Alumni Spotlight Danielle Silva
Danielle Silva graduated from the Anderson School of Management in 2012 with her BBA with a concentration in Marketing. Danielle currently is the Community Engagement Specialist at U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union where she has worked since 2014. She also is the Social Committee Chair of the Young Professionals of Albuquerque and a Member of Governing Council for Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School.
The Anderson Alumni Spotlight gives an in-depth look into the lives of our graduates after they leave school through a series of set questions. Here is more about Danielle Silva.
What three words best describe you?
Industrious. Meticulous. Competitive.
The best professional advice I ever received:
One piece of professional advice that I constantly remember is to challenge myself. It sounds somewhat cliche, but it's solid advice. If you are constantly challenging yourself then you are trying to find better means to accomplishing a goal. This could mean asking questions during a meeting, proposing a solution or alternative at work, or pushing yourself to be more efficient. This advice is applicable to all areas of life. If you aren't challenging yourself, how will you improve?
My proudest community service achievement:
My greatest community-related achievement is my commitment to Quality New Mexico and their mission to make New Mexico the State of Excellence. Over the past three years, I have provided more than 300 volunteer hours to this process that helps businesses, schools, and non-profits throughout New Mexico.
My guiding philosophy:
Work hard, be kind, and do well.
What did you learn at Anderson that prepared you for professional success?
The education I received at Anderson was invaluable. My marketing classes were exceptional and the general support I received from the Anderson staff helped me immensely. My professors were more than willing to help me when I was having difficulty understanding a concept, advisors provided support and opportunity while in school as well as post-graduation, and I realized group projects aren't the absolute worst. Learning to work with a team is important because in the real world, it is required.
My typical day:
I wake up around 4:15am, head to the gym, and, just so everyone knows, the trick to waking up early is to not think about it and just do it. I am a huge fan of sleeping, and managing to not turn my alarm off in my sleep has been a major feat. After the gym, I go home and get ready for work, somehow manage to spill coffee on myself at least two times, and start my morning commute. I work until 5:30pm, and the work day usually consists of meetings, calls, scheduling, organizing, etc. I love working at U.S. Eagle, so the day seems to fly. Typically after work, I have an evening meeting for an organization where I volunteer. Once this ends, I head home, cook dinner, and watch Friends.
My advice for the next generation of business leaders:
Be involved.
These two words can apply to various situations. Be involved in a meeting, involve yourself in volunteer opportunities, ask questions when you are having a conversation at a networking event, and stay up-to-date on current events. I have found that the more involved you are the more opportunities will come your way. Opportunity allows for challenge and challenge promotes growth and innovation.
