40 Under 40: Italia Jimenez

It’s hard to pinpoint everything that she does.

It’s part front office and business; it’s part advertising; and it’s part circulation. And those are just a few of the roles that Italia Jimenez, office facilitator for Hagadone Media Group, skillfully juggles each day.

Some might find the always-changing challenges daunting, but Jimenez said both her education and background help her not only manage the tasks but enjoy doing so.

Jimenez has worked as a receptionist and in the restaurant industry, both serving customers and working behind the scenes in support roles, eventually becoming a restaurant manager. Those experiences taught her how to stay organized, manage people and operations, solve problems on the fly, and communicate effectively.

The result is not only a strong foundation in customer service but also an ability to juggle the diverse — and sometimes everything-needed-at-the-same-time — demands of her role. She loves the challenge and likes that each day is different, bringing its own set of tasks and problems to solve.

“It’s never the same day to day,” she said. “I like that it’s always different but, at the same time, I’m able to help not only the people around me but our customers and the community.”

To gain a better understanding of the business side, Jimenez pursued an associate degree in accounting. She said it taught her discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of organizational structure.

“I do a little bit of everything: I help with advertising, I help with circulation, I help customers with anything they need. I help with a lot of little things,” she said. “Having an accounting background helps me understand how all those pieces work — and how they have to work together — to make the end result possible.”

Together, those experiences allow her to support co-workers, keep the office running smoothly, and contribute to a productive and positive workplace, she said.

“Over time, those experiences naturally led me into my current role in office facilitation,” Jimenez said.

She is inspired by the leaders above her, saying their mentorship and guidance give her something to strive for. She hopes to pursue management opportunities, helping others grow professionally and become the best versions of themselves — much like her mentors have done for her.

“I want to help and support others by creating a productive and encouraging environment,” she said. “If I can make a positive difference in someone’s life, I would love that.”

Outside of her professional life, Jimenez said her greatest motivation comes from her husband and children. They inspire her daily to keep pushing forward and to be the best version of herself. Their love and support remind her why she works so hard and encourage her to keep growing, both personally and professionally.

It’s also the message she would share with her younger self.

She would tell herself not to be so hard on herself, to invest in learning and personal growth, and to believe she can accomplish anything.

“Life and work may present challenges, and the climb might be bumpy, but every experience teaches you something valuable,” she said. “I’ve learned that patience, perseverance and self-belief are just as important as hard work, and embracing mistakes as lessons makes the journey worthwhile. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to trust the process and enjoy the growth along the way.”