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As senior story producer and host at Amazon, Andrea Marquez is able to highlight small business stories, bring attention to growing businesses, and provide resources for entrepreneurs of all kinds. But her most important role might be that of child advocate. Marquez’s work on behalf of displaced children at America’s border is as inspiring as it is critical.
Get to know an executive who sheds light on future business leaders while dedicating an incredible amount of time to those who need it most.
What do you do today?
I develop and lead the production of podcasts under Amazon Retail with the purpose of highlighting small business stories and providing an accessible resource and tool for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in any stage of their journey. My role is to support all small businesses while also being a voice and representative of the brand as the host.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
Developing and launching a successful Amazon small business brand.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
Volunteering as a child advocate and looking out for the best interest of displaced children at the border.
How do you tackle problems and overcome challenges?
I take everything one step at a time and break all challenges up into smaller ones.
What do you do today to impact your community?
I am a child advocate at the Young Center where I advocate in the best interest of children displaced at the border. I do this because I am a border child myself and would like to be a voice for those who don’t yet know how to voice their needs.
I am also on the board of the Patient Empowerment Network (PEN), an organization that provides free resources for cancer patients and their loved ones. I am part of PEN because my mother has cancer and I would like to help those who are not in the same position to know what to do when they receive a diagnosis. I am also on the board of Latinx Professionals because I believe in giving back to my community and helping younger professionals understand that they have opportunities available to them, as well.
Describe yourself in five words.
Caring, intelligent, loyal, ambitious, creative.
What are your future goals?
Continue to tell stories at a larger magnitude with a greater platform, become more involved in the startup/business community as a mentor/investor, and have a greater influence and impact in the Hispanic community.
What is your favorite form of self-care?
Spending time with my family doing anything.
What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?
Read or building with Legos.
What does making NextGen Collective’s 30 Under 30 list mean to you?
It is a great honor to be recognized among this list. It means I am doing something right and this only pushes me to do more and truly make a difference in my community and beyond.
What is your personal theme song?
“Good as Hell” by Lizzo and “Badass Woman” by Meghan Trainor
What is your Latino background?
I am Mexican, Honduran, and American. I was born at the border of Texas and Mexico, and raised on the Mexico side. My mother is Mexican and my father is Honduran.
Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity.
