In this edition of our Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Valentina Storey, whose creative perspective plays an important role in how we communicate visually as a team. From marketing and social media to video production and content creation, her work reflects curiosity, intention, and a strong appreciation for storytelling.
Valentina joined Mayan Technologies as a graphic design intern and has grown into a multifaceted role supporting marketing and video production initiatives. Her journey reflects a willingness to learn, take on new challenges, and step outside her comfort zone while staying grounded in collaboration and accuracy.
In this article, Valentina shares her professional path, the experiences that have shaped her growth, and the personal passions that continue to inspire her both inside and outside of work.
Professional
Valentina’s professional journey at Mayan Technologies is defined by curiosity, steady growth, and a strong willingness to learn. From her early start as a graphic design intern to her current role supporting marketing and video production initiatives, her path reflects an evolving skill set and a thoughtful approach to creative work.
In this section, Valentina shares how her role has expanded over time, the experiences that have shaped her development, and how she balances creativity, accuracy, and collaboration in a fast-paced, technical environment. She also reflects on the projects that challenged her the most and the lessons that continue to guide her work today.
What do you do at Mayan Technologies?
At Mayan Technologies, I support marketing and video production efforts by helping create the content shared across our social channels. I work on the social media calendar, write post copy, and help create visual pieces, including images and videos.
I also support video production by editing videos submitted by team members, helping turn ideas and information into clear, polished content that’s ready to be shared.
If you weren’t in design or communications, what other career path might you have pursued?
Honestly, there were a lot of possibilities. I’ve always been interested in many different things. At different points, I thought about becoming a veterinarian, a chef, or even studying criminology. For a while, I was actually torn between graphic design and medicine, which are very different paths.
My dad and one of my cousins are doctors, so medicine was always present as an option. I even spent some time studying tourism because it felt like the easiest fit at the time, but after a year, I realized it wasn’t for me. That experience helped clarify what I really wanted, and that’s when I decided to pursue graphic design and animation. Looking back, medicine is probably the other path I could have followed, but design is where I truly found my place.
How do you approach creating content that balances technical accuracy with engaging visuals?
I rely heavily on the information provided by our consultants when it comes to videos, blogs, and other technical content. That information becomes the foundation for the copy and posts I create, which helps ensure accuracy since it’s coming directly from the experts.
If I’m ever unsure about something, especially when working on tips, educational posts, or “Did You Know” content, I always validate it. I double-check details with Jessica or the team because my expertise isn’t ERP or Epicor, and I don’t want to share anything that isn’t correct. Even if I find information online or through research, I make sure it’s reviewed and confirmed before using it.
Once the information is validated, my focus is on translating it into something visually friendly and easy to consume. Attention spans are short, so I try to lead with strong visuals that catch someone’s eye while scrolling, then guide them into the content in a way that feels clear, approachable, and not overwhelming.
In your opinion, why is visual communication important in the ERP and tech space?
Technology and ERP systems aren’t always visually appealing or intuitive by nature. When something is very technical, it can feel overwhelming at first. You open a system, see too many buttons, too much information, and it can make you want to close it before you even understand what’s happening.
That’s why visual communication is so important, both in social media and across the tech and ERP space in general. Strong visuals help make complex information more digestible. They guide people, help them understand what they’re looking at, and make technical content feel more approachable instead of intimidating.
On social media, visuals are what catch your attention first and make you want to engage with the more technical information behind them. The same idea applies to software itself. If everything looks the same, nothing feels intuitive. Visual communication helps reduce that feeling of overload and makes it easier for people to understand, use, and connect with technology.
What first sparked your interest in graphic design and animation?
My interest in graphic design and animation started when I was very young. I grew up surrounded by animation, and many of my favorite movies were animated, so that world was always part of what inspired me creatively.
I also have a cousin who is a graphic designer and is about nine years older than me. When she started studying design, I was still in elementary or middle school, and seeing her path made it feel possible for me, too. She became a big inspiration and helped me see that this was something I could actually pursue. Drawing and the artistic side of things have always been part of who I am, so choosing this path felt very natural.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
There are two projects that stand out to me, one from school and one from my time at Mayan Technologies.
The first was my final 3D animation project in school. It was a very demanding project because we had to handle the entire process ourselves, from concept development and character creation to modeling, animating, and delivering the final result. It was intense and stressful, especially while juggling other classes and projects at the same time. But finishing it and seeing that everything worked was incredibly rewarding.
At Mayan Technologies, the project I’m most proud of was a video production project recorded in Monterrey last July. I had only been with the company for about two months, and it was my first big project. I was given the responsibility for coordinating and making sure everything came together. That experience helped me grow a lot. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially because I didn’t know anyone in person, and I tend to be more introverted when meeting new people. Having to speak up, guide others, and oversee the project was challenging, but in the end, everything came together, and the project was successfully completed.
What’s your process when developing video or design assets for social media campaigns?
