When Sacha Xavier decided to learn Spanish, she moved to Barcelona, Spain, for six months. It was an easy move to make, given her interest in travel and her curiosity about other cultures. The daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, Arthur and Monica Xavier, she has visited more than 25 countries, largely because her father, a civil engineer, traveled all over the world with his family. “Throughout my travels, I’ve met people who have never left their own environment or even met someone from a different culture,” Xavier says.

As group media director for Avenue A |Razorfish, an Internet-based firm that helps companies use online media as marketing and business tools, Xavier has worked on accounts for Monster, Polo Ralph Lauren, Starwood Hotels, T. Rowe Price and Verizon. She now manages the multimillion-dollar Capital One Finance account. “In my industry, there are people who would rather have someone with gray hair handle their account, but that motivates me to work harder, prove myself and break the color barrier,” she says. “I attribute my success to my upbringing, and willingness to be open-minded and truly appreciative of the times that I live in. I was raised in a household that honored hard work, strong morals and compassion and that has made me a strong, hardworking woman.”

Xavier earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Towson University in Maryland. She is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York. Traveling has taught her the importance to have in balance her life, with family and friends a priority. Professionally, she sees herself reaching the zenith of her industry, perhaps even starting her own media company, while balancing a fulfilling personal life. “There comes a time when you have to put the same energy into your personal life that you put in your professional life,” Xavier says. “I look forward to starting my own family someday.”