Rosanna Castoreno and Elizabeth Nava

[00:01] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Hi, my name is. My name is Rosanna Castoreno. I am 38 years old. Today's date is December 5, 2022. We are located in San Antonio, Texas, and I will be interviewing Elizabeth Nava, who is my coworker at Southside first.

[00:19] ELIZABETH NAVA: Hi, my name is Elizabeth Nava. I am 23 years old. Today's date is December 5, 2022. We are located in San Antonio, Texas. The name of my interview partner is Rosanna Castoreno, and she is my coworker. So we are here on Southside first behalf. It's a nonprofit organization, and I would just tell you a little bit about us. So Southside first is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development across San Antonio and Bexar county by providing resources and support to encourage business development, foster growth, and develop resilience.

[01:01] ROSANNA CASTORENO: So Southside First's mission and vision is to encourage, energize, and elevate entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Southside to achieve sustainability and growth. We do this through workshops, events, resources, advising, services, and strategic partnership that provide equal access to economic opportunities and cultural and community enrichment. So today I just wanted to sit here and ask Elizabeth, so how has working with Southside first been for you?

[01:36] ELIZABETH NAVA: You know, it's been an experience. I actually started as an intern September 7, so not too long ago, and it was crazy because I. I got the position because of school. And so we were doing this grant opportunity, so I had to complete a certain amount of hours at a certain amount of time. So I started on the 7th, which was a Wednesday, and I had to complete 96 hours by the 30 September. So it was only about three weeks that I had to do that. And so I was putting overtime almost every week. And it was crazy, but it was a good experience to have. I actually. I had been a stay at home mom for a while, so I was always in my safe spot, my safe zone. And so that really pushed my limits, and it let me see beyond my boundaries.

[02:40] ROSANNA CASTORENO: So did you plan on jumping on board with Southside first, or you just thought this was an intern opportunity that was provided by Palo Alto College?

[02:50] ELIZABETH NAVA: You know, actually, at the beginning, I was kind of unsure because I didn't really know what I wanted in reality. So at the beginning, I was just hoping to complete my hours, get it in and out. But once I started actually with Southside first, I actually grew to like it because it's like, well, I'm studying for business management and operations, and one thing that's key is actually the interaction and things you have with the members in your team. So that was really one thing that shined a light on Southside first, and I always like to help people, so it was like, it was meant for me, I guess. And then, so I actually, once I reached that, the 96 hours, I still had to do a couple more hours, but to my surprise, I got hired a part time position.

[03:54] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Wow. That's awesome. I love that. I love that. So what was it like when you first came on board versus now? Is there any challenges that you were faced with that you didn't think that you would come across when you first jumped on board with Southside first?

[04:09] ELIZABETH NAVA: So I guess because of the classes that I'm taking, I really had this. I'm not sure if it's a bias or a perception of what this organization was going to be like. So initially, when I went in for my interview, I thought I was going to be like, what do you do? Your resume and stuff like that. Traditional interview. And to my surprise, it was more of a meet and greet. How are you? My name is Gabriella. What's your name? And she showed me around the office. So for me, it took me really by surprise. So it was kind of nerve wracking for me. And once I started the job, I expected to have a lot of things to do, and then it was like, I would get one task, I would do it within the amount of time that at that moment, it was given to me.

[05:09] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Right.

[05:09] ELIZABETH NAVA: And then I would ask for other things to do. So it was not at all what I expected. And because it is a fairly new organization, there was a lot of things, I guess, that had to evolve in the organization. And I think, luckily, I was able to grow. I am able to grow with it. So it's a really good experience. I honestly don't think that I would have done as well at another place or actually, I don't know, because it's one of my first jobs, so I really love it, and I don't think I would be able to find something else like that.

[05:56] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Right. And we have a great CEO, Gabriela Cadena. She is a rock star. Like, she has a rock star team. Like, she's always saying.

[06:04] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yep.

[06:07] ROSANNA CASTORENO: So who has made the biggest impact in your life? And what's one thing they taught you?

[06:16] ELIZABETH NAVA: Okay, so, you know, I would have to say that the person who has had the biggest impact in my life would be my mom. Okay.

[06:29] ROSANNA CASTORENO: So.