When it comes to video, I’m currently focusing a lot on people-centered reels and trends, adapting them to fit our Epicor and ERP context or the events we attend. The goal is to create content that feels current and engaging while still making sense for our audience and helping us reach more people.
My process usually starts with research. I look into the campaign, explore relevant pages or partners involved, and make sure I understand the message and purpose behind it. From there, I focus on how to translate that into visuals that make sense, stay aligned with our brand, and clearly reflect collaborations when applicable, without losing the Mayan identity.
How do you stay creative while keeping consistent with brand guidelines?
At first, this was something I found a bit challenging. I sometimes felt limited by brand guidelines and worried about staying within the “Mayan look,” especially when it came to colors and overall style. I wanted to try new things creatively, but I wasn’t always sure how to do that without stepping outside the brand.
What has helped me a lot is focusing on inspiration and research. Looking at different platforms, styles, and creative approaches helped me understand that consistency doesn’t mean everything has to look exactly the same. Not everything needs to be blue to feel like Mayan. The brand can be expressed in many different ways while still feeling recognizable.
Over time, I’ve learned that it’s about adapting ideas thoughtfully. Exploring new ways to use color, layout, and visual elements has helped me stay creative while still maintaining a strong and consistent brand presence.
What tools or platforms do you rely on most for your work?
I primarily work with Adobe tools, including Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator, which I use across video editing and design projects. I also use Canva and CapCut, depending on the type of content and format I’m creating.
For inspiration, I often turn to platforms like Behance and Design Inspiration. When I’m looking for more general, non-corporate creative ideas, I also use Cosmos to explore different styles and concepts.
Looking ahead, what skills or projects are you excited to explore at Mayan Technologies?
I’m excited about everything that’s coming next. One thing I’m especially looking forward to is having the opportunity to learn more about ERP through upcoming courses. Since that’s the core of what we do as a company, gaining a better understanding of it is something that really motivates me.
I enjoy learning in general, and there are always new projects happening here. In the time I’ve been at Mayan Technologies, there’s constantly been something new to work on, which keeps things interesting and breaks up the routine. That ongoing variety and opportunity to keep learning is what excites me most moving forward.
Preferences + Stats
Years of Experience -
3+
Areas of Expertise
- Graphic Design
- Video Production
- Branding
Preferred Creative Tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Canva, CapCut
Preferred Style -
Modern, Minimal, Bold Design
Additional Skills
- Illustration
- Motion Graphics
- Visual Storytelling
Personal
Outside of her role at Mayan Technologies, Valentina is driven by creativity, curiosity, and the experiences that have shaped her over time. From a lifelong connection to dance and music to a love for film, travel, and storytelling, her interests reflect the same thoughtful and expressive approach she brings to her work.
In this section, Valentina shares more about the people, passions, and moments that matter most to her, offering a closer look at what inspires her beyond the screen and how those influences continue to shape who she is today.
Could you tell us about your family?
My family is made up of my husband (just got married in November 2025!) and our 2 cats (Kuro and Kumo). And also, my parents with my 3 dogs. So, animals are definitely a big part of our lives. The dogs live with my parents, but I’ve just recently moved in with my husband, so they’re still part of my family.
My husband, my parents, and all of my pets are an important part of my day-to-day life and have always been a strong source of support for me. Being surrounded by family and animals brings a sense of balance and comfort that I really value.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to, and what makes it memorable for you?
One of my favorite places to travel to is Disney World in Orlando. It’s truly my happy place. Everything feels organized and intentional, and even when things don’t go perfectly, it still feels special. My first trip there was when I was six or seven years old, so I have a lot of memories tied to that place, and it always brings a strong sense of nostalgia for me.
Another place that really stood out was London. I traveled there when I was younger as part of a school trip, and I completely fell in love with it. The history, the atmosphere, and everything surrounding the city made a big impression on me. It’s a place I definitely want to return to, along with other nearby destinations like Ireland and Scotland, because there’s so much history and culture to explore.
What inspires you creatively on a daily basis?
My inspiration comes from many different places. Music, colors, my room, and even how I’m feeling that day can all spark something creatively. It’s not usually one specific thing that inspires me every day, but rather small moments that add up.
Sometimes it’s a song, a video I come across, or a movie scene that sticks with me. Other days, inspiration comes from something much simpler. I like that it’s unpredictable. Creativity, for me, is about staying open to those everyday details and letting them influence how I think and create.
Do you collect anything?
Yes, I collect a few things. One of my main collections is pins. I have more than 100 of them, and they’re definitely one of my favorite things to collect.
I also collect Funko Pop figures, though I’ve slowed down on that recently. I love LEGO sets as well. I wouldn’t say I actively collect them, but I do have a few and really enjoy building them. On top of that, I also collect Disney ears and coffee mugs, so collecting has naturally become part of my hobbies.
What lessons or values from Disney’s culture do you still carry with you today?
One of the biggest lessons I carry with me from Disney is the importance of customer service and the idea of always going above and beyond. At Disney, you’re taught that you’re always “on stage,” and that your role is to create a positive experience for others, no matter what kind of day you’re having.
