Jessica Chavira

I attribute my success to being curious and not being afraid to ask questions. Throughout my career, I've always wanted to understand how things work and why they work that way. Even when IT representatives would question why I needed to know something technical, I'd insist they enlighten me because I knew that knowledge would help me solve problems more effectively later on. I'm very curious by nature, I want to know and understand things deeply, not just accept them at surface level. My willingness to learn and adapt has been crucial, especially since I started in this field without any purchasing or procurement background. When the opportunity fell into my lap to rebrand the purchasing department, I could have been intimidated, but instead I dove in and learned everything I needed to know. I also believe my success comes from truly listening to people, both the staff who do the day-to-day work and the end users who interact with our systems. I don't just implement solutions from the top down, I ask the boots-on-the-ground individuals what their roadblocks are, and I work collaboratively with them to find ways to make their jobs easier. When someone comes to me and says they want to try something new with our platform, I get excited about brainstorming with them rather than shutting down their ideas. That collaborative mindset and genuine desire to help others has opened doors I never expected and led to the creation of my current director role.

The best career advice I’ve received has come from the women I’ve observed and admired in leadership. While they weren’t formal mentors, their influence was powerful. Through their presence, communication, and confidence, they showed me what leadership could look like. Many of them shared a simple but impactful message: “Don’t be afraid. You can do this. Keep going.”

Over time, women across different industries reinforced that same encouragement—urging me to trust myself, step outside my comfort zone, and not hold back. Their consistent belief in possibility helped me build my own confidence. Because of them, I’ve learned to say yes to opportunities I once would have questioned and to embrace challenges with courage instead of doubt.

For young women entering this field, my advice is simple: stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Higher education is constantly evolving, and no one expects you to know everything starting out. Take initiative to learn, explore available tools and resources, and connect with others in the industry. Ask about their roles, their experiences, and how they got there—most people are more than willing to share.

Also, be open to unexpected opportunities. My own career path wasn’t something I planned. I initially pursued a different role, but by staying open and confident in my abilities, I was able to step into a field I hadn’t originally considered—and it turned out to be incredibly rewarding.

Most importantly, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Trust yourself, be willing to learn, and take chances, even if they feel outside your comfort zone.

My industry is not just procurement or business systems, but higher education.  One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the strong demand for technical education. I work for a technical college where programs like plumbing, electrical, and other skilled trades are essential.. With ongoing workforce shortages in these areas, we’re in a unique and advantageous position compared to some other sectors of higher education. A  key opportunity is the collaborative culture within higher education. Institutions are increasingly willing to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, creating an environment that supports continuous learning, innovation, and collective growth.

Curiosity is at the core of who I am, both professionally and personally. I’m naturally driven to ask questions and understand how and why things work. In my role, I’m motivated by the opportunity to make someone’s day easier—whether that’s supporting a colleague navigating a process or helping a student use our systems more effectively.

I also place a strong value on collaboration and active listening. I believe the best solutions come from those closest to the work, so I make it a priority to listen to team members and incorporate their insights. When someone brings forward an idea, I enjoy working alongside them to explore possibilities and bring it to life.

Outside of work, family is incredibly important to me. I’m proud of my children and cherish the time I spend with them and my grandchildren. Creating meaningful memories—like a recent trip with my parents—is something I deeply value. I also have a passion for travel and new experiences. As a part-time travel advisor, I enjoy helping others explore the world while continuing to learn and grow through my own travels.