Rebecca Chavez

I attribute my success to having a rough start. I had a pretty rough childhood, I didn't have an easy go of it in my 20s, and at the end of this lifetime, it's true that you only have yourself, but by supporting and uplifting and pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself, then you're better for everybody around you. Me coming back to work and making something of myself gives me such a sense of pride that, in turn, it makes me a better mom, it makes me a better leader, it makes me a better human. I genuinely believe when people work hard for what they have, and they're willing to share it, it just helps you empower other people, and what a great life we get to live doing these things. I also attribute it to that good old-fashioned work ethic, just rolling up your sleeves and having stick-to-itiveness. Coming in, doing your work, and taking that initiative to just maybe do one more task outside of what's asked of you can open doors and get you so far in life. You can go to college all day and all night, but if you don't have a good work ethic and value, you just won't go anywhere. And honestly, I don't know that I ever allowed myself to feel proud of myself up until about 2 years ago. I always felt funny talking about myself or my accomplishments, or I felt like imposter syndrome because I didn't go to college. But now it's like a sense of pride for me. No, I didn't go to college, but I made it, and you can make it too.

My mom instilled something in me when I was younger. She said there's always smarter, faster, stronger, prettier, but there's only one you, and it doesn't take away from you by sharing your talents and your loves and building people up. She said it only makes you better and shine brighter. And I live by that. As an adult, I understand what my mom meant - that you're not competing with people. If you bring people into your circle and build off their strengths and learn off their strengths, you only become stronger. I'm never afraid to hire people who have degrees and who are smarter than me and who have been practicing longer than I have, because I can only learn. You should never be afraid to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, because that's how you grow, that's how you learn. And when you take that fear away from being replaced, then you only grow stronger, better, faster.

Something I always advise my daughter is that as mothers and as sisters and daughters, we tend to put ourselves second, and I think it just comes natural to women to always put people before themselves. But I always tell my daughter, no matter what goal you have in life, to always make sure that you're a priority. You educate yourself, you make sure that you advocate for yourself, and you really are your biggest fan. You make sure to never, even if your voice shakes, make sure your voice is heard. I heard that quote one time, and it's always stuck with me - to just really be who you are, and never make yourself small for anybody, no matter what room you're in. You can be a mom, you can be a sister, you can be a wife, you can be a woman in a man's world, and be successful, and be proud of yourself. You don't have to shrink. Even if your voice shakes, still feel proud of your accomplishments, but always keep reaching. And that good old-fashioned work ethic, just rolling up your sleeves and having stick-to-itiveness - coming in, doing your work, and taking that initiative to just maybe do one more task outside of what's asked of you can open doors and get you so far in life.