Supporting Hispanic and Latinas communities locally, nationally, and globally is absolutely necessary and important in the Hispanic culture. Latinas individuals like Marilyn Santiago play an important role in their communities, industry, and networks.
Powerful influencer, mentor, creative thinker, and communicator, Marilyn Santiago is a force of nature. She has a strong passion and commitment to serving and supporting the community.
“She leverages her expertise in branded content, promotional campaigns, and artist management to help her clients foster deep connections with Hispanic consumers across the U.S.”
If you know Marilyn, she always goes above and beyond to help others and make our world better. Her knowledge, impressive resume, contagious smile, and personality helps spread awareness and advocate for a plethora of incredible causes and organizations.
Marilyn has built a stellar career at the intersection of entrepreneurial spirit and service to the community.
She currently owns two companies, Sunshine Integrated Solutions, where she leverages her expertise in branded content, promotional campaigns, and artist management to help her clients foster deep connections with Hispanic consumers across the U.S.
Her second company, Creative Architectural Resin Products, or CARP USA. Where she serves the construction industry, as CARP designs, manufactures, and installs beautiful resin-based faux architectural trims and accents made from a Hi-density polymer resin material that assimilates the look and texture of natural materials and has become a powerhouse in the architectural elements niche, showing impressive growth and is poised for great success.
Given her notable work and contributions to the community, Marilyn now sits on several Boards of local and national organizations, such as Hodges University, Alliance for the Arts, ACT, Alzheimer's Walk, Pace Center for Girls, Blessings in a Backpack, Girls Going Places, Premier Mobile Health Clinic to name a few.
In the middle of this Summer 2022, I had the pleasure to Interview Marilyn Santiago regarding her career, accomplishments, and what advice she would give to today's Latina and the future Latina.
OLM: How did you become interested in your field?
Marilyn: When I was a little girl, my mother had a little white transistor radio in the kitchen. I used to sit at the table and “watch” the radio playing.
In the beginning, I thought miniature people were living inside and talking, lol. I used to spend great lengths of time sitting and listening to the little people. I started noticing when they made mistakes and played the same “record” twice. Little did I know I was becoming a radio professional!
OLM: How did you begin your career?
Marilyn: At a radio station while I was in college. The morning guy went on vacation, and I got to do his morning show. However, On Valentine's day, they gave me a crappy playlist for the special day, and after I played a dab of it on my own, I got fired, but my passion for the industry was just getting started!
OLM: What do you like most about your work?
Marilyn: The chance to be creative. I am 100% right brained!
OLM: What kinds of accomplishments tend to be valued and rewarded in your field?
Marilyn: Creativity, sales, commitment.
OLM: How does your position fit within the organization/career field/industry?
Marilyn: Perfectly! I’m objective, funky, and with a strong vision of the future!
OLM: Why do you feel you are the most suited for this role?
Marilyn: I have a good eye for what is coming up next, and I put my heart and my wisdom.
OLM: What kind of mindset is required for your duties and responsibilities?
Marilyn: Focus. Think. Analyze. Create. Produce. Develop.
OLM: What are the areas of opportunity that you foresee in your role?
Marilyn: There are endless opportunities. Just have discipline. Look at covid, it changed everything. There was a lot of success once people made time and worked for what they believed in.
OLM: How do you stay inspired and motivated in your role?
Marilyn: By helping others.
OLM: What advice would you give to today's Latina and the future Latina?
Marilyn: Listen to your mom. She means well.