By Rachel Sokol
Telecom trailblazers transform connectivity and networking as a battle for digital supremacy continues amid a surge in the metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI)
The tech revolution and demand within the telecom industry continues to grow and evolve, spurring the constant need for top-notch talent to advance telecom, and to transform connectivity and networking for the better.
The Hispanic employees and telecom trailblazers featured here outline their roles within the flourishing, tech-forward, and tech-first telecom industry, and impart essential career advice.
Cuevas Applies Research Results to Marketing Strategy at T-Mobile
A typical day for Ximena Cuevas, a senior director of marketing for brand at T-Mobile, is a “blend of activities.”
According to Cuevas, this involves everything from conducting one-on-one meetings with her team to provide coaching and guidance, as well as participating in cross-functional project meetings to advance or review project content. “And attending leadership meetings where I’ll present new initiatives or report on results from previous marketing initiatives and projects.”
Cuevas’ role further involves overseeing local, segment (Hispanic, 55 and older, military), and network marketing efforts.
She enjoys working on projects that implement strategies derived from research and insights. “For example, I’ve developed local marketing strategies for small markets and rural areas, and crafted an acculturation strategy for the Hispanic market.”
Extracting valuable insights and creating unique plans that resonate with consumers is truly what drives her. “Being Hispanic is like having a superpower for me. Navigating dual cultures helps me see things from different perspectives and better understand where people are coming from,” she elaborates.
Understanding cultural nuance, explains Cuevas, is the key to success. “I lead with my instincts and passion, ensuring that I prioritize what’s best for our customers, employees, and T-Mobile in everything I do.”
She enjoys listening to tech podcasts during her morning commute and carving out time each week to read relevant industry articles. “Staying connected to what’s happening in the wireless industry is important to me, as is talking to consumers and our frontline employees regularly.”
When it comes to technology, Cuevas relies on Power BI for analytics and Microsoft products for day-to-day projects. “I’m also exploring the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with Microsoft Copilot, which is an exciting new frontier for us. Working in the wireless industry means embracing constant change and learning to thrive in a fast-paced environment,” she adds.
If you, like Cuevas, enjoy staying on your toes and adapting quickly, then you’ll thrive in this industry. “Success here is about being comfortable with the rapid pace and seamlessly adjusting to new developments. It’s rewarding to know that the products we develop play a crucial role in keeping people connected,” she further notes.
At T-Mobile, “we understand that rapid technical advancements are key to staying competitive, both as a company and as professionals,” she continues.
“T-Mobile is committed to the growth and development of its teams, and we’re encouraged to continue learning throughout our career journeys. This commitment to on-going development is something I truly appreciate about working here.”
When job-hunting, it’s essential to put yourself out there, stresses Cuevas. “Make that call, send that email, attend local networking events, ask questions, and seek advice,” she urges. “The worst that can happen is someone might say no, but, more often than not, people want to help.”
T-Mobile is headquartered in Bellevue, WA. Apply online for jobs at careers.t-mobile.com. Follow on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Nieves Celebrates Communication & Culture at Verizon
The journey of Joseph R. (Joe) Nieves, Jr. with Verizon began during a work stoppage in 2016 when he was hired as a manager overseeing contractors. This led to a full-time position shortly after that.
Today, Nieves, a native New Yorker who studied at New York City College of Technology, works in the transformation office within Verizon’s global network and technology department where he enhances business efficiency.
“My role isn’t your typical finance role,” the senior manager of financial planning analysis explains. “While I deal with numbers and money, my primary focus is on validating cost-saving opportunities.”
Nieves works with various business partners to “ensure that any proposed savings are legitimate and not already accounted for in the budget,” he adds.
During his time at Verizon, he’s also helped streamline internal communication processes using Slack and Google Sheets.
In terms of job advice, Nieves believes that “technical skills can be taught, but soft skills like empathy, communication and genuinely caring about others are invaluable.”
These transferable skills, he further feels, are essential in any job, field, or function. “And they’ve served me well throughout my career. Showing that you care in a sincere and natural way goes a long way, not just for your job, but also for your personal integrity.”
