50 Leading Women: Betty Manetta

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Betty Manetta, President & CEO, of  Argent Associates, Inc. Beatriz (Betty) Manetta, founded the business in 1998 as a Value-Added Reseller primarily (VAR)  focused on the telecommunications industry. This award-winning technology company has evolved into a multi-million-dollar corporation, delivering technology development, supply chain innovation, cloud-based software solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, public safety enhancement solutions and much more. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Betty & her family moved to New York  in 1963. Determined to pave her own path, after graduating high school, Betty worked during the day and earned her associate’s, bachelor’s, AND master’s at night.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Marketing from Rutgers University and a Masters of International Studies from Seton Hall University. She was the recipient of the Beta Gamma Sigma Award from Seton Hall for her significant contributions to the strength and vitality of the economy combined with her business service achievement to humanity.

Betty spent over 20 years in corporate America, serving in Director roles for AT&T and Lucent Technologies, before leaving to start her own company. The knowledge, skills, training and assignments in human resources, sales, technical support, quality management and her focus on both national and international assignments were great tools for an entrepreneur. She is a champion of ethnic minority, women and small businesses enterprises and served on President George W. Bush’s President’s Export Council where she advised on international trade matters and their impact on small, women and minority businesses and chaired the sub-committee of Technology and Innovation. In 2019, she won the prestigious Ford Motor Company Mujer Legendaria Award for Leadership. In addition, she was recognized by D CEO Magazine as one of the D CEO 500 Influential Leaders in North Texas. Betty has served on several boards including D/FW MSDC, Tech Titans, TIA, QuEST Forum, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Council Southwest.

Betty Manetta is committed to continuous learning and social responsibility. She is a champion and advocate of minorities, women and youth around STEM Initiatives. Betty attributes her success to be due in part to the success of her surrounding, thriving communities. She takes her commitment to giving back to those communities seriously and hopes to inspire the next generation to do the same.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

My leadership style is to lead by example.  I teach “how to” and make sure that if there are any questions, come and ask.  There are no dumb questions.  I also encourage people to go out of their comfort zone and do what they think they can’t.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Observe and mirror.  Look at the great leaders in your team and try to emulate them.  It’s easier in a larger company but even in a small environment you can learn from others.   We encourage our women to read about their industry and take courses on leadership.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

The most important decision I make as a leader is to pursue new areas of opportunities or focus on new industries.  We have to make sure we have the skills in-house and if we don’t, how can we train our employees.  We have talented employees and they have all demonstrated great skills to learn and grow and are not afraid to try new things.  Additionally, have the right leaders who have talent and skills that you don’t have.  We can’t do it all, so make sure your leaders complement you.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

The biggest joy as a leader is seeing your employees grow, make money, buy their first house, and send their children to college as a first generation college graduate, etc.  Another great joy is seeing our customers take our employees and hire them for great careers in corporate America.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

I think my greatest career disappointment is not to have started my company sooner.  Not making early investment for fear of doubting myself and not pursuing what God has given me and letting go and letting God lead the way.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

The best strategy to promote inclusion is to have a workplace and workforce of diverse talent.  We have a team of very diverse employees from all sectors and we all treat each other with respect and accept our differences.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Be patient. Your time will come! Keep improving and learning all that you can. Never be too proud to ask for help and never be too busy to help others.  There is always only going to be one you in the world, so be the best you, that only you can be.

 8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be supportive of other women.  Help other female leaders grow by lifting them up versus holding them back for fear of competition.  Partner for growth and success because together we can change the world.

9. Who inspired you and why?

My mother was my biggest inspiration.  She reminded me and my siblings: “There is nothing we can’t do if we put our heart and soul into it and remember, God is your guiding light and guardian.”

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for my great personality, my honesty, my sincerity, and my empathy.  I do what I say I will do.  And I never ever let anyone down.