Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Diaz Haley.
Sandy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Having spent most of my career at public relations agencies, I was keenly aware of the impact that client budgets have on agency personnel. I had been lucky enough to never have been personally impacted until I was caught up in a round of layoffs in the summer of 2017.
As part of my search for a new job, I planned a happy hour as a way to reconnect with my network, make new connections, and perhaps find leads for prospective job opportunities. The happy hour was such a success I created a Facebook group for Bada$$ Ladies of DFW, a community for like-minded women to connect and cultivate business relationships in an organic way. Almost two years later, we are now a supportive community of over 1,000 members, who are actively engaging in learning and growing from one another.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Experiencing a layoff is scary and humbling but it can sometimes force a needed change, even if that change is uncomfortable at first.
My life motto has always been “everything is what you make of it.” Getting laid off, along with other misfortunes life throws your way are just that, life.
In 2014, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. After getting past the initial shock, I learned everything I could about my condition and decided I would be the best thing that ever happened to MS, advocating for awareness and raising funds benefitting medical research with the goal of finding a cure.
No matter what life throws at you, give yourself some grace. To grieve a loss or a setback is normal and healthy, but then you have to take control. You are the only one who truly has the power to shape your perspective and your path forward. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Now that’s making lemonade out of lemons. Some may call that naiveté, but I choose to call it optimism and resilience!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bada$$ Ladies of DFW – what should we know?
Bada$$ Ladies of DFW was a natural evolution of something I’ve always loved to do, make connections.
We help fuel passions and cultivate business relationships in an organic way while also providing valuable resources and facilitating meaningful conversations within the world of communications (and beyond).
We are for the people, by the people. Many of our members have generously volunteered their time and talents to reach where we are today.
Every time we have the opportunity to host an event and help to facilitate connections, watching so many incredible women, from all walks of life, let down their walls in a safe place, I’m reminded of how special our community really is.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Hard work always pays off. Maybe not in the exact moment you’d like it to, but it does. Keep working hard and keep an open mind. You never know when an opportunity could be just around the corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.badassladies.com/
- Email: sandydiazhaley@badassladies.org.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassladiesofdfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BadassLadiesOfDFW/
Image Credit:
Redshirt: Photographer Abby Graves, Yellow top: Yesi SUKILYNN at Fort Lion Studio, Remaining images: Photographer Chelcie Parry
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