Nieves leads the Latino employee resource group (ERG) at Verizon, which has more than 5,000 members. “Our cabinet, consisting of about 25 folks, is gearing up for Hispanic Heritage Month, and I’m excited to share more of our culture with Verizon.”
In fact, Nieves and his family proudly represented Verizon – and celebrated their heritage – at the 2024 Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York, NY.
He’s come quite far from his childhood, growing up on public assistance. “I didn’t have the best start,” he reveals.
“But my children have motivated me to push harder and be better. They inspire me to work with passion, not just for myself, but also for their future. They’ve made me want more, and that’s pushed me to interweave that passion into my work.”
He also shares a crucial story about being yourself at any job. “Before I joined Verizon, I was told that I didn’t have the ‘corporate look,’ and wasn’t polished enough. So I decided to change how I acted, spoke, and presented myself, aiming to be more refined.”
He received a promotion, but his very polished boss told him that he needs to be true to himself. “’I didn’t bring you in here to be someone else. I brought you in here to be yourself,’” shares Nieves, recounting what his boss said to him.
“That’s when I truly learned the importance of being authentic. It’s not just about being honest or a good person. It’s about building real, meaningful connections. Networking isn’t just about what others can do for you, but also about what you can do for them. Your network should extend in all directions – above, laterally, and even below – because you never know where you’ll find yourself in your career.”
For Nieves, Verizon has been a great place to work. “It genuinely feels like family. The culture here is outstanding. People care about each other, the customers, and the community,” he concludes.
Verizon is headquartered in New York, NY. Apply online for jobs at mycareer.verizon.com. Follow on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Barajas Optimizes Supply Chain Operations at EchoStar
As a senior commodity manager in the enterprise supply chain at EchoStar, Gustavo (Gus) Barajas, PMP, CSCP, CPIM is involved in the procurement of critical components, optimizing supply chain operations and ensuring cost-efficiency.
“A typical day includes negotiating with suppliers, analyzing market trends, developing procurement strategies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align supply chain activities with business objectives,” he details.
“My mornings start with reviewing key performance metrics and addressing any urgent issues, followed by strategic planning and project meetings throughout the day.”
Barajas recently led the strategic sourcing of two transformational enterprise supply chain applications. This project focused on reducing costs and improving the value of the company’s products without compromising quality.
“Through meticulous analysis and cross-departmental collaboration, we achieved significant cost-savings and enhanced our product offerings,” he notes.
Another notable achievement for Barajas was participating in the development of a resource-sharing model that improved efficiency and reduced lead times.
For his work, Barajas relies on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage procurement and supply chain processes. “Tools such as Tableau and Power BI are essential for data analysis and reporting,” he cites.
“Additionally, project management software helps in planning, tracking, and executing various initiatives effectively.”
To keep up in this fast-paced field, he attends industry conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations, and he values the insights gained from engaging with peers and thought leaders through forums and social media.
In fact, networking’s been a crucial aspect of Barajas’ career development. “LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with industry peers and staying updated on market trends,” he elaborates.
Barajas encourages other Hispanic individuals considering a career in telecom to embrace continuous learning and to seek mentorship. “Networking and finding mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance,” he points out.
His advice for Hispanic individuals considering a career in telecom is to embrace continuous learning and seek opportunities to expand your skill set. “Networking and finding mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance. Leverage your unique cultural perspective to offer innovative solutions and contribute to the diversity of thought within the industry. Stay resilient and proactive in pursuing your career goals.”
His cultural background has profoundly influenced his career and work ethic, instilling values like resilience, determination, and a strong sense of community. These values inspire him to excel in his role at EchoStar and contribute positively to his team and organization.
“The challenge of navigating complex projects and achieving impactful results motivates me to succeed in my role,” he concludes.
EchoStar is headquartered in Englewood, CO. Apply online for jobs at echostarcareers.com. Follow on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
Vélez-Silva Spearheads Multicultural Efforts at Comcast
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the youngest of four children, and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, José E. Vélez-Silva is now the vice president of multicultural strategy, operations and community engagement at Comcast.
