Meet Geovanna Waters | Operational Leader & College Professor

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

Hi Geovanna, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing,” -Louise Hay

“I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing,” carries profound significance for me, especially as an immigrant in this country. I was brought to the USA from Colombia at the age of 6, as my parents sought to build a better life here. However, much of my life was marked by being undocumented, which meant countless closed doors. This journey has shaped my resilience and fostered a deep trust that I am indeed where I am meant to be, doing what I should be doing. Despite the barriers, I refused to let closed doors define me. Instead, I sought out alternative paths, even if they were just small cracks in the walls. Even with being undocumented, I found a way to obtain my doctorate.

I made the most of what I had, and this resilience has led me to where I stand today. Luckily, today I am a US citizen and continue to break down barriers, not just for myself, but for others as well. When I became a citizen, I knew I had even more opportunities. I made a decision to start Law school and now, I am in my last year and looking forward to being an advocate for many combining my psychology and legal background, to help them navigate life’s uncertainties.

I firmly believe that everything unfolded as it was meant to, and I hold no resentment towards the challenges I faced. Instead, I embrace them and am grateful for the lessons they taught me. I am determined to keep moving forward, regardless of what life throws my way, finding contentment in each moment. This phrase serves as a reminder of my journey, my resilience, and the belief that I am exactly where I need to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered challenges, yet I chose to channel my energy into what was achievable, doing the best with the resources at my disposal. I apply that to my personal life and my career. My path to where I am today has been far from easy, but I’ve overcome obstacles by embracing resilience, surrounding myself with a supportive team, and maintaining a relentless focus on positive outcomes. Every challenge I’ve faced has been an opportunity for growth and learning, and I’ve emerged stronger and more determined because of them.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building a strong team and fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to succeed. I’ve always believed in putting forth maximum effort and maintaining a positive outlook, even when circumstances are challenging. Empathy has been a guiding principle in my approach, always seeking win-win solutions that benefit all parties involved. This mindset has not only led to my professional success but has also created deep and meaningful relationships throughout my career.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that success is not measured solely by achievements, but by the resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact. My beliefs are built on the values of integrity, empathy, and collaboration, and I’m proud of the positive influence I’ve had on those around me. My story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and a positive mindset.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This question brings up bittersweet memories for me, as my best friend, who passed away from breast cancer in 2008, and I once dreamed of exploring Colombia together. We had excitedly talked about her meeting my family and experiencing the beauty of my birthplace. Though she’s no longer here, her spirit lives on in my heart, and I carry her memory with me every day.

If my best friend were visiting Colombia with me, I would want to ensure that every moment was filled with the happiness that Colombia brings and unforgettable experiences. Knowing that she is always with me in spirit, even as I continue to explore the world without her physical presence, I might just take this trip in honor of her someday!

Here’s a glimpse of what our week-long trip might look like:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Cali where I was born and spend time meeting my family spread throughout the valley
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a local restaurants, savoring dishes like ajiaco or bandeja paisa.
Visit my childhood home, school and visit my family in the area.

Day 3: Coffee Region
Visit a coffee region and spend the day exploring a coffee finca (farm), learning about the coffee-making process and indulging in freshly brewed Colombian coffee.

Day 4-7: Cartagena
Arrive in the coastal city of Cartagena, known for its historic charm, admiring colorful buildings and lively plazas.
Indulge in fresh seafood which she loved at waterfront restaurants
Spend the days soaking up the sun at one of Cartagena’s beautiful beaches.
Enjoy a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline. She loved a good happy hour!
Bid farewell to Colombia
Reflect on the memories made and the bond shared with my best friend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of the incredible network of support and love that has always been there for me. At the heart of it all, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to my extraordinary parents. Their dedication ensured that my childhood was filled with pure joy. Their sacrifices paved the way for my education, and to go through college without any debt. Their boundless support continues to fuel my ambitions, as they stand by me at every turn, attending my engagements and celebrations with so much pride. As I navigate through law school, their love and encouragement remains, with my parents ensuring that my husband and sons have all the support they need while I focus on my studies. I am humbled by their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to my success.

In addition to my extraordinary parents, I am blessed with a supportive husband who is my cheerleader, tirelessly encouraging me as I pursue my dreams. Along the way, I’ve also encountered numerous angels—mentors, friends, and family members, each offering a word of wisdom, or a shoulder to lean on.. Their belief in me has been so essential and I cherish the opportunity to reciprocate their support.

I am truly humbled by the amount of love and support that surrounds me, and I am deeply grateful for each and every individual who has played a part in shaping my journey.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/geovannaw