“My passion is moving organizations and people forward, and nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing positive change in the community,” says Otero. “It’s more of a life choice than a career choice.”
In her current position -- vice president of external affairs at West Palm Beach-based Palm Healthcare Foundation – Otero focuses on fundraising and developing strategic partnerships with community organizations. She was drawn by the foundation’s mission to inspire and fund solutions to improve health.
“We focus grants on opportunities to support care for the underserved, strengthen the health care system, and serve as a catalyst for change,” she explains, noting that, during the past 10 years, the foundation has granted more than $45 million to about 95 nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County.
Outside the office, the alumna shares her skills as strategic planning chair of the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, and as a member of Leadership Palm Beach County, a nonprofit that unites local leaders in community building.
Otero carved out an early niche in community causes. Her years at a Boston advertising agency from 1992 to 1996 included a steady stream of pro bono projects.
“Anytime we offered our services to help a nonprofit, I volunteered to serve as the account person,” says the New York State native. “It usually meant extra hours, but it was truly a labor of love.”
Her service bent continued when she joined Sappi Fine Paper North America in 1997 as head of corporate communications. Among her accomplishments: starting a nationwide program to give employees 24 hours of paid time per year for community service. Her work to engage colleagues in the Reading Is Fundamental children’s literacy program earned the Maine Governor’s Service Award for Corporate Volunteerism in 2001.
“You really become part of something bigger than yourself.” observes Otero, who credits Bentley for helping to inspire her service-centered career choices. The Five-Year BA/MBA program “married my love for the liberal arts with a solid business foundation.”
She also draws on the experience of having studied in Madrid, Spain, during her junior year. The cultural immersion helps Otero tackle challenges in a demographically and economically diverse community.
“Most people think of Palm Beach County as having great wealth—and it does—but there is also great poverty,” she notes. “The people we try to help come from many different backgrounds and life experiences. I’ve learned that solutions to societal problems are never one-size-fits-all.”