“My Puerto Rican heritage and Hispanic culture at large are huge sources of pride for me. My interest in leadership comes from my background. Many of my family members have been leaders in a variety of sectors, from the military to the public and private sectors. This was the result of the strong emphasis both my parents’ families placed on education,” Vélez-Silva reflects.
“The possibility of making a positive change in the way people see a brand or organization motivates me tremendously and fuels my passion. I keep myself motivated by committing to making my family, friends, and loved ones proud of me. If I’ve achieved this at the end of the day, then I feel I’ve reached my full potential.”
Vélez-Silva recently served as the vice president of integrated multicultural brand marketing for Comcast. In his new role now as the vice president of multicultural strategy, operations, and community engagement, he’s working on refocusing and rebranding the multicultural efforts for the company.
“Ideally, the work I do will serve as the blueprint that other companies use to evolve their business models to prioritize diverse audiences in their marketing strategies. I’m proud to work at a company that places a priority on uplifting underserved communities through real, tangible actions,” he shares.
For example, he further explains, Comcast has launched Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity via programs and community partnerships that connect people to the internet, and advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.
Vélez-Silva is thrilled that Comcast’s Internet Essentials program brings low-cost, high-speed internet to low-income households that need access to high-speed internet. “This program helps individuals and families experiencing financial challenges stay connected.”
Comcast also partners with organizations like the Hispanic Federation to provide digital skills training to Latino communities, helping to increase career opportunities and create lasting impact.
His career advice for others to make their mark in marketing like he has is to not approach the Hispanic market as if it were a monolith. “This is the biggest mistake some marketers make in their approach. Understanding the nuances of the depth and breadth of cultures within the Hispanic Community is crucial,” he underscores.
Many companies aiming to engage this community effectively, and those poised for the most success, understand that one size doesn’t fit all, according to Vélez-Silva. “Be inspired by the storytelling power of Hispanic media and the ability to create and control our own narratives,” he urges.
Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Apply online for jobs at corporate.comcast.com/careers jobs.comcast.com. Follow on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Glassdoor, Instagram and YouTube.
Accelerating Telecom Digitalization & Expansion
Global telecom services are expected to grow more than 5% through 2028, according to Grand View Research. Even better, as a result, the job outlook for telecom through 2031 looks bright, and jobs are expected to grow faster than average by 8% a year.
Furthermore, the rapid growth of mobile networks, consumers’ desire to stay constantly connected, the expansion of 5G networks, companies sticking with their work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid work arrangements, and more are all helping to accelerate innovation and expansion in the telecom industry. Telecom is also accelerating digitalization by installing the necessary infrastructure, security, and applications as more businesses and customers go digital and remain remote.
As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects networking will grow by 15% and by more than 680,000 new job opportunities through 2031. BLS further predicts employment of telecom specialists will grow 6% and by about 31,500 new job opportunities by 2032. Occupational roles with openings include network engineers, administrators, architects, and managers, and all of those occupations are going to be needed to fill the necessary cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI (GenAI), and cybersecurity positions in telecom going forward.
Ximena Cuevas is a senior director of marketing for brand at T-Mobile.
“Make that call, send that email, attend local networking events, ask questions, and seek advice. The worst that can happen is someone might say no, but, more often than not, people want to help.”
Joseph R. (Joe) Nieves, Jr. is a senior manager of financial planning analysis who works in the transformation office within Verizon’s global network and technology department.
“Showing that you care in a sincere and natural way goes a long way, not just for your job, but also for your personal integrity.”
Gustavo (Gus) Barajas, PMP, CSCP, CPIM is a senior commodity manager in the enterprise supply chain at EchoStar.
“Networking and finding mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance.”
José E. Vélez-Silva is the vice president of multicultural strategy, operations and community engagement at Comcast.
“I keep myself motivated by committing to making my family, friends, and loved ones proud of me. If I’ve achieved this at the end of the day, then I feel I’ve reached my full potential.”