Impact Interview: Noemí Jiménez
Name: Noemí Jiménez
Role/Function: Co-founder and Communications Lead, qb. consulting
What are you working on these days?
At the moment, I'm knee-deep in reporting as we prepare to publish 2024 ESG/impact/sustainability reports. But in the background, I'm also working on an exciting new service that I hope to launch later this year. I can't say much more than that, but stay tuned!!!
What was the “aha” moment that sparked your interest in social and environmental impact?
Although I have had many “aha!“moments throughout my life, all pointing me to a career in impact, my time as a graduate student at New York University solidified that corporate responsibility specifically was where I needed to be. Learning about the garment industry in Bangladesh during a business and law class, realizing how my purchases were directly impacting worker wellbeing, going through the cycles of feeling helpless realizing the scale of the problem then to feeling hopeful that working on the corporate side I could have a deeper impact, I knew where I was meant to be.
How did you break into the impact space? What career advice would you give to professionals who are just starting out or looking to transition?
My career started in the non-profit space at Sesame Workshop. I knew I wanted to make a career out of helping people (in some way or another) and I loved storytelling — from my high school theater days to my short film college years. Developing Sesame Street's Annual Report somehow combined all of my passions — telling bright, engaging, meaningful stories that could change lives. If you're looking to transition, learn how to tell your own story. Every step I took in my career was into a role I probably had no business being in (or at least no prior experience), but I figured out how to convince people to hire me. If you can hone a relatable, authentic story about your value and passion, you can win people over and get a seat at the table more times than not.
Working in impact is often about driving change. What is the skill or trait that has been most important for your work as a change agent? How did you learn or hone it?
Building genuine, long-lasting relationships is invaluable. I always try to stay in an abundance mindset with everyone I interact with — whether it's a colleague, a client or someone asking for career advice. This is a small space and we all need each other to move things forward and win together. Sounds cheesy, but the long-standing friendships I have built over the years have really underpinned any success I have had.
What most excites you about the impact space right now?
At this moment, I'm excited to see more people taking personal sustainability seriously and finding work situations that meet their individual and unique needs. This is hard work and as passionate, high achievers, we are known to burn out, especially as so many are a team of one on an uphill battle.
This season, our Impact Interviews series features members of the Change Hub, our membership community for busy sustainable business professionals. Tap into trainings, tools and a trusted network of fellow impact practitioners (including Noemí!) by JOINING US HERE.