Conversations with Johnny Garza

Hi Johnny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Let’s go back to where it all started! In April 2011, I got my first job at Whataburger in my hometown of Rowlett, Texas. I worked there until I graduated high school in June 2012. In July 2012, I started my career with JP Morgan Chase Bank. I started as a part-time teller while going to school full-time at Richland college. Then, in August 2014, I moved to Denton, Texas to go to The University of North Texas (UNT). While at UNT full-time, I also became full-time at Chase as a Lead Associate Operations, which is a role similar to an assistant branch manager. I worked at Chase for almost 8 years. I’m not sure how I was a full-time worker and student. Many long nights happened, but I did it by the Grace of God! Once I graduated from UNT in December 2019 with my Bachelors in Public Relations, I wanted to finally dive into my career of PR and Communications.

In January 2020, I got a communications internship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dallas (BBBS). BBBS is a widely known nonprofit that provides mentorship for the children in our community. I encourage everyone to check them out at https://bbbstx.org/greater-dallas/ to help make a difference in the Dallas community. While interning, I enjoyed every minute of it. The team was great, and the mission made it exciting to work. After 2 months of being an intern, I was offered a full-time Communications Specialist position with BBBS. I worked with BBBS for almost a year and a half. I learned so much with them and was able to get out of my comfort zone, network, and build my portfolio.

In November 2020, I decided to start grad school. I am currently enrolled in an online grad program at Southern New Hampshire University to get my Masters in Communications. As of today, I have 4 classes left. I’m almost there!

In June 2021, I was offered a Digital Communication Strategist position with The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). I worked for an NIH grant-funded initiative within UNTHSC called The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN). NRMN’s mission is to help diversify the biomedical workforce through mentorship and development. I was nervous to start this role with NRMN because I was not passionate about science nor have any communications experience in the biomedical sciences field. In the end, I’m glad I took the opportunity. Being a part of the NRMN team was a great experience. I was able to have more responsibility as a communications professional, work in a different field, gain new experiences and learn new communication approaches and tools.

In April 2022, I was reached out to via email by a recruiter for a Fortune 500 company called Celanese. After an extensive interview process, I was offered a full-time Digital Communications Sr Specialist position. Not only was I offered an amazing opportunity, I was able to double my salary within a year. I was surprised by my quick growth. My time with Celanese has been amazing thus far. I’m finally able to dive into internal communications and expand my skills once again. The team I work with is driven, hardworking and supportive. I’ve made the right choice to be a part of an amazing company.

Even though I’ve been blessed with a great career path, I would not have been able to do this without my Aunt Rachel and Grandma Moreno. These two women have helped me through the toughest times and took me under their wing when I needed it. May my grandmother rest in peace. I know she would be proud of the man I’ve become. As for my Aunt Rachel, thank you for always being there and supporting me. I love and appreciate you always!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road wasn’t always the smoothest. There are many challenges I’ve faced, such as bad supervisors, unsupportive team members, short deadlines, etc. Also, I’ve had struggles with myself, dealing with anxiety and stress.

Even though these were not the best times, I am thankful I experienced them. Every one of these challenges is a learning experience. I was able to go through situations, have uncomfortable conversations and learn more about myself and my mental health. In my career, I’ve always had my mind set on growth, and these challenges helped me grow into a better person, personally and professionally.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Digital Communication Sr Specialist for Celanese. Celanese is a Fortune 500 global chemical and specialty materials company that engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living. I work in the global communications department.

In my role, I manage the company’s intranet with over 10,000 users. I also provide analytics for key stakeholders, make data-driven decisions for site improvements, explore new widgets and work on special projects with other members of the global communications team.

I’m normally known for my expertise on external communications, such as social media, newsletters, email marketing, etc. Now, with my role at Celanese, I get to dive into internal corporate communications. I’m glad I get to have this balance and expand my knowledge.

I’m mostly proud of my career path and my drive to try new things. I’ve learned to express my ideas, take initiative and focus on myself. I’m also proud of the fact that I’m going to grad school for my Masters while working full-time. Not a lot of people can say they are doing that. I am proud to share that, especially being a small town, Latino boy who never thought he would even be able to go to college in the first place. I never gave up!

What sets me apart from everyone else is my character and work ethic. There is only one Johnny Garza. Not to be that person, but I can’t be duplicated. I leave my mark in every room and job role I’ve been in. I make sure I’m heard and being respected as the professional I am. I’m not one to stay in the background and be ignored. I want to share ideas, take on different opportunities and grow. Not only do I want to bring success to the ones around me, I want people to smile, laugh, and make a memory with me.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The main characteristic I feel has been important to my success is being a team player. I’ve always supported the missions of all the companies I’ve worked for. I volunteer when needed, take on special projects, collaborate and brainstorm with others, etc. I am a people person so with me being outgoing, it’s helped me take on more initiative than ever before. Also, being a team player has helped make connections with some amazing professionals and build long-lasting friendships.