insights
Women@KraussMaffei: Maria Alejandra Matallana Torres
| Ana Laura Vera
We present strong women at KraussMaffei
March 8 is International Women's Day. A date we take as an opportunity to introduce some of the many strong women at KraussMaffei and share their thoughts on International Women's Day.
Alejandra Matallana is the Customer Care Leader at KraussMaffei Mexico and, together with her team, she is responsible for providing high quality customer service and ensuring an optimal flow of responses to inquiries and complaints.
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What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Alejandra Matallana
For me, it’s a reminder to reflect on what we have achieved and a recognition of the whole struggle that women have lived throughout history to get to where we are now. Simply a reminder that the rights we have now, in some countries only a few have - even today. So I think it is essential to continue raising our voices, especially for those who are still not able to do so.
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Who has been the woman who has inspired you the most and why?
Alejandra Matallana
The first one is without a doubt my mom, who by example has helped me to be independent, and from whom I have learned to fight to achieve my goals. I could also name some friends who I have seen struggling every day to raise their children on their own. I also had a boss at GM who motivated me to be a leader and empowered me by giving me the security I needed to stand out from the crowd.
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How do you balance your work life with your personal passions?
Alejandra Matallana
In my case, having the support of my husband has been fundamental for knowing that I can achieve my professional goals without having to neglect my family or my activities with friends. I have learned that there is time for everything, it is just a matter of being organized and having a good circle of support - whether it´s a husband, friends, family, or others.
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What do you think is the biggest challenge for women these days?
Alejandra Matallana
In Latin American countries, I believe that the main challenge is to fight against the machismo that still exists. Another challenge is to fight against the lack of a culture of cooperation among us. Rather than aiming for sisterhood, I think we should all try to change our mentalities, so that the gender issue is left aside in all areas. So you don’t have to fight to "deserve" something simply because of being a man or a woman.
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What advice would you give to women in the future?
Alejandra Matallana
You can achieve whatever you aim for, but you also have a great responsibility to your own gender. You must be mentors and support other women. If you know you are able to do MORE, do not wait to be asked – give without expecting anything in return. In the end you will always reap your reward.
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From your point of view, what is the best way to commemorate Women's Day?
Alejandra Matallana
We need to start with self-love, respecting ourselves, and recognizing our value as women. Even with our imperfections we are perfect, and if we recognize our own capabilities and positive qualities with love, we will be able to highlight in others all the beauty of life. So I want to take this opportunity to send greetings to the ladies in my area: Pal, Andrea, Karen, Nans, Ingrid, and Bere - in recognition of their great work and their constant support!
Contact
alejandra.matallana@kraussmaffei.com
