Rossana Mariana Quixito

I attribute much of my success to having strong mentors throughout my career, along with the perspective I gained from immigrating from Poland to the United States as a teenager. Navigating a new culture and building a life in a different country taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building meaningful connections with others.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received was to stay open to change and not say no to new opportunities out of fear or comfort. For people who value stability and security, change can feel intimidating, but growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar situations.

Every new role, challenge, and group of people brings an opportunity to learn something valuable. Sometimes, when you’ve been somewhere for a long time and feel hesitant about making a change, it’s worth asking yourself: have you truly learned everything you can from your current environment, or could a new experience help you grow in ways you haven’t imagined yet?

My advice to young women would be to stay resilient, remain creative, and keep an open mind. Don’t let other people discourage you simply because you approach things differently or bring a new perspective. Especially early in your career, it can sometimes feel like you constantly have to prove yourself, particularly when you’re surrounded by people with more seniority or experience.

Over time, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to yourself and trusting your abilities, even when others may not immediately understand your ideas or approach. There will always be outside opinions and challenges, but it’s important not to let them define your confidence or direction. Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and don’t lose the qualities that make your perspective unique.

One of the biggest challenges in my industry is the changing landscape of higher education. Many institutions are facing enrollment declines, shifting student needs, and increasing budget pressures, all of which impact how organizations operate and how teams function internally. As education continues to evolve, institutions are having to rethink traditional models and adapt more quickly than ever before.

I think adaptability will be essential moving forward, especially over the next five to ten years. More students are exploring non-traditional paths after high school, which is changing how people view higher education and the value they expect from it. At the same time, the continued growth of online learning is reshaping the student experience and likely will continue to influence the future of education in significant ways.

In my work, I really value collaboration, open communication, and being a strong team player. Having colleagues who are supportive, receptive to ideas, and willing to work together toward a common goal is very important to me. I believe the best work happens when people trust each other, communicate openly, and approach challenges as partners.

In my personal life, I value authenticity and staying true to yourself. I think it’s important not to compare yourself to others or try to fit into someone else’s expectations. We all bring different strengths, experiences, and perspectives to the world, and I believe there is real value in embracing who you are and living in a way that feels genuine to you.