Employee Spotlight: Blanca Quintanilla
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, and moved to Southern California when I was a teenager. I consider both to be home.
Tell us something unique about yourself.
For a few years I enjoyed a career that took me across the United States and Europe. I worked as a Software Trainer for the Department of Defense, traveling to numerous Army bases to support system conversions for hospitality software. The role allowed me to combine technical expertise with training and relationship-building while experiencing different parts of the world.
What do you like best about working at Innovest?
What I appreciate most about Innovest is the firm's genuine commitment to serving both clients and one another. It's a place where relationships matter, collaboration is valued, and everyone works together to create meaningful outcomes.
How do you give back to your community?
Outside of work, service plays a significant role in my life. At Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, I teach religious education and serve on the Charity Fund Committee. I am also involved with prison ministry, supporting young people at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center. In addition, I help organize the annual Advent by Candlelight event, contributing to programs that bring people together in faith and community. Through these efforts, I consistently invest my time and energy into making a positive impact on the lives of others.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Creativity and family are central to how I spend my free time. I enjoy making wire-wrapped jewelry, in which I seek to engage the creative side of my brain. I also love gardening with my mom, spending time with family, dancing, and enjoying a well-earned Sunday afternoon nap. These simple pleasures help me stay grounded and connected to the people I love most.
Tell us about your family.
Family is one of my greatest sources of joy and inspiration. I’m the proud mother of a daughter who recently graduated from college and is now pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy; she is my constant source of motivation and pride. As the youngest of three siblings, I share a close bond with my two brothers and my mom. My oldest brother and his family live just a few blocks away, which makes it easy to gather for dinners, celebrations, and everyday moments. While my other brother still calls California home, we stay closely connected and make the most of our time together.
What is your favorite dessert?
It's a tie between a delicate pavlova and plantain empanadas filled with custard, a Salvadoran original