Goodwill South Florida, Inspires Future Leaders at FIU College of Business Lunch & Learn

Mauricio Hernandez, COO of Goodwill South Florida, Inspires Future Leaders at FIU College of Business Lunch & Learn

Our Chief Operating Officer of Business Services, Mauricio Hernandez, recently had the privilege of speaking with students at Florida International University’s College of Business, where he imparted personal lessons and valuable wisdom from his journey as a non-profit leader.

He also shared some insight into how Goodwill South Florida is making a difference in our community by creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to work, highlighting how our impact extends beyond our retail stores through our unique social enterprise model and strong community partnerships.

Here are some key takeaways:

Purpose

Mauricio urged students to seek careers that offer more than just a paycheck. He reminded them that true fulfillment comes from work that aligns with personal values and makes a real difference.

Mentorship

He stressed the importance of having diverse mentors for both professional and personal growth. These relationships provide valuable perspectives and guidance through crucial moments in one's career.

Leadership

Mauricio noted that leaders often step into roles before they feel fully prepared because others see their potential before they do. It’s in these challenging moments, he said, that we experience the most growth and discover our true capabilities.

At Goodwill South Florida, we’re inspired by the next generation of business leaders. Their eagerness to learn and passion for making a positive difference motivate us to keep pushing forward in our mission of creating opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals in our community each and every day.