Associates’ comprehensive services available:

What made you go into this business?
I majored in Human Resources in college ( in 1986 this major was referred to as Personnel Management) I had worked as a temp at Eastern Airlines and was offered to return to Eastern after graduating from college. Eastern went out of business so I was faced with looking for a new position and found an ad for a staffing company.  I applied and was hired as a recruiter.  I really enjoyed the industry and went to work for a national staffing company that ended up selling so I then decided to approach one of my loyal clients Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.  They allowed me to open my business as an on site staffing company at Royal in the HR department.  The rest is history.  This was 15 years ago.

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you've faced or had to overcome?
I have had a few personal health scares... brain tumor, heart surgery, loss of my Mom.  Loss of a major account, lesson learned is not to have all of your eggs in one basket!

What has been your biggest triumph?
The loss of that major account has taught me persistence and perseverance.  When you are passionate about a customer you never let go, you persevere until you succeed.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Surround yourself with people brighter than yourself! I keep the company of positive people with positive energy. Live life each day to its fullest.

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?
My Mom.  She always encouraged me to become an entrepreneur.  She never doubted that I would be successful. I miss her very much.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?
The Bible.  I highly recommend it!  Good to Great by Jim Collins or The World is Flat which I am currently reading.

What is your favorite quote?
Perseverance:  Tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven character; and proven character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?
I continue to work on my personal and professional life balance! To exercise more! As a business, I want to be known as the best in our industry.

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?
Professional development. The local affiliate and Nancy Allen have always been partners in my business. I know that I can always count on them 24/7.

What do you want to be remembered for?
Giving God the Glory! I also have a beautiful daughter attending Florida State and I want to be remembered for bringing her into this world! She is beautiful inside and out! I believe I was born to have her!

How does someone get in contact with you at Victoria & Associates Career Services?
You can reach me at my office 305-477-2233 or by email at Victoria@victoriaassociates.com