[06:32] ELIZABETH NAVA: I did get. I had my baby fairly young. I was about to turn 19. She always had really high expectations for me. So that was not the what she expected from me. Okay, so even. Even then, like, she still supported me along the way. I had my baby, and then. So she would always encourage me to go back to school, and I was like, no, I want to take care of my baby. I want to enjoy her and this and that. And then Covid hit, and it was just like everything was on lockdown. Nobody was able to get out, and so I just found myself, like, stuck at home with my baby. Nothing to do.

[07:20] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Right.

[07:20] ELIZABETH NAVA: And so she encouraged me to get back to school, and I did. And I. That's what I would say. Like, she's. I really thank her for that, because.

[07:31] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Now she has pushed you to do more.

[07:34] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yeah.

[07:35] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Do great things. That's awesome.

[07:36] ELIZABETH NAVA: I'm able to be in the position I am now. If I wouldn't have gone back to school, I don't know, I'd probably still be waiting tables. So it's. Yeah, it's a big step, and I am really thankful.

[07:48] ROSANNA CASTORENO: And what is your. What is your title at Southside?

[07:51] ELIZABETH NAVA: First, I am a communications coordinator.

[07:55] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Awesome. And as a communications coordinator, what does that intel?

[08:02] ELIZABETH NAVA: So I think we do. Aside from that, I do a little bit of everything. So, first of all, I help organize. I do a lot of inputting data, but I also am in charge of doing social media, which is something that was really out of my comfort zone. I do have social media, but I never post on it. So for me, having to do that was, like, stepping really outside of my comfort zone. I post on Instagram. I do live videos, which I've never done in my entire life. I am able to speak and network with people at events, which, I mean, I would. I would. I feel like I do. I am able to communicate with people easily. I'm pretty easy going. But to do it professionally, I think it's on another level. You kind of know. You need to know what you're doing, right. So that's. That's another thing that I. That falls into my category.

[09:19] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Great. Great. And going back to the pandemic, I know you were saying that, you know, that was a tough time, and, I mean, I'm sure it was for everybody else, but when did you realize that this pandemic was going to affect you and your life?

[09:41] ELIZABETH NAVA: I think since the beginning, because I had. Whenever Covid hit my. I think. I believe it was in February. Right. So I had just started working as a substitute. I had maybe, like, three weeks into the job, and then my. I think my daughter was, like, maybe a year old or so, and so we. I had just started my job. I think we had, like, a spring break, I believe it was. And so I started the job, and right when I started, almost like a week later, my husband got laid off because they were, like. I guess because of people getting sick and stuff, they had to get rid of people. And it just so happened that he was. I think most of the people got laid off, but it just so happened that he was one of them. So then after that, after spring break, we didn't go back. We weren't able to go back to work, so that was a hard hit. And I guess, right off the bat, it kind of impacted our family. But I guess I try to look on the positive side of it that we have learned a lot together. And I guess money was an issue for everybody at that time, so just learning to live with what you have was a great lesson from it.

[11:22] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Right. Did it bring you and your family a lot closer now that y'all were, you know, spending time? Like, I'm sure it did that for.

[11:28] ELIZABETH NAVA: A lot of families, but it definitely did.

[11:30] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Yeah.

[11:31] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yeah, we were. I. Because. And it's funny because I. My mom was. Whenever I did get pregnant, my mom was mad, right? So she loves my daughter, but when Covid hit, I guess it just. I guess it brought us way much closer together, and it just put that aside, you know? So we overcame a lot of things.

[12:01] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Well, that's great. So.

[12:07] ELIZABETH NAVA: Can I ask you something now?

[12:09] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Sure.

[12:11] ELIZABETH NAVA: Do you have any regrets in your life?

[12:14] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Do I have any regrets in my life? No. I don't feel like I do. I mean, there are some things I wish I can change. But you know what? Throughout our mistakes that we make in life, I feel that that's a learning experience for all of us, because I'm sure that everybody has regrets, but with those mistakes, they help you grow and learn as a person. So I wouldn't say I had any regrets.

[12:45] ELIZABETH NAVA: And so we did mention that I didn't start too long ago. When did you start at south flight first?

[12:54] ROSANNA CASTORENO: I actually started back in July as a program coordinator. You know, it was. It was great. You know, my first day, let me tell you, that was something. They had a newscaster come in, and they were doing interviews. I didn't have a lot of information given to me at the time. So to be interviewed on the spot, that was really something. But through that, I learned, hey, stay on top of what kind of events are coming up, you know? So. So I'm on top of everything. I run most of the social media. I started the TikTok channel for Southside first, and, you know, we just try to get all the, spread the word about Southside first and all the great that they're doing and everything that they're helping, all the resources that they provide to help these small businesses grow. So I think that's great.

