Odalys Jasmine García Arce on Storytelling at TikTok

Odalys Jasmine García Arce works as a content strategy partner at TikTok, where she represents the Americas in the company’s organizational culture content production team. The purpose of her role is to bring the company’s culture and mission to life through content and employee stories. She also launched her own business and podcast called “Hella Latina Podcast“.

As part of our Tech Chingonas package, García Arce shares how she broke into tech, what her typical workday looks like, and how she practices self-care. Get to know her journey below.

What inspired you to get into tech?
Honestly, I never knew a career in tech was a possibility. I went to school in the Bay Area, specifically San Jose State University, which is said to be in “the heart of Silicon Valley.” Coming from Southeast San Diego, my only connections were in church and school, and the industries I had knowledge of were slim. So I had no idea what Silicon Valley meant.

At SJSU, I started to learn more about potential career paths within tech and met professionals who worked for companies like Apple, Facebook, and Google, and with time, it became an industry of interest.

My first tech experience was actually an internship at Xerox in their digital product space. I struggled with the lack of diversity within the industry and ended up leaving big tech for a bit to work for a small business, then eventually became a full-time entrepreneur. After some time away, I went back into the industry and worked for LinkedIn. From that experience, I was inspired to stay in tech. Whether it was creating opportunities for more BIPOC talent, uplifting employee voices and stories, or even showing up as my full authentic self (red lipstick, hoops, and all) to challenge the idea of “professionalism,” I saw an opportunity to make an impact as a Latina in tech.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Most days, I’m up at 5 a.m. and start meetings with my team (based in London and Singapore) at 6 a.m. After a few morning meetings, I get on with my to-do list, which can include anything form scriptwriting and editing to building a content strategy for a new project. A typical workday can also look like taking a flight to another office within the Americas for in-person interviews and film productions on site at our various offices.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is representing my region. I represent the Americas, which is made up of Canada, the United States, and Latin America, which feels like a beautiful mesh of my own identity and cultural experience. I get to speak Spanish and English in my role (have yet to learn Portuguese), highlight employees across multiple countries who are doing incredible work, and collaboratively build a global culture while taking regional nuance into consideration. When I get to meet employees and share their work company-wide — that’s what feels the most rewarding.

How did your parents feel about you pursuing a career in tech?
You know, I don’t think they understand what my career really is. They tell everyone I’m a “TikToquera,” but I definitely don’t create on the platform. But I know they’re proud of what tech has given me. Beyond monetary wealth, I’ve had a chance to travel the world, spoil my family, and reinvest in things that bring me joy.

What are you reading and watching right now?
I’ve been watching “Love Is Blind: UK” and “House of Dragon.” Simultaneously finishing up “The Poet X” by my favorite author, Elizabeth Acevedo.

What do you do to decompress at the end of the day?
Close the laptop and unplug completely. Make a cup of técito or lay on my hammock.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
My podcast! “Hella Latina” is my heart, and interviewing trailblazers in the community makes me feel rooted in my purpose.

What’s your most used app?
Right now, I’m using the Plurawl app the most! It’s been my therapy.

How do you practice self-care?
I practice self-care in so many different ways — I journal, meditate, pray, work out, do an extensive skin-care routine, get consistent massages and facials. But my favorite practice that’s remained steadfast in my life is journaling. I journal a lot! There’s no better self-care than to meet yourself daily. Lately, my entries are poems about the season I’m currently in. Poetry has always been my preferred way to process my thoughts and emotions, and there’s nothing more liberating than pouring my soul on paper.

Johanna Ferreira is the content director for PS Juntos. With more than 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latine culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as the deputy editor at HipLatina, and she has freelanced for numerous outlets including Refinery29, Oprah magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latine identity.