A Juneteenth Reflection on Carrie Adelia Gabriel Today is Juneteenth. I have been sitting with that all morning, because there is one story I cannot separate from this date, and it belongs to a woman named Carrie Adelia Gabriel. I never met Fred Rogers. I wish I had. He has been one of my mentors …
Tag Archives: Leadership
Robert Larios – CEO Bio
At one year old, my parents carried me across the Mexican American border with nothing but hope and the clothes on their backs. I grew up the son of farmworkers on an avocado and citrus farm in Southern California and eventually became President and CEO of one of the nation’s largest public sector employee associations. This is the story of how a Mexican immigrant and first generation American turned struggle into strength and rose from the fields to the CEO seat.Along the way, I share lessons on resilience, leadership, faith and the power of education that speak to immigrants, founders and leaders everywhere.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Traditions, Contributions, and Future Visions
Hispanic Heritage Month offers a profound opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions and contributions from Hispanic communities. This time of reflection and celebration allows us to honor the cultural relevance of Hispanic heritage through vibrant festivities and personal stories. From gathering with family over traditional dishes to advocating for community events that highlight Hispanic achievements, the month is filled with both personal and professional celebrations. Looking ahead, there is a vision for evolving these festivities to foster greater cultural exchange and recognition of Hispanic contributions. By weaving these stories into the broader cultural fabric, we ensure that Hispanic Heritage Month remains a dynamic and influential celebration for generations to come.
Riding Through Time: A 10th Grader’s Journey on Highway 76 in 1990
In the spring of 1990, as a 10th grader, I embarked on serene bus rides from Pauma Valley, a time for reflection amidst untouched landscapes. Fast forward to today, Highway 76 buzzes with activity, transforming from tranquil stretches to lively scenes due to flourishing casinos. Among these memories, one Saturday stands out—the day of my first driver’s education class, marked by anticipation and the calming presence of Mr. Thompson. His simple wisdom, “Everyone’s a beginner once,” eased my nerves, leaving a lasting impression.
Slice of the 80s: My Unforgettable Encounter with Square Pan Pizza
Picture it, the early 1980s. Let’s say between 1980 and 1982, because my memories from this time are like old photographs – a bit blurry and faded, but still precious. I was a young sprout, no older than seven. One of my first vivid recollections is stepping into a pizza restaurant, Square Pan Pizza, to …
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The Nod That Changed Everything: From Imposter to CEO
Transform imposter syndrome into ambition, realizing that fears and insecurities can be powerful motivators in achieving goals.
Avocado Farm Lessons from an Engineer: Donald A. Smith
Growing up in Pauma Valley, California, my family lived below an avocado farm owned by Donald Smith, a retired engineer from the City of San Diego, as I recall. My Dad would sometimes do some work for him, and I would help him out. The orchard was a beautiful place, and being there made me …
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A Moment of Pride & Gratitude: 23 Years as an American Citizen
Twenty three years ago, I remember the feeling of elation and certainty that came with becoming a Citizen of the United States. As I repeated each word after the judge, taking my oath to become an American Citizen, I felt like all my life up until this moment had been leading me here. As I …
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From Defeat to Determination: My McDonald’s Experience
In 1993, I eagerly started my summer job at McDonald’s, only to be let go after just three days. The manager knew I would be leaving for college in the fall and needed someone who could commit long-term. Looking back, I should have mentioned my enrollment at the University of Southern California during the interview. …
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Leadership Lessons: From Traversing a Border to Living the American Dream
Discover the powerful leadership lessons I learned as a 1 1/2-year-old crossing the Mexican-American border with my parents. Please read about the experience in the previous post. Here, I’ll share their incredible journey and the invaluable insights it taught me.
Robert Larios 