Everyone carries a story shaped by their experiences, and Mayra Salinas-Godsey is no exception. Graduating from the Law Magnet in 2010, she went on to study at Southern Methodist University. Today, she is an educator, entrepreneur, and NYU Certified Executive Coach. As the CEO and Founder of Gran Via Realty, LLC, a real estate investment company based in Texas, and Mayra Salinas, LLC, a dynamic coaching and consulting enterprise serving clients nationwide, Mayra exemplifies the essence of leadership and innovation. From the halls of Townview to her current endeavors in New York, Mayra’s journey showcases her commitment to empathy, authenticity, and empowering others. I recently had the opportunity to connect with her to discuss her career and the valuable insights she has gained. Here are her thoughts:
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What’s a typical day like for you?
“As a Residence Hall Director at NYU working with first-year students, each day presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. My daily responsibilities encompass a diverse range of activities, including managing communications via emails, coordinating and participating in meetings, addressing and resolving crisis situations, overseeing project management, and actively engaging with students.”
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What advice would you give to those stepping into new beginnings or unfamiliar environments?
“Build Relationships: Make an effort to connect with others. Building relationships with classmates, professors, and mentors can provide support and enhance your overall experience.
Stay True to Yourself: While it’s great to adapt and grow, don’t lose sight of who you are. Stay true to your values and interests, even as you explore new areas.
Take Care of Your Well-Being: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding ways to manage stress.
Be Patient: Adjusting to a new environment takes time. Give yourself grace as you navigate this transition and remember that it’s normal to experience a mix of excitement and challenges.”
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Can you share any challenges you faced especially moments when you felt out of place or lacked a sense of community?
“Homesickness: Moving away from home can bring a sense of isolation and homesickness. I felt this the most when I moved abroad and lived in Barcelona, Spain for my junior year in college. I did my best to stay connected with family and friends, but also immersed myself in campus life to build new connections and create a sense of belonging.
Building a Sense of Community: In a big city, it can be easy to feel like just another face in the crowd. I was very intentional to engage in my work, community events and local groups related to my interests to create connections and find a sense of belonging. I challenged myself to meet new people and try new things.”
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What practices or habits keep you grounded in your day-to-day life?
“Establishing a Routine: A consistent daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy. It helps in managing time effectively and reduces decision fatigue.
Setting Goals and Priorities: Identify what’s most important to you and set both short-term and long-term goals. This helps in maintaining focus and motivation.
Reflecting and Journaling: Spending time reflecting on your day or journaling can help you process your thoughts and feelings, and track your personal growth.
Incorporating Therapy into My Self-Care Routine: Adding therapy to my self-care routine has been life-changing. It provides valuable support, insights, and strategies for managing life’s challenges and improving overall mental health.”
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What inspired you to pursue your career?
“What inspired me to pursue my career was a mentor who saw potential in me and helped guide my direction. At the time, I wasn’t fully aware of the possibilities or opportunities in this field, but my mentor recognized my skills and encouraged me to explore higher education. Their belief in my abilities and their guidance opened my eyes to a career path I hadn’t previously considered.”
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What connections or relationships have been most helpful in your career?
“Mentors: Mentors have been incredibly valuable in providing guidance, advice, and support. I built these relationships by seeking out individuals whose work I admired and who had experience in areas I wanted to grow in.
Colleagues: Strong relationships with colleagues have been essential for collaboration and professional development. I cultivated these connections by being an active and supportive team member, participating in team projects, and engaging in open communication. Building trust and respect through consistent, high-quality work and a collaborative attitude helped solidify these relationships.
Academic Advisors and Professors: During my educational journey, I built relationships with professors and academic advisors who provided valuable advice and connections to professional opportunities. As a professor, this is how I get to know, connect and empower my students during their undergraduate careers and beyond.”
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How would you like to be remembered?
“I’d like to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about others, offering support, encouragement, and understanding. Making a difference in people’s lives by being a good listener, mentor, and friend is something I aspire to. I hope to be known for a dedication to continuous learning and personal growth, both for myself and others. Inspiring people to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals would be a fulfilling part of my legacy. I hope people remember me for my integrity and authenticity—living and working in a way that reflects honesty, ethical behavior, and staying true to my values.”
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How did your time at SMU prepare you for your career and life?
“My time at Southern Methodist University (SMU) was instrumental in shaping both my personal and professional life. The challenging coursework and diverse curriculum at SMU honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This rigorous academic environment taught me how to approach complex issues analytically and creatively, which has been essential in my career.
Through internships, projects, and practical experiences offered by SMU, I gained real-world experience and a better understanding of my field. These opportunities helped me apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and prepared me for the demands of the professional world.”
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How did you find your opportunity in New York?
“I discovered the job posting for New York University on LinkedIn. Prior to applying, I had completed a summer internship at NYU during my graduate studies three years earlier. This internship was instrumental in securing my current role, as it provided me with valuable connections and practical experience that significantly contributed to my success during the interview process.”
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How do you deal with imposter syndrome?
“Dealing with imposter syndrome, particularly as a first-generation Latina college graduate, involves a combination of strategies to build confidence and acknowledgement of my achievements. I had to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially among those who are first-generation or come from underrepresented backgrounds. Acknowledging these feelings as normal can help reduce their power over you. Sometimes, we just need to remind ourselves of our accomplishments and the hard work that led to them. Create a record of your successes, such as awards, positive feedback, or personal milestones, and review it whenever you need a confidence boost.”
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How has your relationship with your family changed since you moved away?
“Strengthened Communication: Distance has made us more intentional with regular video calls and texts, enhancing our connection.
Enhanced Appreciation: Being away has increased my appreciation for family time and made our visits more meaningful.
Increased Independence: Physical distance has fostered my independence and allowed my family to adapt and support my growth from afar.
New Perspectives: Living away has given me a fresh view on family dynamics, deepening my appreciation for our relationships.
Deeper Emotional Connection: The challenges of distance have strengthened our emotional bond, making us more empathetic and supportive.
Planning Visits and Special Occasions: We now prioritize planning visits and special occasions, making our time together more significant and memorable.”
Mayra’s journey from the Law Magnet to NYC shows what’s possible with community and determination. You can connect with Mayra on LinkedIn at Mayra Salinas-Godsey, M.Ed, or follow her on Instagram @mayraksalinas.