[13:49] ELIZABETH NAVA: So having said that, what's your title?

[13:52] ROSANNA CASTORENO: I am a program coordinator for Southside first.

[13:56] ELIZABETH NAVA: And what would you, in such, not long time of knowing each other, what's your favorite memory of me?

[14:04] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Your favorite memory? My favorite memory of you? Hmm.

[14:08] ELIZABETH NAVA: Is there any.

[14:09] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Is there any favorite memories of you? Yes, I just, you know, Elizabeth's a rock star. She. I love that she, you know, you give her a task and she's just, you know, willing to, you know, have a quick turnaround time on everything that she's handed. So she definitely is a quick learner and great worker. So, I mean, all around, it's a great experience working with somebody that actually, you know, gets the work done and, you know, cares about their job as much as you do. So I love that.

[14:43] ELIZABETH NAVA: And how has your life been different than what you imagined?

[14:50] ROSANNA CASTORENO: So my life has changed a little bit more because I am a full timer. I was actually a stay at home mom, and then when I did do, when I was working, it was part time. I worked everything around my husband and my kids schedule, so if they were in sports or, you know, anything like that, I always made sure that any job that I took, it was going to work around their schedule. And now it's like, hey, this is my time to shine. So I think that's a little bit different now. I don't spend, you know, I spend time with my kids, but, you know, there are certain things that I'm like, okay, hey, I'm working full time now, so, you know, my husband has to, you know, help me with that. So we gotta meet each other halfway on these arrangements that we have as far as, like, if the kids want to go into sports, you know, he's gonna have to be the one to help me pick them up from school and do everything that I was doing when I worked, everything around their schedule.

[15:52] ELIZABETH NAVA: Okay. And would you say that you value your job, or what's the thing that you most like about it?

[16:01] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Yes, I value my job. I really love it here. It's always a different and new experience every week, so that's great. We always meet new people at free workshops that we host for the business owners and the community. So I like that I'm able to share those resources with business owners that can be going through a hard time during COVID like when they had the COVID grant, you know, one of the first families that I helped, they sell native american handcrafted items. And when they received the ARPA grant, I was so excited and happy because one that was the first family I had helped with the grant. And to know that they received that and, you know, they are just doing so great. You know, they didn't have a storefront. They came to a few of our workshops, including an Instagram class, which they started their Instagram and started advertising their items on Instagram from coming to that class. And now they have a storefront. Beautiful storefront. I went to visit it a few times, and I absolutely love it. I love to see that these businesses are growing and we're able to help with those resources.

[17:15] ELIZABETH NAVA: Would you say that's one of the most rewarding things of your job?

[17:18] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Oh, definitely, yes. Being able to, you know, get out there, push the information on all social media platforms, even canvassing to these business owners, letting them know, hey, we're here to help you. Which is kind of, you know, some of them are like, they don't take easy to that because people don't normally reach out and say, hey, we want to help your business, but, you know, to actually see them in person and, you know, hey, this is what we do, you know, and we provide these free resources. Everything's free. Even the workshops are free. So free is always great. You know, it's always like, what's the catch? There is no catch. We just want to see these businesses flourish.

[17:56] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yeah. And I. Another question. If you could talk to a younger version of yourself, what would you say?

[18:05] ROSANNA CASTORENO: If I could talk to a younger version of myself? Hmm. I would tell them to, you know, whatever you want to do in life, you can do it despite what. Despite any challenges that you are faced with, you can overcome all the obstacles in your life. I mean, if these things were easy and everybody would do it, you know, I think that sometimes some people get discouraged by, you know, obstacles that are thrown or come up in their life. And I think that if they stay strong and keep their head up and keep moving forward, they will succeed in anything that they do and set their mind to. Well, me, if I was talking to myself.

[18:51] ELIZABETH NAVA: And who has been the biggest influence in your life?

[18:55] ROSANNA CASTORENO: The biggest influence in my life, I would say that that would be my uncle Pete. He always told me to, you know, you want something, you go for it. You know, just the way you carry yourself, the way you talk to people. You know, I think he played a big part in that. He also encouraged me to go to school, stay in school, and that was. That was my uncle Pete. So, yeah.

[19:27] ELIZABETH NAVA: Can you tell me about a moment when a person's kindness made a difference in your life?

