Her Story
About Fabiola
Fabiola Riobe serves as CEO of her own company, a role she describes as her most notable professional achievement after more than 20 years in the field. Her expertise centers on leadership, informed by extensive time spent in higher education. Riobe holds a doctorate degree, becoming the first in her family to do so, which she views as both a personal and legacy accomplishment. She leads several organizations as president of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa and the Junior League of Wyandotte in Johnson County, part of the Association of Junior Leagues International. She also serves as an active board member for Maker USA and participates on school boards and other community-led organizations. Her work emphasizes promoting access to education, maternal healthcare particularly for African American women, and community development focused on health and accessibility. Riobe attributes her success first to her Christian faith, followed by her family, upbringing, and education. She values integrity and ethics with no gray areas and advises young women to show up as the person they wish they had in their lives, do things even when scared, and commit to environments where they are appreciated and valued.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Fabiola
01What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, as a Christian to the Lord and my faith. And then the blessing in which I was given, right, the family that I come from, my upbringing, my mother. And my education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Doing things even when you're scared. And making sure that you are committing yourself to spaces and places where you are appreciated and valued. Because no matter where you go, the work has to be done. But you get to choose the environment in which you do it in.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Show up as the person they wish they had in their lives, in all different stages of their life. Show up and get it done, regardless of where they fit in the organization, or whether or not they feel like they have enough experience or not. Wisdom is not something that's based on age, nor is ability based on years.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
People are conflicted and stretched, challenged to question and measure human value against technological value and AI. The greatest capital within any industry are our people. Focus more on people, people capacity, and investing in people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and ethics. There's no gray area. It's either you have it or you don't.
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