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Women of Distinction

Kristy Valdivia grew up After graduating, one of
in Pavilion New York, a small Kristy’s first jobs, which she
town in Upstate New York. had to admit was a lot of fun,
“There was one stoplight in my was working a contract job
town and more cows than peo- for Club Med. This showed
ple.” Kristy remained there un- yet another side of Kristy...her
til college when she ventured creative, talented and expres-
to SUNY Oswego, a top-rated sive nature. “Part of my job
state school in upstate New was entertainment, so I had
York. “Along with a great the opportunity to sing and
reputation there was an awful dance. I performed daily and
lot of snow! I was an intercolle- was fortunate to meet people
giate athlete, playing four years from all over the world. It was
of volleyball, while carrying a a fun job, but after it ended,
dual major in business admin- I wanted to aim towards my
istration and communication ultimate goal.”
studies. My concentrations However, it was this job
were in Marketing and Public which actually led Kristy from
Relations.” New York to San Diego. Some
With such a demanding of her fellow employees were
schedule, there was little time moving to San Diego and they
for much more than excelling invited her to come check it
academically and athletically out.
as an all-conference player and Always up for a new
carrying a GPA of 3.5. Full adventure, Kristy flew to
of drive and determination, San Diego, one suitcase in
Kristy even managed to fit in Photo Courtesy of Kristy Valdivia hand and a one-way ticket.
a semester abroad in London, “I figured I would book my
where she then traveled to return trip when I was ready
France, Italy and Ireland. to go home. It was February
“When people ask what Kristy Valdivia and freezing cold when I left
I feel played the biggest part New York. There I was in San
in my work ethic and drive, I Diego in sunshine and no
have to credit being an athlete. snow. I met some people, they
I was born and raised in an Field Marketing Manager gave me a job, I got a car, I got
extremely supportive athletic Boston Scientific an apartment and called my
family, so having that mental- parents and said, I love you,
ity has been the foundation of but I’m not coming back.”
anything I chose to do in my By Judith A. Habert Kristy’s goal when she
life. You learn dedication, time graduated college was to get
management, and tenacity, and a couple of years of business
so much more as an athlete. had to wear a 24-hour brace which I named Millie, came sales experience and then to
That was put to the test while for 5 years, which included with me everywhere I went get into medical sales. Kristy
balancing dual majors and the her middle/high school years. for those five years. I had to did just that, she spent four
demands placed on me as in- However, this did not deter wear it to school every day and years working a B2B sales
tercollegiate athlete to excel on her from pursuing athletics change in and out of it during jobs and was thrilled when
the field and in class. I would and dance. Her doctor at gym class, and sleep in it at she landed her first job in her
also say I have an innate inter- the time was pushing her to night. Although it was a tough dream field. “I was recruited to
nal fire in my belly, and that have surgery at such a young time for me, it helped me to work for Johnson and John-
has been an important driving age, and this would limit her understand the importance of son, which was a big hitter
force in my career as well.” Volleyball career and her gaining self-confidence and in the industry. I started off
Kristy had struggled with range of motion. She opted to feeling proud of who I was, working in pharmaceutical
a diagnosis of scoliosis since stay fit and be an advocate to even though I was perceived sales and continued to get
she was in second grade and health and fitness. “My brace, ‘different’.” promoted along the way.”

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