[19:33] ROSANNA CASTORENO: When his person's kindness made a difference in my life? That would be my friend Mahdi. She was actually my neighbor. And she still lives in town. She's just. She's on different area of town now, but just everything that I would see her doing, you know, especially during the holidays, like, right now, we're almost close to Christmas. We would go to the store. She had a son that. She has a son that one does catering, the other one does event events for. King says weddings, beautiful cakes. They do the works, but they. And they also have a food truck. So sometimes she would be in the holiday spirit and, you know, give out money to those or pay for other people's groceries, which I was like, oh, my gosh, I would want to cry every time I would see her do that, because not a lot of people are kind like that. You know, they don't just look at a family and say, hey, I want to pay for your groceries, you know? So I thought that was really nice. She made a lady cry in the store, and, yeah, she was just, you know, she told her to take it. It'd be like $50, $100, and then. Or she'll just cover their bill. So I thought that was. Wow. Like, you know, just to see that was really something.

[20:45] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yeah. And because Covid did impact everybody, it was not biased about anybody in this world. How would you say it impacted you?

[20:58] ROSANNA CASTORENO: It impacted me because. Excuse me. When it first hit, my grandmother ended up catching COVID and she passed away. So we lost the Keystone that helped or held our family together. So I felt like that really impacted us. And, you know, seeing all the food scarce at the stores, you know, feeling like, oh, my gosh, like, when are we going to see another pack of meat? Like, that just really changed things up, you know? But it did help us as a family become closer and, you know, spend more time with our kids and, you know, enjoy the board games, enjoy things that kids don't do nowadays, you know, enjoy that family quality time. So it really did, you know, it changed my life. It was a sad time for a lot of us because we lost our grandmother, but at the same time, it also brought our family a lot closer. And, you know, we've always, you know, had an appreciation for each other. But I think that just brought a closeness to all of us.

[22:06] ELIZABETH NAVA: That's good. And as far as, like, Southside first, what would you see? What would you say is the biggest thing that you're thankful for?

[22:19] ROSANNA CASTORENO: I'm thankful for having an amazing boss. She is really great. I love how she gets out there and networks. She really tries to make a difference in our community, getting out there, networking at different events, and now that we are slowly growing, we're small, but we're mighty, you know, we try to tackle every event that we can, you know? Hey, you go, here. You go here. But, yeah, I love that. You know, my boss is very, very, very understanding. You know, she's all about family, she's all about community. She's all about, you know, empowering these small businesses and seeing them flourish. So I am really thankful to have such an amazing boss. And she is also our CEO, Gabriela Cadena of Southside first.

[23:08] ELIZABETH NAVA: And so. Okay, so when I started, I know that I would ask a million questions in a day, because, I mean, I guess, like I said, my perspective of what the job was going to be like was completely different than what it was I had. It's a really great organization, but I think I just thought more was expected out of me and it wasn't like that. What would you say was one of the toughest things to do, having to mentor somebody new?

[23:47] ROSANNA CASTORENO: I wouldn't say it's the toughest thing, because I think back of myself when I was young, even starting my first job when I was 1515, it wasn't so bad, but that was actually for a youth center or recreation center called the Good Samaritan. And then my actual job was at a grocery store. So, you know, I saw how, like, everybody would take off. Nobody wanted to answer my questions. And then in my twenties, you know, the same thing. It's kind of like I have to learn as I go or teach myself or keep bothering the manager. So I'm always mindful of that. And I remember, hey, everybody starts somewhere, and you gotta have patience with people. You can't just assume that they're gonna know everything and make your faces. And we gotta be patient with those because we gotta think of ourselves. When we first started in a position, we were kinda like, scattered and didn't know what's going on. And, hey, we had a million questions just like you. So it wasn't, I didn't really say it. It's a challenge. I think I was just mindful and being helpful, and I'm like, oh, she reminds me of myself. When I was that age, so. Yeah. All right, Elizabeth, so back to you. How would you say that you are growing with Southside first?

[25:10] ELIZABETH NAVA: Wow. Well, I've learned a lot. First of all, I, like I said I wasn't a social media person, and that it. I really had to step out of my show. And because of that, I'm not sure if it's actually because of that, but we are able to get out the word more. So we have grown a lot of followers on Instagram.

[25:39] ROSANNA CASTORENO: I want to ask you another question real quick. What is an advantage that you have on Southside first for social media?

[25:54] ELIZABETH NAVA: Well, let me just say that I am spanish speaker, so we do have spanish speakers at Southside first.

