Member Spotlight: Q&A with Jorgie Sandoval
Posted on Mar. 20, 2026 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Q: Can you share your journey in your current role and what drives you most in your work?
A: Working at the Orange County Business Council as their Business Initiatives Facilitator has been an incredible journey. Within our first year, we have created a new series of free programming for the region’s businesses and leaders to bring awareness to and drive initiatives that strengthen Orange County’s workforce development and enhance the quality of life in our communities. Member investment and participation have also grown significantly, and we have even created an internship program. I think what inspires me most is working alongside passionate business leaders who devote themselves to empowering the next generation of leaders and businesses here in Orange County. In our profession, the most satisfying feeling is witnessing the impact your efforts have on the community you serve, and for me, it has been both rewarding and motivating.
Q: What does being part of OCPRSA mean to you, and how has it fueled your growth and/or opened doors in your career?
A: I love OCPRSA. Being part of this organization has given me the opportunity not only to network with brilliant professionals but also to serve on the board and develop my leadership skills. This network has allowed me to build a team of professionals that I can confide in when I have big ideas and to rely on when it comes time to execute them. There really is nothing like having a fantastic professional support team, and OCPRSA provides that platform.
Q: What insights or advice would you give to young PR professionals ready to make their mark in the industry?
A: I say this to all my colleagues, interns, and mentees – Figure out what your values are first because that’s the foundation your passion is built on. Then, get a LinkedIn profile. And finally, network, network, network! To make your mark, you will need to stand for something (your passion), have a platform to spread your message (LinkedIn), and a team to support you and amplify your message (your network). That’s why all those things matter. And if you haven’t started yet, that’s okay. This is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process and have fun!
Q: PR often requires us to represent brands; how do you ensure you don’t lose your own voice in the process?
A: It’s important to remember that we ARE the professionals providing guidance and counsel to the brands we represent. Our expertise is our voice, and what we help create is both a science (the data-driven strategies and research insights) and an art (the stories we tell and communications we create). But because the work we do lives at that intersection, not every recommendation will land the way we intend, and not everyone will agree with your counsel. That’s okay. Your authentic perspective is what makes YOU valuable to the brands you serve. There’s nothing unprofessional about bringing that to the table. Let go of the things you cannot control and focus on the things you can.
Q: Given your experience with the YoPro mentorship program, what are your thoughts on the power of mentorship and how has it impacted your life?
A: The impact of mentorship for a mentee is akin to the power of foresight. We don’t know what we don’t know. But when you have a mentor who has traveled the path you are walking on, it’s like having your own personal tour guide on your professional journey. I have had the honor of helping professionals successfully secure jobs in this increasingly competitive job market. Many of those professionals are now able to give back and are serving on our OCPRSA Board or other organizations. Being a mentor is equally transformative because even though only one of you is teaching, two people are actually learning. There is so much I have learned from the brilliant minds of emerging professionals, and getting invited to speak in classrooms, conferences, and forums has been an incredible benefit in my growth as a thought leader in this industry.
Closing Remarks
If you are interested in learning more about me or looking to take the next step in your career, I welcome you to reach out to me at [email protected], or you can catch me on my mental wellness podcast, “Brains Are Sexy Podcast,” where my colleagues and I share practical strategies for adulthood. Good luck on your professional journeys, and I look forward to seeing you in the field!
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