 CiCi Rojas
Interviewed By: Sheridan Sechter
Ms. Rojas, a native Kansas Citian, attended UMKC, majoring in Liberal Arts. She began her professional career in retail automotive sales in 1989. Though she enjoyed the field and credits her former employer as being one of the first to give her a chance at a career, CiCi yearned for more. For the past three years Rojas has been the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. In this role she is responsible for the daily operations of the organization and managing several committees and volunteers. Under her leadership, the organizationÕs membership has increased by 200% in the last two years. The staff operations have increased by 168%, and she has created a variety of resources designed to assist Hispanic-owned businesses in the community and provide opportunities for Latino professionals.
CiCi plays an active role in the local community as well as contributing her time and talents at the national level. Mr. Hector V. Barretto, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, appointed Ms. Rojas to the National Advisory Board of the Small Business Administration. She is also an appointed member of the United States Chamber of Commerce CEO Committee. Locally, CiCi is a board member and advisor to Baptist-Lutheran Medical Center, El Centro, Inc., Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, UMKC Advisory Board for the School of Arts and Science, the United States House Small Business Committee Task Force. The achievement of which she is most proud came in May 2003 when Mayor Kay Barnes appointed her to the Kansas City Missouri Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners, making her the first Hispanic to serve in this role.
What is a typical day at your office like?
The days are only typical in that I normally get sidetracked from my plan after just a half an hour. ItÕs a good problem to have because itÕs a reflection of the energy and daily opportunities that arise at the Chamber offices. What is the most challenging part of your job?
What I find to be most challenging is my feeling of having to be everything for everyone. I see lots of women who go through this and I guess it’s what comes naturally to us. I’m learning, though, to be more firm about my priorities and to delegate accordingly. What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I measure my success by the success of the Chamber which is measured by the success of our members. So, it’s very rewarding for me to see our members win awards, earn contracts, add staff and new locations and to watch them enter into leadership positions within the community. What is the most indispensable item in your office?
I would have to say Brenda Salcedo. I really depend upon her. As far as an item, that would definitely be my cell phone. It’s my connection to the world. What did you want to be when you grew up?
There were many things I thought about being. One was a writer. I wanted to write a novel. My father always said that I was “a jack of all trades and master of none”. As a kid, I wanted to do and be everything and I did as much as possible. I was a cheerleader, involved in sports and worked on the newspaper among other things. Now I get paid to juggle lots of varied tasks and projects and so it’s the perfect job for me. I wish that my father were alive to see this. Who is your mentor, and what did you learn from that person?
I believe you have mentors through all stages of your life. My first was my father. He didn’t teach me what to think, he taught me how to think. From him I learned to be objective, have an open mind and believe that everything is possible.
Actually, I believe we need “champions” more than “mentors”. These are people who set the stage for you, who open doors for you. Because of their kindness and willingness to help, new contacts know of me before I arrive at an appointment. And, this has had a major impact upon my success. Three of my champions are Michael Barrera of the SBA, Teresa Paceco and Sandra Aust. What would you say are the three reasons for your success?
I always see the glass as half full. I’ve honestly never encountered anything that couldn’t be done with the right approach. Also, effective networking has been critical. Before you go to a networking event, you should have a plan. Do you want to meet John Doe? Then have a plan to do just that before you get there. Lastly, I’ve surrounded myself with the right people. WeÕve got a great team in place and my friends and clients have helped me tremendously too. What is your best professional achievement?
Being appointed by the mayor to the Park Board has been my proudest achievement. What was the lowest point in your professional life?
There was a time back when I was sales that I believed that I couldn’t make a difference in the world. I felt trapped by myself and by others and it was a very bad feeling. I really wanted to contribute, to have more of an impact. Now I know that you can make a difference no matter what your job or station in life is. What do you do to relax?
I’m learning to play golf. And, also, my job calls for me to socialize. Many of the Chambers’ members have become my friends. So, I get lots of chances to mix business and pleasure. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Both. What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was Roses Are Red by James Patterson. I read a lot for my job, so away from work I read purely for entertainment. What is your favorite movie?
I have lots of favorite movies, but my all-time favorite is Stripes. ItÕs a classic. Are you more likely to dine out, order in or cook?
I definitely dine out. There’s no way I’m going to cook.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
South Beach in Miami is my favorite, but I also really like going to Washington D.C. I love politics so that’s part of it but also it has a very international feel to it. And, the people are always dressed up and look like they’re on a mission. The shopping is great too! If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
The one unfortunate thing about my job is that I see that people are sometimes treated differently because of their ethnicity so I’d say that I’d like to see all people treated as equals. Although I think that circumstances are much better for the second and third generation, assimilated Hispanic population it’s really terrible for immigrants. I wish that people could keep in mind that these people are no different than the immigrants who arrived here before and no different from other people. They want the American dream. They want a good education for their children. They want affordable housing. And, they are willing to work very hard for these things. What is your personal philosophy?
A positive attitude is everything. A positive attitude will get you any place you want to be. What is the most critical issue facing our region?
I’m proud of the citizens of Kansas City for recently voting for the downtown development and the arena. But, we need to get past being the “Show Me” state. I think that the implication of that name is that we are defined as people who would rather embrace proven ideas than applaud vision. This holds us back. Let’s work together to show the world weÕre the ÒCan DoÓ state. What advice do you have for those just starting their careers?
Work hard. Go above and beyond. The rewards will far outweigh the extra work. Nothing will be handed to you. Parting Thought: As a teenage mother, I encountered many challenges, however overcoming them was part of the journey toward achievement and success.
Article Source: http://www.flourishmagazine.com
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