Staff profile: Jorela Romero – CIE Operations Coordinator

27 March 2024

Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you ended up at CIE?

I have a degree in communications. After completing my studies, I ventured into the corporate world, initially as an Executive Assistant. Later, I transitioned to a role as an Assistant Administrator in an early childhood educational institution in the Philippines and as a Real-estate Agent.

In 2023 I arrived in New Zealand where my aunt, who works at the University of Auckland, suggested that I apply to the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). When I came to CIE for my interview, the space just felt so homey and I felt so comfortable talking to the team during the interview.

What is your favourite part about your job?

My job involves administration, finance and HR and especially streamlining processes within CIE.

I would say the processes, the data, the numbers is what I find interesting – slowly seeing how each of the teams works on their own, and working as part of the Operations team to align all of the processes to help everyone work harmoniously. It is quite challenging at times, but fun.

What advice would you give people who aren’t sure if innovation and entrepreneurship is for them?

I would say, just try, because you would not know whether it is for you. It might be the perfect fit.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I think it would be my dad, because I’m pretty intrigued what his reaction would be to learning where I ended up. My dad was a quite strict parent and he had this vision for me and my siblings when we were little. I chose a different path, but I’d like to believe that this is what he would have wanted for me. He passed away when I was six years old, and I was his little apprentice in our family business back then. I think he expected me to become an entrepreneur just like him and continue the family business.

When you’re not working, what will we find you doing?

I enjoy staying at home, as home is my happy place. I share a house with my family. I enjoy spending time with them, and I would probably be cleaning up or re-organising. I like streamlining things and I have turned our bedroom upside down multiple times. I also love baking. My cooking is quite decent as well, but since I live with chefs, I leave the cooking to them. I also like watching movies, but I always end up falling asleep during them. It’s a good thing I love coffee, it keeps me awake!

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