Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Sally Garcia Crosen & Misti LoRusso of Maid Brigade for answering our questions for this spotlight! To learn more about the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee, click here.

Sally Garcia Crosen & Misti LoRusso of Maid Brigade

Where were born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

Sally: I was born and raised in Parlier, CA.  A new job opportunity in 1991 brought me to Loudoun County.

Misti: I was born and raised in Wyoming. I originally came to the East Coast as a nanny, later became a Flight Attendant, and eventually landed in Loudoun County with the airlines.

What was your first experience in business and how did you get into your current line of work?

Sally: I switched careers and landed with Maid Brigade in 2008. I had other opportunities; I could have worked for a different company, but I choose Maid Brigade to be involved with the Spanish speaking population.  I have had the opportunity to help our employees to help translate during their doctor appointments or at their kid’s school.  I ensure that our employees know of all the opportunity Loudoun has to offer their kids or for themselves.  Monroe Technology, now the Academies of Loudoun, is a school I have mentioned to make sure their kids can learn a skill that would help them throughout their lives.

Misti: I was a Flight Attendant for 13 years and when our airline went out of business I tried a few different industries, but ended up coming to Maid Brigade in 2011.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that influenced your career?

Sally: Yes, my father.  He always said to us kids, to always do the right thing and be fair with all that we do, and to never forget our Spanish language.  Both my parents were raised in Mexico and didn’t speak English.  I often translated at doctor visits, the bank, my school.  I was always encouraged to jump in when others in public places were having difficulty with the English language. My father always told me that I was lucky to be able to speak both languages and I should do the right thing and help others, especially if they were struggling with the English language.  My father didn’t know it, at that time, but his encouraging me to help translate, that he was building confidence in me.  That has helped me build relationships with other professionals here at Maid Brigade.

Misti: My parents both started working at a young age, they both loved their jobs and had great work ethics that they passed on to me. I was raised with the notion to find a job that makes me happy and if you aren’t keep looking for a new opportunity.

What is the best part of your job and why?

Sally: I get to help families feel better about having a clean home.  With our Maid Brigade Angles program we gift a clean home to folks who are Veterans, families dealing with cancer, Hero Homes, foster families, and families experiencing a tragedy. These families receive a clean home for 4 months.  Maid Brigade has helped 35 different families in Loudoun and Western Fairfax Counties to a clean home during a time of need.

Misti: I love that no day is the same, something is always changing. I am amazed at how hard our employees work to please our customers and that inspires me to try and do the same. I want to ensure every experience with Maid Brigade is great one.

What is it like working in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

Sally: Living in Loudoun has done many things for me.  One is that I’m still jumping in and helping others with the English language. Plus, I’m blessed to work for Maid Brigade because we can donate to many non-profit organizations. For example Habitat for Humanity, Woman Giving Back, Ryan Bartel Foundation, Loudoun Literacy are one of the many organizations that we help .  Being accepted as a board member for Habitat for Humanity is icing on the cake for me. The first time I witnessed a family receiving keys to their first home, was emotional.  I didn’t know it would have that affect on me.  When I spoke to the family in their own language, they were emotional and referred to me as a sister. Little things like that happen and I think about my father and all that he instilled in my family.

Misti:Even though it is a large area I have built some great relationships with other business owners and everyone is always so helpful. We are also lucky to be in an area that is always growing and evolving.

What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Sally: It takes me back to my roots, to my childhood home.  My father was a farm worker, he picked grapes for a living. It takes me back to where I come from, and it makes me proud to know that my dad is smiling down at me.

Misti: I am fortunate that my grandfather chose to migrate to the U.S. from Mexico. He was able to live the American dream. He raised horses, had a racing team and ran a gas station and restaurant that he named after my mother.

What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not working?

Sally: My family and I canoe on all the rivers around Loudoun County, I also love to sew and work in my garden.  I have a small area, I have planted a grape vine and when I pick the grapes I smile, thinking I’m picking grapes just like father did.

Misti: Reading, shopping and watching my sons play baseball!

Check out Maid Brigade’s website here.