Influential Woman · Human Resources K-8 Tribal School

Rosalie Janis

Consultant, Personal

Manderson, SD

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Human Services and Counseling from Oglala Lakota College Degree Vocational school training in California Member Board of Trustees for Oglala Lakota College (President)

Her Story

About Rosalie

When I was in high school, I was told that I wasn't college material. So I went off, left the reservation, the Indian reservation, and went to California and did training at a voced school. I came home and was in the secretary field, and then one day I said, this isn't for me, I can get my degree. So I went to our local college and got my bachelor's degree in Human Services and Counseling. Then I worked in different areas. I worked as a director of a Victims of Violent Crime program, I was the court administrator, and did different things. Every job I had, though, I worked with the people, and people that are struggling in their lives. My work was always that. When I was working at the courthouse, I had been there for almost 10 years, and I decided to move on to something else. I resigned and worked for Child Protection Services, but I was getting a little bit older, and the travel of that was getting difficult. I just didn't like the travel anymore, so this job came open, and I applied for it, and I got it. I'm 75 years old, and I've been working since I was 19 or 20.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Rosalie

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I guess working with your heart and loving what you do. And to remember that nobody's perfect. In my career as a director of programs or as a supervisor, I had to learn that I had to get down with them. I had to do the dirty work with them. I had to scrub floors when there wasn't enough people to scrub floors. The most important part is you're not above anybody, you're with them, and you work just as hard as they do.

02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My whole focus has been on my kids, and then next is my grandkids, and that's my life. I give everything to my family. I give everything to my job during the day, and then after that, I give everything to my family. You just gotta love every part of what you're doing, and to be recognized is nice, but my feeling is that to be recognized by my peers and by the people I work for is even better.

Keep Exploring