The Women Of AngelHack: Mae Ortiz
Project WoAH (Women of AngelHack). It’s a movement. One led by the amazing Women of AngelHack, who have stories to share. And share we will! Check out the intro below, and tune in LIVE on December 17th (5pm PST) to check out and ask questions during our WoAH Livestream.
Name: Mae Ortiz
Role: Internal Operations Manager
Been With AngelHack: 3+ Years
Works Out Of: Las Vegas, Nevada.
What do you do at AngelHack?
I wear many hats at AngelHack, but I mainly handle all day-to-day administrative, finance and HR duties.
Can you tell us about your toughest day on the job?
I’ve never been able to “leave work at the door” so the toughest days on the job for me is when I’m completely overloaded and just don’t have enough time in a day – it’s days like that where I start to feel the pressures of working for a startup. It’s also one of my favorite parts about startup life too though, there’s always something to get done and I love getting things done!
AngelHack is a global company, requiring frequent travel. You must have had some memorable experiences. Give us one!
I'm a behind the scenes person around here so I don't have any interesting travel stories, or many interesting tales to tell... the most interesting experience I've had while working at AngelHack is probably working here for more than a year before actually meeting anyone on the team in person.
Has there ever been a time you felt discriminated against as a woman? Explain.
Any time I play on Xbox live. I’ve been an avid gamer for almost 10 years and have heard all the obscenities - I guess some guys are just not used to getting their butts kicked at Halo by a girl?
What challenges have you faced because of being a female at a hackathon or in business?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced being a woman in business was the initial transition from working woman to working mom. Instinctively I felt like I *needed* to do everything and be with my daughter all the time, but soon after returning from maternity leave, I realized that dads can be great moms too!
What about the startup culture do you like?
The hustle and being a part of (even if it's a small part) building something from the bottom and watching it grow. I also love that it’s a constant learning experience.
What about the startup culture do you dislike?
The burnout that eventually hits after the intense sprints. Luckily here at AngelHack, our leadership team is great and completely understanding when any of us needs to wind down.
How does it feel that 80% of your community is male based?
It makes me extremely proud of our team!
Personal Life:
I was born and raised in Chicago, now based in Las Vegas. I'm a wife and a mommy to my beautiful daughter, Sophia, and my Chihuahua disguised as a Pitbull, Bailey. When I'm not working or spending time with my family, I enjoy good books, photography, music, attempting to cook (keyword is attempting) and video games.
What do you love about working for AngelHack?
I love AngelHack's vision and reason for being. I also love working alongside such talented and brilliant people!
What’s your spirit animal?
Elephant - an elephant never forgets!
What’s one word you would use to describe yourself?
Meticulous.
What’s your favorite thing in the world?
My absolute most favorite thing in the world at this point in time is waking up each day and running to my daughter's bedroom to see her!
Biggest fear?
Bugs! But for a more serious answer... my biggest fear is letting my daughter down in any way.
What’s your definition of success?
My definition of success is happiness - being completely happy with who you are, what you do and how you are living your life. I truly believe peace of mind is more valuable than all the money, power and fame in the world.
The stage is set, December 17th at 5PM PST. Submit your questions ahead of time using #ProjectWoAH or through the YouTube LIVE chat on December 17th. Mark your calendars, and make sure you tune into the livestream!
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