Skip to content

5 Things You Didn’t Know About…

Posted by California Employers Association on May 1, 2024

Tags:

What you didn’t know about….
Israel Villasenor, CEO, Integrated Molecular Diagnostics recently joined CEA's Board of Directors; and Melissa Hotell, one of CEA’s HR Business Partners.

Israel Villasenor, CEO, Integrated Molecular Diagnostics, CEA Board Member

1. What was your first job?

Working at my parent’s stores in Mexico. They owned three retail stores selling women’s clothing and accessories.

2. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

My father told us: A wise man learns from others’ mistakes.  A smart man learns from their own mistakes. A dummy never learns and keeps making the same mistakes. We each have a choice to be one of these three, and it is up to me to decide which one I am every day.

3. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career?

Recognize that every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop. Understand that no one starts at the top, and we must climb our way toward our goals. There are boulders, rocks, and obstacles that we will encounter, be flexible enough to get pass them and wise enough to look for the pathway to achieve your goals. Also, focus on goals that are not just beneficial to you as an individual, rather focus on goals that impact society and your community instead. This way, you are benefiting more than just yourself, you are creating a group of professionals with ethical and social connections.

4. What is your favorite quote, motto, or words you live by?

If your problem has a solution, why worry. If your problem DOES NOT have a solution, why worry!

5. What's one thing on your bucket list?

A trip to Europe with my wife. It is something we have yet to do.

 

Melissa Hotell, HR Business Partner, CEA

1. What's your favorite quote, motto, or words to live by?

The most important things in life aren't things.

2. What was your first job?

My parents opened a 24-hour restaurant when I was 5 years old. The entire family pitched in to keep it going. I started my illustrious restaurant career pulling weeds, graduated to busing tables, then hostess, and the pinnacle, serving. Growing up in the restaurant business taught me the value of hard work, teamwork and not to be a slacker.

3. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career?

Everything in moderation. Balance is key. Too much of anything is not good.

4. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Red Bluff, CA. Home of the largest 3-day rodeo in the county.

5. What one thing on your bucket list?

A cruise down the Danube River. Coming soon!