Meet Cheryl Lorica

Cheryl Lorica is a manager on Trintech’s Engineering Development team. She grew up in the Philippines and moved to the US 15 years ago. She’s been with Trintech for 3 years, loves her work, and when she’s away from the office she enjoys time with her family, her fiancé and her two cats. She also has a great love for travel, scuba diving and enjoys all types of arts and crafts!

Luis: Hey Cheryl, congratulations to you on being selected for the Trintecher Spotlight.

Cheryl: I was so surprised, and thank you!

Luis: I have to tell you, I’ve only seen scuba diving on television. What do you like most about it?

Cheryl: I think what I like most about it is that when you’re underwater, you feel like you are a part of their ecosystem. It’s always a humbling experience. I have such a respect for magnificent sea life, and I just realize how lucky I am to participate in a small piece of this large and diverse world.

Luis: That sounds amazing. I want to hear more about your travel and love for crafts.

Cheryl: I enjoy all types of arts and crafts. For instance, baking cakes – been at it for more than ten years. I’ve cooked everything from a simple cheesecake to other intricate and artsy cakes that can take up to several days to bake and decorate.

Luis: Where did you travel last, and what’s the place you want to go to most?

Cheryl: My last vacation was to the Philippines and Japan. My favorite place is in the Philippines—the island of Dimaquiat in Coron. It’s a tiny island in a group of islands.

Luis: How small are we talking?

Cheryl: I had a bungalow where I faced the sunset, and I would wake up early and walk five minutes to see the sunrise! The beach has fine white sand, and the water is turquoise blue. It’s so peaceful there. The beach is my go-to place. My ultimate trip would be to Bora Bora.

Luis: Thanks for sharing, I’m seriously envious. What do you like most, or what would you say is the best part, about your job at Trintech?

Cheryl: My favorite part about working here is my team for sure. The development team is high-performing, accountable and proactive. We understand what we need to do and we encourage a collaborative work culture. We just know if things get busy, we can count on so many others to help.

Luis: I completely agree there. Just knowing that can make a world of difference. What makes you successful in your job, or, what’s your key to success?

Cheryl: Communication, hands down. I work side by side with Product Management, so I’m able to communicate the vision and details with my team clearly. I would probably add too that at the beginning of any project I want to hear from my team. Having their buy-in is invaluable if there’s a need to change directions.

Luis: You have a solid history with Trintech. How has it changed over time?

Cheryl: Trintech’s R&D has changed a lot since I joined. We have improved our processes by implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The framework helps larger organizations like Trintech to adopt agile methodologies to deliver high-quality products. It’s well-suited for complex projects that involve multiple agile teams. Trintech is also putting more emphasis on innovation by implementing innovation sprints, code games and invention disclosure records.

Luis: There’s so much going on with you all, we appreciate all that you guys do! I do have a final question for you… Any advice to your younger self?

Cheryl: Ha! Well, that’s a tough one. I’d need a minute… I think I’d probably tell her to embrace her strengths, rather than dwell on what you’re not good at – develop your strengths. The thing that comes most easily to you is most likely your strength. Focus on what you are already naturally talented at and watch yourself go from “good” to “great”.

Luis: Oh, wow. I like that. And with that, I’ll let you get back to it. Thanks for taking some time to talk with us.

Cheryl: I enjoyed talking with you Luis, thank you!