Melissa Rodriquez

I attribute much of who I am as a leader to three incredible mentors who invested in me at different stages of my career: Robert Benson, Craig Nicoloff, and Gina Arreola.

Early in my career at Claim Jumper Restaurants, Robert Benson taught me a lesson that has shaped my leadership philosophy ever since. He told me that when you become a manager, you have a choice—you can be a boss or you can be a coach.

A boss can walk into a room, give orders, and people will follow while they're watching. But once they're gone, people often return to doing things their own way because there was never a true investment in them as individuals. A coach, on the other hand, sees the potential in each person. Like a great baseball coach, they recognize each person's strengths, position them where they can succeed, and help them grow. Robert taught me that leadership is about investing in people. It takes more time and intention, but when people feel valued and empowered, they become committed to the mission—not just the task.

Craig Nicoloff, who led the company, reinforced that philosophy through servant leadership. He believed that if he took care of his managers, his managers would take care of their employees, and those employees would take care of the guests. It created a culture built on trust, respect, and genuine care for people, and it showed me that great leadership always starts from the top.

Years later, during my time with Girl Scouts, I had the privilege of learning from Gina Arreola. Gina taught me the art of building strategic partnerships and showed me that successful community engagement always begins with authentic relationships. She believed the strongest partnerships are never transactional—they're built by understanding what matters to the other person or organization and creating value for everyone involved. When you find that sweet spot where both organizations' goals align, partnerships naturally grow into trusted relationships and lasting friendships.

The lessons these three mentors shared have become the foundation of my leadership style. Whether I'm working with volunteers, community organizations, corporate partners, or families, I believe meaningful impact begins with people. When people feel seen, valued, and connected to a shared purpose, they accomplish extraordinary things.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel grateful for the opportunity to have learned from Robert, Craig, and Gina. Their leadership didn't just shape my career—it shaped the person I strive to be every day.

A career in the nonprofit sector is incredibly rewarding, but it isn't always easy. You don't choose this work because it's the most lucrative—you choose it because you believe in something bigger than yourself. There will be times when people question why you've chosen this path or suggest you could make more money elsewhere. And while financial stability is important, there is something deeply fulfilling about knowing your work is making a real difference in someone's life.

The moments you'll remember aren't the titles or the paychecks—they're the people whose lives were changed because you showed up. Whether you're helping one family, strengthening a community, or contributing to a larger movement, you become part of something that will continue long after you're gone.

If nonprofit work is calling you, listen to it. Not everyone is drawn to a life of service, and that's a gift. Hold onto that passion, let it guide your decisions, and don't let the world convince you that success is measured only by a salary or a job title. True success is waking up each day knowing your work has purpose, and there is no greater reward than that..

The most important values to me are compassion, community, and investing in people. Through my work directing the food ministry that supports 150-200 families weekly, I've learned that we need to speak to the humanity of what's going on and break down stigmas about homelessness and poverty. These are amazing human beings just like you and me, and life happens to people. I believe in showing compassion and love for one another, and watching that unfold in the community is indescribable. It really does feel like God's work. I'm a very faith-based person, and the food ministry was the first time I actually felt what my purpose was. I think we get lost in so much of society being wrapped up in images and false perceptions of what life is, but working with this community has been transformational for me. It's what beautiful humanity is, living a life where you're showing compassion and love for one another. I also deeply value putting people first, making connections, and learning who they are and what their interests are. Whether I'm engaging volunteers at Girl Scouts, building partnerships, or working with families in need, it's all about aligning on common interests and vision. That's what fulfills my soul and drives everything I do.