Women’s History Month with Leslie Botello

Leslie Botello was promoted a year ago to Director of Operations at Civilitude Group and made history by being the first woman on the leadership team. She started as an assistant to the founder of Civilitude Group, Fayez Kazi and now Civilitude Engineers and Planners President, Nhat Ho. She has been a crucial part of the growth and success of the group while being a leader to many who have worked alongside her. For this Women’s History Month, we honor Leslie for her achievements and dedication to Civilitude Group and for empowering those around her.

Leslie didn’t always know that she wanted to work in operations but she decided to take a chance and see where the path would go. Growing up, Leslie worked with the understanding that there is no limit to what women and men can do. Being the oldest of four girls, she grew accustomed to helping her mother and father around the house. If her father needed help in the yard, he wouldn’t save the work for a man but leaned on the women around him. He helped foster an environment for Leslie where she could learn about whatever she gained interest in, regardless of her gender. This has shaped Leslie into who she is today.

“I don’t mind being the woman in a male dominated space. I feel empowered to take on more challenges within my life.”

While Leslie might be one of the few women in a male dominated space, she hasn’t let it get in the way of her growth. An important key to her success has been the support she’s received to explore her strengths and work on her weaknesses. Within four years, Leslie moved from an assistant role to the Director of Operations at Civilitude Group.

One of the biggest challenges Leslie has faced is conquering the imposter syndrome. There were many times when she doubted herself and struggled to find the confidence to let her voice be heard. Coming into a team mostly made of men, and often being the youngest one in the room, created a mental barrier for Leslie. However, she overcame the negative self-talk and told herself that she could do it. She found herself working as one with the team and felt empowered to pursue opportunities and express herself.

Leslie learned that having a team has been the best way to make decisions. Being an analytical person, she likes to create various solutions to a problem, then consult with her team to come to the best decision. Leslie will always have the big picture in mind and supports the trial and error process. Civilitude Group has grown fast, and there have been times when several people doubted themselves. What Leslie has learned is to lean on the people around her because the employees who do the job everyday tend to have the right answers.

As she puts it, “being a leader is not just making decisions for people, but to use the people around you to help make the best decision as a team.”

A goal of Leslie’s is to continue empowering women around her. She does it within her family, with her friends and by volunteering to help women in STEM. Her doors are always open to talk about the dealings of life and being a woman in business because she knows her voice makes an impact.

Being a Latina, Leslie believes that it is important to show representation. There are a growing number of Latinx leaders, but there is a need for more. Outside of work she has volunteered at several Latinx organizations around Austin. Leslie believes that the past and present accomplishments of women should be praised and shared for the benefit of our future sons and daughters.

“When women are supported, they are capable of doing many things and people should support that. If one woman can do it, so can the next.”

Besides being a rockstar at Civilitude Group, Leslie takes time to enjoy the little moments by hiking, paddle boarding and going for strolls downtown with Merit coffee in her hand. She is currently on track for completing her MBA in May 2022. Her bucket list item is to take an Antarctic cruise and whale watch with penguins!

There is no doubt that she will achieve her dreams, and even more so, that any woman can! Happy Women’s History Month!