Headshots of nine women of different ethnicities, all smiling. “When young girls watched Kamala Harris take the oath of office as the first woman to become U.S. vice president, they could envision their own future. It seemed a moment that showed us that a woman can achieve anything,” wrote Miami Parking Authority CEO Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP, in the Miami Herald last week. “Still, although there are dozens of women breaking the glass ceiling in various professions, women still lag in many markers of success.”

Argudin, treasurer of IPMI’s Board of Directors, wrote about her family, led by a single mom after the death of her father, going without a lot but feeling lucky and able–and encouraged–to share what they had. The article then talks about her becoming the first woman to lead the Miami Parking Authority just eight days before COVID hit last spring, and that her first reaction–along with many in parking and mobility–was to serve the community and share what was available. From that spirit came the curbside zones that helped many businesses survive the last year, along with many other initiatives in the same spirit.

“The Authority, through a wide range of operational and marketing initiatives, has given more than $1 million in in-kind, on-street parking to restaurants and customers in Miami,” wrote Argudin.

We’re proud to share the article on International Women’s Day, proud of the role parking and mobility has played in keeping the nation moving during a year of unimaginable challenge, and proud to be part of an industry in which women like Alex are leading the way. Read her whole article here.

By Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, #BalanceforBetter, couldn’t hit closer to home! As a professional in an unbalanced industry–parking–I have always strived to work hard and be confident about being able to perform at the same level, if not a higher one, than any of my counterparts.

I face everyday challenges feeling that I will come out as the champ. Sometimes I win and most times I learn, which is also winning. My most valuable lesson to date has been taking advantage of the opportunities that have been given to me. As a woman boss, it is my duty to mentor and encourage other women to pursue opportunities and to work hard for a seat at the table. For a woman, it is not different than for anyone else. We shouldn’t back down from something just because it’s out of the norm. On the contrary–that is the opportunity to demonstrate the difference that you can make.

As a mother of two very active baseball boys, the struggle can sometimes become too real. How can one be a professional and at the same time be a good mom, wife, friend, and well-rounded human being? There is no correct answer, but I do know that it takes a village and the magic word is SUPPORT. We need to support each other and let one another know that it is okay to strike a balance. Learning to balance professional and personal life while encouraging other women around me to do the same is very empowering, mostly because the results have always been better than expected.

You quickly realize the type of footprint you leave behind, whether at your workplace, at home, or on those around us. If you don’t find an opportunity, create one and own it. You will be surprised at the impact you can make.

Alejandra “Alex” Argudin, CAPP, is chief operations officer of the Miami Parking Authority.

Tag Archives: international womens day

Women, Parking and Mobility, and Leadership

#BalanceForBetter: My Experience