Meet Gloria Navarro | Purchasing Agent

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

Hi Gloria, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Sunshine, sand, an ocean breeze… all the blessed elements you may think of when hearing the location of San Diego, California. It’s where my mother had to decided to grow her independence after finding out she was pregnant with twins at the tender age of seventeen. Being a Philippine immigrant; she had the California American dream of working in a sunshine filled neighborhood with a small cozy house and a grass front yard to enjoy with her future kids. Whether it took working three jobs, no sleep, a missing father figure, my mother dedicated her time and efforts to meeting her dream. It didn’t take me long as a child to realize most odds were against her. This pushed me to over excel in my studies, use extra circular activities to build up new skills and most importantly find any additional streams of income or decrease my living expenses. As crazy as it may sound, I can remember my five year old self having the awareness to order from the value menus. My mother never once flat out mentioned being tight on our expenses, rather she made everything a game. Who can save mommy money today? Who can be the most resourceful? Coming in full circle…. Who can pull the strings to make their dream come true?

My dream was always in fashion, I used my clothing to hide any indications of any struggles. If I’m “best dressed” no one will really question my family’s stability. Who can save mommy money today? Discount stores it is! Who can be most resourceful? Finds hole in jeans… just cut a few more holes else where and sew in a bandana for a streetwear look. Done! Who can pull the strings to make their dreams to come true? Just like my mother; I worked hours to put myself through college to be the first graduate of my family of four.

With a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing and Management, I ironically landed in the Construction Industry. My background of problem solving, resourcefulness and the love of math has actually made me excel as Purchasing Agent in the company i work for. During the week, I am purchasing woodwork, specialties to metal scope for projects around San Diego. During weekends, I am blessed enough to purchase musical experiences, fashionable memories and most importantly family time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The jump from Fashion to Construction has been one challenging ride.

Learning a whole new world of materials, to strategies, and working in a male dominated environment were the complete opposite of my roots. But mama didn’t raise no punk, so having a single mother move through this world with a contagious smile, bold personality and fight for what she wanted… i did not shy away from.

No one cared about my new trendy office attire, no one cared about the pop culture that happened in last night tweet wars, no one cared about Pantone color of the year. What my company cared about is what your work ethic brings to the team and meeting our customer’s goals they hired us for. All my fashion industry strengths quickly became my weaknesses. I had to spend long hours reading up on construction management, analyzing architectural plans and specs, understanding constructability and codes. Many nights of tears and uncertainty of belonging was upon me. It wasn’t until i realized my value in this industry that motivated me to push to continuing success. Being a Hispanic woman with a fashion degree with no construction background has the ability to buyout hospitality/ educational/ custom woodwork scope within her city sounds pretty cool to me.

I realized I can bring fresh new energy and perspective to each project given. I define the odds in this male dominated industry and train myself to hold a room when it’s one vs five experienced men. I accept my failures and use them as lesson to apply to prevent any future problems.

It’s definitely a on going journey of building my confidence, but very excited to see what the future holds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If it’s baseball season, definitely a padres game! A day at Petco park is like no other! Park at the Horton Plaza Mall to enjoy the 15 minute walk through the gaslamp. Pregame at Las Hadas for one of the best Carne Asada Fries you’ll get to enjoy. Walk over to barleymash for drinks and loud music.

Then head to the first cart you see within the stadium and order a Michelada using the Mango Cart beers!

If baseball not your thing,
Pacific Beach can do you no wrong! Fashion, Food and beach amenities at every street.

Tower 23 is one of my favorite spots to people watch and enjoy yummy sushi.

Eggies right by the boardwalk for French toast in a jar so you can walk the beach with a mess free breakfast. Or Mad Beets which is also full of acai bowls, wraps that are beach walk friendly!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All glory to God. I always knew there was a higher power and no matter what circumstances i was under i knew the Lord will get me through.

Prayer, the commitment to Good and Love, and never forgetting the need of others is what brought me to my success.

Truly what goes around, comes around. This lesson took me the longest to learn. Once i became more obedient to the word, nothing but blessings have come my way. Even if unfortunate events that may come my way, i welcome it. I understand it’s for a reason, a lesson or part of my growth journey.

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