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Program Manager : Step Up Women’s Network

Selena’s passion is bringing women together to make a difference, and her platform is Step Up Women’s Network. This nonprofit membership organization activates a new generation of female philanthropists through volunteerism, leadership development, and community building. At Step Up’s NY office, Selena oversees their membership, as well as their professional development programming. “I feel blessed to work with such a variety of talented and dynamic women, as well as to be part of a powerful movement that makes it easy for women to give back and make a difference”.

How did you you arrive at your Style Statement?

Carrie and I had a session to identify my Style Statement. It was a fun, unexpected, and eye-opening process. It’s helped me get more in touch with my authentic self.

What does your Style Statement mean to you? How do you interpret your first and second words?

My 1st word is Cultivated because I enjoy seeing things grow. I am passionate about helping women reach their full potential and realize their dreams. Similarly, I am constantly looking to grow as a person and reach the next level of understanding and authenticity.
My 2nd word is Graceful because I practice kindness and thoughtfulness in my every day interactions. I give graciously without expecting anything in return. I always see the best in people.

How has your Style Statement been useful to you?

My Style Statement helped me summarize the essence of who I am into two powerful words. Every woman should know what their Style Statement is.

Where in the world have you, or do you, feel most at home – and why? What kinds of things do you collect/surround yourself with – and why?

I have lived in New York City for eight years, and there is no place where I feel more comfortable and alive. I live in a quaint studio apartment near Union Square/Gramercy Park. I love stepping out of my apartment building and having immediate access to everything I could want — the best restaurants, the gym, the supermarket and the laundromat, the subway and a central bus line — all within one or two blocks.

I believe less is more, so I choose not to have a lot of stuff. My apartment is spacious, airy, and serene. Mostly white with bursts of color like yellow and purple. I have a champagne fragrance diffuser that I love from Antica Farmacista. I also try to have fresh cut flowers at home most of the time. I have three shelves of business and self-growth books.

What inspires you? How do you know when you’re inspired?

People inspire me. Oprah Winfrey is someone I really admire. I’ve also been deeply inspired by Jennifer Macaluso-Gilmore, founder of Something Different for Women, and her life design courses.

I am also inspired on a daily basis by the members of Step Up Women’s Network. These are all busy, professional women who find time in their schedules to give back and make a difference in a high-impact way.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would wear a wrap dress by Kathlin Argiro. I love these dresses because they are ultra feminine, flattering, and comfortable. My all-time favorite designer is Nanette Lepore. I love her fitted tops and all of the special details that go into each her creations.

What do you like to be noticed and appreciated for? What kind of friend are you?

I like to be noticed for my sincerity, generous spirit, and entrepreneurial drive. While I care deeply about people, I generally do not look to others for approval or acceptance. All that matters to me is my inner circle of close friends; they are the VIPs in my life and I treat them like gold.

How do you play?

I’m a walking Zagat guide and am passionate about great food. I love exploring New York’s dynamic, ever-changing restaurant scene. Some of my favorite restaurants are Tia Pol (Spanish tapas), Basta Pasta (Italian with a Japanese twist), Sushi of Gari’s (innovative Japanese), Aki (Japanese with Caribbean influences), and Tabla Bread Bar (nouvelle Indian).

I also enjoy venturing outside Manhattan to Spa Castle, a hidden gem in Flushing, Queens. For $35, you can spend the day relaxing and frolicking in traditional Asian saunas, hot tubs, and a mini outdoor water park. They have amazing aqua jets in their pools that target all the major pressure points, relieving tension throughout your body.

Five Books That Have Inspired You?:

1) Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, by Keith Ferrazzi

* An entertaining read addressing the true power of networking. Keith shares many great ideas that you can use immediately to build meaningful professional relationships.

2) Your Best Year Yet, by Jinny Ditzler

* Instead of creating new year’s resolutions, I turn to Jinny Ditzler’s simple system of setting goals and reviewing the past year.

3) The 4-Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferriss

* As a former workaholic, I appreciate Tim Ferris’ radical and ingenious approaches to reclaiming your life and working more effectively.

4) Women & Money, by Suze Orman

* A very basic finance book that is easy to understand and motivates the reader to take action. When I retire comfortably with hundreds of thousands in savings, I will have this book to thank.

5) The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, by Deepak Chopra

* Deepak Chopra shares universal principles to achieve happiness, freedom, and abundance.