Together We…Celebrate Different Wins!
Marcirose Gutierrez Baltazar, Student Data Quality & Compliance I Specialist, is familiar with data and numbers, but her two years at Think Together have shown her that every data point represents a student, a family, and a story.
Located in the Bay Area, Marcirose plays a key role in helping her region succeed.
While her work happens behind the scenes, it gives her a unique view into the impact Think Together creates every day.
Learn more about how Marcirose celebrates different wins and helps change the odds for kids.
Taking a Different Route
Marcirose’s career didn’t start off in education. Before joining Think Together, she worked in the medical device industry, supporting process development in quality control. But the mission of Think Together felt personal.
Growing up, Marcirose spent much of her time in after-school programs while her mother worked long hours. Those programs provided a safe and supportive environment during an important part of her life.
Today, she finds herself on the other side of that experience.
“It’s been a full circle moment,” she shared. “Now I get to see everything that goes into making these programs possible and all the people working behind the scenes to support students and families.”
Finding Wins in Everyday Work
While Marcirose’s role doesn’t place her on site with students every day, her work helps showcase student success in a different way.
During one of her survey review sessions, she came across feedback from a parent whose child had participated in one of Think Together’s enrichment programs. The parent shared that the experience had improved her child’s social skills and confidence, helping them become more comfortable connecting with others.
For Marcirose, it was a reminder that the data she reviews every day represents real people and real outcomes. “Behind every number is a story,” she said. “Seeing feedback like that reminds me why the work matters.”
Beyond student success, Marcirose also finds fulfillment in seeing her colleagues grow and succeed. Over the years, she has watched team members build confidence and make meaningful contributions across the organization. “It’s so fulfilling to get to see some of that growth in person and even experience it firsthand,” she says. “And on top of that, I enjoy celebrating everyone’s different wins!”
Beyond the Role
How do you re-energize yourself when that 3 p.m. slump hits?
I don’t rely on caffeine. Instead, I just get up and take a walk. I like to do occasional stretches and grab a quick snack. Carbs are my go-to because they give me an energy boost!
What would be the theme song to your life?
“Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna. I have been a huge Rihanna fan since I was a kid, so this was an easy choice! Her songs are never skipped in my playlist. I like having fun, and I’d like to think this song is playing in the background.
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy the occasional binge watch session. I also enjoy cooking. Most of all, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter. Every moment with her is special, even the tantrums. Watching her learn and grow teaches me just as much as I hope I’m teaching her. We love taking walks around the neighborhood, eating fruits, and playing with the water hose. I like to joke that I have a built-in bestie, and she makes life so much fun!
What Success Looks Like
According to Marcirose, success in this role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and patience. “Many people work on different timelines and have to meet different deadlines,” she explains.
She takes pride in striving for complete and timely survey responses, helping ensure that her region and organizational leaders have the information they need to make decisions and measure impact.
One lesson she has learned is that flexibility is just as important as accuracy.
While she appreciates having a plan, the nature of her work often involves changing priorities and evolving processes. “The most challenging part of this role is the unknown,” she says.
Learning to adapt quickly has become one of her greatest strengths and has helped her support both her region and the students Think Together serves.