That idea of going the extra mile really stayed with me. It’s not just about doing what’s required, but about adding that extra effort, whether it’s helping someone who’s lost, taking the time to explain something more clearly, or simply being more attentive. I also carry a strong sense of responsibility, discipline, and respect for others. Treating people well, even in challenging moments, is something I learned there and continue to apply in my everyday work and interactions.
What is something you are looking forward to?
I recently joined a musical theater school, where we’re preparing a production of ‘Hamilton’, which is especially exciting since it’s one of my favorite musicals.
I’m also looking forward to traveling more. Having future trips to look forward to gives me something to stay excited about and helps keep a good balance between work, life, and new experiences.
Was there an animated film or show that deeply influenced you growing up?
The first animated film I ever watched was The Jungle Book, so that one has always stayed with me. It was my introduction to animation, music, and storytelling, and it left a lasting impression on me from a very young age.
Another big influence was a Disney show called House of Mouse. I loved how it brought together animated shorts with classical music, and it became one of my first real connections to that music genere. Even today, hearing certain pieces instantly takes me back to the first time I heard them on that show. Those early experiences played a big role in shaping my love for animation and creativity.
You’ve mentioned being part of the Electro Dance community. What does dance mean to you?
Dance is my core. It’s something that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been dancing since I was very young, training in styles like ballet and jazz, and it has always been a constant for me, no matter what else is happening.
There was a period when I stepped away from dance, and I truly felt the absence. My body missed it, and it made me realize how deeply connected it is to who I am. More recently, I found my way into the Electro Dance community, and it’s been incredibly freeing. Beyond the movement itself, the sense of community has been especially meaningful. Dance is where I reconnect with myself, and I know it will always be part of my life.
What’s something you always make time for outside of work, no matter how busy life gets?
I always make time for dance and going to the movie theater. Both are things I really enjoy and try to prioritize, even when my schedule is full.
I love going to the movie theater, no matter the time. I’ve gone to late showings, even if that means leaving close to midnight, because it’s something I truly enjoy. Making space for those moments helps me recharge and keeps me connected to the things I love most.
What was it like working at Disney, and how did that experience shape you personally and professionally?
Working at Disney was a very impactful experience for me because it was my first real job. I was 19 at the time, and it was the first time I went through a full application process on my own, from preparing documents to interviewing and moving to another country. It felt like my first real step into adulthood.
Living and working abroad taught me a lot about independence and responsibility. I had to manage my time, commute, work schedule, and daily life on my own, often while navigating a language barrier. Professionally, it helped me develop discipline, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of customer service. Disney places a lot of emphasis on going the extra mile, and that mindset stayed with me.
That experience also helped me grow personally. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me how to adapt, communicate, and handle challenges with confidence. Even though the program ended earlier than expected due to COVID, it was a defining experience that shaped how I approach both work and life today.
Is there a quote or lyric that guides or motivates you in life?
There’s a quote from The Sword in the Stone that really resonates with me: “It’s up to you how far you go. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
That quote reminds me to take chances, keep learning, and not hold myself back out of fear. It’s something I come back to often, both in my personal life and in how I approach new challenges at work.
Design isn’t just about how something looks. It’s about understanding why you’re creating it in the first place.
Tips from Our Experts
We have the privilege of working with talented creatives across our team, and Valentina is no exception. Here are a few of her expert tips on design, creativity, and effective visual communication.
Design with purpose, not just aesthetics – Design goes beyond how something looks. Before opening any design software, take time to understand the purpose behind the project. Knowing the “why” early brings clarity and saves time throughout the entire process.
Let the process be messy at first – Creativity doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with exploration. Sketch, test ideas, and allow things to evolve. Every draft or edit helps shape the final result, even if it feels unpolished at the beginning.
Start before inspiration shows up – You don’t have to feel inspired to begin. Sometimes, simply sketching, editing, or writing is enough to create momentum. Taking action helps break through overthinking and allows ideas to develop naturally.
Step away to see things more clearly – Taking breaks can be just as productive as working through a project nonstop. Stepping away from a layout or revisiting a video with fresh eyes often reveals improvements or solutions you didn’t notice before.
Did You Know?
Here are three things you probably didn't know about Valentina:
Valentina was part of a local production of Little Shop of Horrors.
She spent 5 years competing in dance before exploring new styles.
She met her husband during her Disney program.
Gallery
Take a look at some moments Valentina has shared with us, from her time dancing to memories connected to Disney and the experiences that have shaped her creative journey.
Thank you for reading this month's Spotlight article. In each edition, we shine a light on our team members, giving you an inside look at their roles at Mayan Technologies and the impact they have on our success. If you enjoyed learning more about Valentina, be sure to check out our other Spotlight articles featuring the talented members of our team. Each edition offers a unique look into the people who make Mayan Technologies what it is today.
Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to highlight the people who bring their unique skills and perspectives to Mayan Technologies.
Stay tuned for our next Spotlight article featuring:
Giovanna Valencia
Business Analyst