[26:07] ROSANNA CASTORENO: But a lot of the social media that you do, it's.

[26:10] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yes, it's a lot of that I do. A lot of that I do is both in Spanish and English.

[26:16] ROSANNA CASTORENO: And I love that because I think you reach out to more people by doing that, because there are some that don't know about these resources. But you being bilingual, that's definitely a great trait to have.

[26:28] ELIZABETH NAVA: We actually had. It's on Friday, we had a Conchos en cafe event.

[26:34] ROSANNA CASTORENO: How did that go? Tell everybody about our event.

[26:38] ELIZABETH NAVA: So let me tell you a little bit before the event, we were having a little bit of trouble of looking for con mini. They were mini conchas we were looking for. Okay. And so a lot of the bakeries, because we do like to support local and small businesses, we were calling bakeries, but nobody had mini conchas. So I had stumbled across on Facebook somebody called La Concheria And I. I remember telling you, I was like, should I message her or not? Am I gonna look like this talker? And you're like, no, go ahead, message her. So I messaged her with the intention of actually helping her because she's a small business, she's home based, and I believe she won first prize for Concha throw down.

[27:29] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Yes, she did.

[27:31] ELIZABETH NAVA: So I was like, well, I mean, we're all about helping small businesses. And I was like, what a better way to help her, right? So I messaged her, and I was like, hey, how are you? We're trying to, like, we're Southside first. We host small businesses. Would you be interested in meeting with our advisor? Right? And then I sent her the flyer for the conchas, and she was like, oh, my God. Yes, I'm interested. Do you have conchas already? And I was like, well, actually, in the works of it, all of the bakeries only have regular size conchas. And she was like, I love. I would love to help you all. So we had our budget, and then she, within that, provided conchas for us for Southside at first, and it was a great turnout. A lot of people went and. Oh, and on a side note, I had asked to contact her for easier way of. Instead of messaging. Right. And I did notice she was having a little bit of trouble speaking with me in English, so I offered to answer in Spanish. She was like, muchas de gracias. Yeah. And so that's. I mean, I had never really. Everybody that we've met so far, most of them speak English and Spanish. Right, right. So she's one of my first persons that I actually feel that I've been able to help on a personal level. That's because of speaking Spanish.

[29:02] ROSANNA CASTORENO: That. That's great. I really love her backstory to, you know, her entering that contest as well. Do you remember the story? So she was talking about how her. Her husband's like, hey, enter this. And she was. She was kind of like, no, back and forth. She didn't want to do it. And I think she said she was crying to. And, you know, she was, like, looking at all these other bakeries that were entered into the contest, and she was like, they have beautiful, big businesses, and I'm just here on my little stove at home, and she won first place. So I thought that was pretty amazing and rewarding, you know, to see that, you know, you want something, you go for it, you know?

[29:43] ELIZABETH NAVA: And actually, I think. I believe that she did mention to me that she actually started baking around Covid.

[29:51] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Oh, okay.

[29:52] ELIZABETH NAVA: So I think it's great.

[29:53] ROSANNA CASTORENO: A lot of these businesses have started during the pandemic because they had to find different ways to make money.

[30:00] ELIZABETH NAVA: Right.

[30:00] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Yeah, I know. I have a friend that she was actually a nail tech, and during the pandemic, it was like, okay, you know, all these businesses were shutting down, so she started doing these pastries, healthy donuts, muffins, gluten free veganization. She tailors it to your liking, and it's a healthier way to, you know, eat the stuff that you want to eat, but without all the calories.

[30:26] ELIZABETH NAVA: And the guilt.

[30:27] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Yeah, and the guilt. So that's awesome. So that's beauty nutrition. And then they also do a amino splash, which is. They have 50 grams of protein and creatine in it. So I think that's really amazing how she has, you know, now they sell her items at the gym and things like that, so, yeah.

[30:47] ELIZABETH NAVA: Yeah, it's really nice that how people, a lot of business have been able.

[30:52] ROSANNA CASTORENO: To flourish because of COVID definitely.

[30:57] ELIZABETH NAVA: All right. Well, thank you so much for meeting with me today, Rosanna.

[31:00] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Likewise, Elizabeth. And if you want to follow us, can you follow us at Southside? Or you could follow [email protected].

[31:08] ELIZABETH NAVA: Dot thank you.

[31:11] ROSANNA CASTORENO: Thank you.