Luiza Ozorio de Oliveira tells us how she’s taking care of her health during Latinx Heritage Month with family, Brazilian TV, and wakeboarding
Through uncertain times, even though we’re currently apart, we can still be together. Our Latinx Heritage Month theme for 2020, “¡Salud y Unidad!,” celebrates the ways we can foster health and community at Dropbox, regardless of distance or differences. We caught up with Luiza Ozorio de Oliveira to find out how she’s focusing on creating unity and taking care of her health at work, at home, outdoors, and beyond.
What is your job title and what team are you on?
I’m a business development representative on the Global Sales and Channel team, specifically Latin America.
What office/region do you work in?
In the Austin office.
Did you have any assumptions about Dropbox as a product or a company that proved untrue once you started working here?
I had only used Dropbox as a personal solution before, but I joined to sell Dropbox Business. I didn’t even know it was a product! It was a great surprise for me.
Do you have any memories that stick out from your first day at Dropbox?
My first day was onboarding in the San Francisco office. It was my first time in SF, I moved from Brazil less than a year ago, so everything was still new for me. I loved the city, and the office there is awesome. I had a great time there, the onboarding team made the experience incredible and so much fun!
What does this year’s theme “Salud y unidad!” or “Saúde e unidade” mean to you?
We’ve got a lot of time to be introspective now, thinking about self-knowledge and our personal purpose. More than ever, people are recognizing that health and well-being are essential. In addition, we must think about collectivity and the importance of achieving improvements in society. I really believe “salud y unidad” are necessary for a happier and more complete life journey.
What’s your favorite part of the Latinx ERG?
I still miss all my family and friends and the food from Brazil. When I saw there was a group to discuss not only the culture but so many other things, I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new people! When we meet people who know a little bit about our culture and our food and even little things like the weather, we build a special connection. We feel like part of something, and that part of our culture is still here.
Do you have a favorite Dropbox moment or event?
I love All Hands (our monthly company-wide meeting.) It’s a great opportunity to be with everyone in the same space, get updates, and feel part of the company when we are together.
What office would you most like to visit post-quarantine?
Anywhere that’s possible! I love traveling. I want to get to know all the offices and the people who work in them. New York is on my wish list, so that would be a good place to start.
What part of the office do you miss most during quarantine?
I got to be in the office during my interviews, and I miss everything! I love the Tuck Shop (our employee cafeteria.) The people who work there are so kind, and the food is wonderful. I also miss the environment — I was a lawyer in Brazil, and the environment was totally different. I like to wear a t-shirt and be comfortable, I like to put my ideas in and get results — that has nothing to do with the clothes I’m wearing.
Are there any pieces of Latinx content you’ve been binging during distributed work?
I have read some books and watched some Brazilian series and movies. The last one I watched was “Girls from Ipanema,” which is a Brazilian period drama set in the 50s. It’s awesome and I really recommend it!
Are there any hobbies you have been using to fill your time during distributed work?
I’m enjoying staying home with my family and exploring parks with our dog. Austin has some incredible outdoor spots, and I’m in love with the lakes! My new hobby is wakeboarding. I love sports in general, so this is a good time to learn something new outside!
If you were the front man/woman of a band, what would it be called and/or what type of music would you play?
If I had a band, it would be named “Elis,” after Elis Regina — a great MPB singer. I am eclectic and I like several styles of music, but my favorite one is Brazilian popular music. We are a country with a great culture and many incredible artists.
Our ERGs are the backbone of our culture at Dropbox. You can learn more about how they support Dropboxers of all backgrounds here.
