Selene Quintana never planned on building a career in restaurants. At 16, she walked into a Taco Bell looking for a job that would support her dream of becoming a nurse. She wanted to help people. That first visit didn’t go as planned –  the manager was busy and turned her away. Flustered but determined, Selene came back to apply again. That moment of persistence marked the beginning of a 22-year journey with Desert de Oro Foods (DDO).

“When you are curious and open-minded, it takes you places.”

– Selene Quintana, Taco Bell Regional Director

Today, Selene smiles when she shares that the same manager who once turned her away is now a close friend. Although she did earn her CNA certification, she discovered a different way to care for others through leadership and building strong teams.

Learning to Lead

Selene’s career at DDO progressed quickly and intentionally, moving from her first role as a team member into leadership before she was 20, and eventually into training. Each role expanded her perspective, but one of the most defining moments came when she stepped into an Area Coach (AC) position. The transition from managing one restaurant to supporting multiple locations challenged her in new ways.

“You quickly learn you can’t control everything. That role grounded me and reshaped how I think,” Selene shares.

The AC experience led Selene to training, where she found her stride. As a Training Coach and later Training Director, she became known for developing people, creating stability and encouraging others to take ownership of their own growth. Selene believes progress begins with a solid foundation. Once teams feel supported and steady, opportunity follows!

Rooted in Family

Outside of work, Selene’s roots and family shape who she is. She grew up in a family of six as the only girl, spending her childhood alongside three brothers. As the second oldest, she is a steady presence in her family, a role she takes pride in as she’s built a career, a home and a family of her own.

Selene and her partner, Alex, are raising three daughters: Natalie, Alessandra and Isabella. Family time is how she recharges, whether that’s sitting at the table making bracelets with her girls or unwinding with Alex over a scary movie. She also finds peace in quieter moments, like walking through churches and cemeteries, reading headstones, and imagining the stories behind them.

Looking Ahead

Selene credits curiosity and courage for guiding her forward, along with mentors who taught her that leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be effective.

Now, Selene is preparing for her next chapter. She and her family are relocating from Arizona to New England, where she will step into the role of Taco Bell Regional Director. Her approach honors what has come before while remaining open to what’s next – grounded, thoughtful, and driven by the belief that growth begins with people.