The Words of Wisdom (W.O.W.) blog series highlights local Sacramento executives who are making an impact in the Sacramento community so they can share valuable career advice with Metro EDGE young professionals!
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Samantha Hoshida, Program Supervisor for the City of Sacramento and 2024 Leadership Sacramento Program Chair. Read Samantha’s interview below to learn more about her and her advice to young professionals everywhere.
What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career?
Great question! I wish I would have known:
-It is OKAY to set healthy work/life balance boundaries.
-You should ALWAYS ask questions that you want the answer to.
-Don’t be afraid to try new things outside of your comfort zone.
Did/do you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important advice they gave you?
Everyone I meet I consider a mentor. Everyone has something to teach us if you let them and I love meeting new people! The best advice I’ve received is to ALWAYS show up as your authentic self, in every setting. One of my favorite quotes is “Your energy introduces you before you even speak.”
Why do you think it’s important for Sacramentans to honor the heritage, cultural values, and struggles of the AAPI community? What can the region’s young professionals do to support them?
If we don’t talk about the culture, values, and struggles, we can’t support each other. Asking questions to gain knowledge is one thing, but listening to someone be vulnerable about something that matters to them or affects them personally is another. We cannot claim to support each other if others are listening to respond rather than listening to learn. I think the best thing young professionals can do is listen to learn. Let someone feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable or let yourself be vulnerable with others about your heritage and values. The people who support you will show up in ways you did not imagine.
How important is it to be involved in organizations outside of work (church, networking, philanthropy, community-based, alumni, athletics, etc.)? Why?
I think this is SO important. For me, being involved in Leadership Sacramento, Rotary and serving on boards has broadened my skillset, but has also provided me with a new network of like-minded community members, who I would not have met in any other capacity. Being involved in these organizations has also increased my knowledge base on a variety of topics outside of my career.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
This is a challenge for me! Sometimes I feel like I have a great balance and other times I feel like I’m just trying to survive. I think when you are passionate about work and outside commitments it’s hard to have that balance when you’re up against a deadline or when there is a situation you need to handle, however, I feel like I unplug and take full advantage of the weekend and time off. Coming back recharged and ready to go is a great feeling and I love Mondays!
What do you love about Sacramento?
This is home. It’s my favorite big, little city! I love being able to go out and run into people I know, meet new people, and feel like it’s a community everywhere I go. There are so many fun things to do on any night and so many people to still get to know.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40-and-under business professionals in our region?
If you’re on the fence about something, DO IT! Take full advantage of the opportunities in front of you and get to know the people you’re around.
To connect with Samantha, you can reach her on LinkedIn.
