LOS ANGELES, California — Filipino-American CEO Marge Ordiales-Martinez is a toughie when it comes to running her 30-year-old immigration and employment agency in Southern California. But she admits keeping her company strong has some tradeoffs.
Reflecting on love, marriage and career as she and her husband Edwin Martinez recently celebrated their 25th anniversary, Ms. Marge, as she’s fondly called by her staff and friends in the industry, believes she’s made a lot of significant life and love sacrifices to be able to achieve her goals.
In an interview, Marge offers her profound insights into the complexities of balancing personal relationships with a demanding professional life.
When asked a knotty question “How do you know if you’re with the right person?” Marge, after a long pause, quips: “ Relationships are the foundation upon which many life decisions are built, especially significant steps like navigating immigration together.
“The right partner is someone who supports you, challenges you to grow, and shares your values and dreams. It’s about mutual respect, trust, and the willingness to face life’s challenges as a team,” she adds.
This perspective, she says, has been shaped by her own experiences and the close bond she shares with her better half.
Expanding further on her personal take, Marge talks about the natural phrases that every relationship undergoes.
“Initially, there is the euphoria of falling in love, where every interaction is eagerly anticipated, and every quirk is endearing. However, as time progresses, this initial excitement fades. Phone calls become routine, touches are less cherished, and quirks may even become irritating. This transition is a natural part of every relationship,” she shares.
When doubts begin to creep in, she smilingly presumes, it’s common to question whether one is with the right partner.
Marge emphasizes that the key to a successful relationship is not only in finding the perfect partner but also in learning to love the person one has chosen.
She acknowledges that people often seek fulfillment outside their relationships though infidelity, work, or hobbies. But true fulfillment, she opines, can only be found within the relationship itself.
Marge points out that sustaining love requires conscious effort, commitment, and wisdom from both parties. “Love is not a mystery,” she stresses. “There are tangible actions you can take to nurture your love and relationship.”
Nonetheless, this belief, she says, has been the guiding principle in her two-and-a-half decades of marriage to her spouse, where teamwork, forgiveness, and love have been paramount.
Marge’s love story began in her teen years and continued into the early stages of her professional career.
Thirty years ago, she founded CSI Professionals Inc., one of the largest and most progressive employment and immigration agencies based in Southern California.
CSI Professionals Inc. works closely with partner companies across various industries, including manufacturing and legal counsel for medical injury cases. It specializes in employment-based visa petitions: J-1, F-1 (CPT and OPT), H-3, H-1B and Labor Certifications involving EB-3 and EB-2. With these employment-based petitions, international applicants with advanced degrees can pursue an employment-based change of status and proceed to permanent residency (or Green Card) later.
As a freshly graduated international student, Marge faced numerous challenges, but she found solace and strength in the support of her childhood sweetheart, Edwin, who later became her partner in both life and business.
Together, they built CSI Professionals, driven by a shared passion for excellence and community building.
Reflecting on their journey, Marge highlighted the importance of prioritizing love across all realms, especially when supported by family.
She believes that without the love and support of her steadfast husband and family, her achievements would totally be incomplete.
Their unwavering encouragement, she says, has provided solace during challenging times and fueled her determination to overcome obstacles.
Also, this strong support system, she says, inspires her to extend their impact beyond business into philanthropy.
With the help of her husband and family, Marge founded the CSI-MHO Global Foundation, dedicated to bettering communities and empowering disadvantaged children.
This endeavor, she says, is a tribute to her mother, Dr. Norma Huvilla-Ordiales, whose compassion and dedication to helping others continue to inspire her every day.
In honor of her mother’s legacy, the foundation provides scholarships to Filipino children in need, aiming to create opportunities for a brighter future through education, healthcare, and community development.
As Marge reflects on over three decades as a leader and partner, she expresses deep gratitude for the experiences, challenges, and relationships that have enriched her life and the lives of those around her.
Love, she believes, has been the cornerstone of their success, intertwining with professional endeavors and enriching personal lives.
Looking ahead, Marge remains confident.