Early in her career, Autumn Rose Vargas took unpaid internships to build her résumé. She admits that she also suffered from “imposter syndrome,” and thought she might not belong at a top firm or tech company. “I took roles that I excelled in, but didn’t even cover lunch,” she recalls.
The gamble paid off, and now Vargas is certain people like her belong in top tech jobs. She’s thriving as an account manager at Pinterest. In fact, Vargas was part of the savvy organization’s first intern class. It’s a status she’s accustomed to.
Growing up in underserved communities like the Bronx presented obstacles, but the determined student of Afro-Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican descent became the first in her family to graduate from high school. Vargas continued her education at Baruch College, where she earned a degree in business and corporate communications.
Today, the Pinterest pro is passionate about Latine youth having a fair chance in the corporate world and receiving adequate access to mentors and programs. She’s busy building out a leadership and development program for future junior employees, and as an employee resource group lead, Vargas helps lead career panels for middle school students.
Connect with Autumn on LinkedIn.
