“Success is measured by the people around you and the lives that you have touched and those that you have yet to serve,” writes Terry Alderete.
“Success is being able to give back and share your expertise and talents so in some way others can succeed and meet their visions and dreams,” adds Alderete in her response to questions asked for her recent induction into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame.
A resident of Newark, Alderete has received public recognition many times before, though everyone who knows her understands that the recognition is not what drives her.
“Recognition happens, I don’t go looking for recognition,” she says. “It happens when you help people.”
Helping people in a number of ways is clearly what drives Alderete, who is known for her tireless work ethic and positive attitude. She is known throughout the Bay Area for organizing community events like Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, and many other events for non-profits and business groups. She has done a lot of volunteer work and she loves working with non-profit organizations that are helping people.
People who know Terry see her as a prime example of people who love their work and make it look easy because it is their passion.
“All of us are born with a natural talent to do something,” she states. “I was meant to do the work I am doing. My business now is doing what I love to do making people happy and having fun.”
Through organizing large community events, Alderete says that what makes her happy is to see all the families coming to the event and enjoy it. “I want to see them have a good time,” she states.
What motivates you?
“My family has always motivated me, wanting my kids to have a good education. Also, to help encourage people to get over their fears and get out of fear. I see so many people who live out of fear, and they don’t try things.
And to help people develop leadership – that’s very important to me. To create a space so others can grow and see what´s inside of them.”
What women have inspired you?
“I was fortunate to have two mothers as role models - my mother Rose Enciso and my aunt Beatris Gomez, who both immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico. They taught me the values of strength, hard work, optimism, persistence and resilience.
What advice would you give young women who want to be successful?
Start with a vision, a picture of what success is for you. Hold that vision and work to make it a reality! On anything you set out to accomplish always identify what success looks like when you have reached your goal. That focus will keep you on track. Finally, find in yourself what you do best! All of us are born with a God given talent! Whatever it is, if you find a way to manifest it in your work or in your life, you can’t help but be successful!”
Creating events and joyful experiences for people is clearly Alderete´s natural talent, which has brought her success and happiness. Along with the natural talent, she also has the necessary desire and action. “If there is something I want to do, I´m going to try to do it,” she says. “It’s an attitude – you´ve got to be it. You can´t just want it, you have to do it.”