Building one career around leadership<\/p>\n
After a successful career as an attorney and senior executive in the financial services industry, Elaine Rocha was not necessarily looking for a career in the nonprofit sector.<\/p>\n
She had long aspired to become a CEO.<\/p>\n
When the opportunity to lead Madison Square Boys & Girls Club emerged, Rocha recognized a unique chance to bring together everything she had learned in law, business, governance and leadership to serve as CEO of one of New York City\u2019s oldest youth-serving organizations.<\/p>\n
Becoming the Club\u2019s first woman CEO in its 142-year history made the opportunity even more meaningful.<\/p>\n
Rocha believes great leadership transcends industry. Whether leading a global investment organization or a nonprofit serving young people, the fundamentals remain the same: Build strong teams, listen carefully, solve problems and create opportunities for others.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often assume my career represents several different professions. I see it as one career built around leadership,\u201d Rocha said.<\/p>\n
She also believes mission alone is not enough. Organizations create lasting impact when a compelling mission is supported by strong governance, thoughtful strategy, operational excellence and exceptional people.<\/p>\n
The story began many years ago<\/p>\n
The journey that brought Rocha to her current CEO role started with lessons learned at home.<\/p>\n
As a young child, her parents reinforced core values that included working hard, standing up to bullies for herself and others, caring about people and measuring them by their character rather than their title.<\/p>\n
Those basic guidelines influenced Rocha throughout her life and contributed to her strong intolerance for injustice and discrimination, deep respect for the law and commitment to inclusion.<\/p>\n
The opportunity to lead Madison Square Boys & Girls Club aligned with Rocha\u2019s values and allowed her to apply a lifetime of leadership experience to an organization whose mission resonated closely with her own beliefs.<\/p>\n
Leading with purpose<\/p>\n
\u201cI often tell people that Madison found me,\u201d Rocha said. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a move away from something; it was a move toward an opportunity to lead an organization whose mission and values resonated with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having previously served on several nonprofit boards, Rocha was already dedicated to the sector.<\/p>\n
Even more importantly, she strongly embraced the mission of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club to enhance the lives of New York City\u2019s young people, with a particular focus on youth in under-resourced communities.<\/p>\n
She was impressed by the Club\u2019s focus on those most in need of services, including providing a safe and stable environment where fun is encouraged and positive role models are plentiful.<\/p>\n
By offering programs in a clubhouse atmosphere, children enjoy a combination of activities designed to expand their skills, build relationships and celebrate their accomplishments.<\/p>\n
The goal is to provide a path for young people to succeed academically while developing good character and pursuing healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n
Why does Rocha do what she does? What motivates her?<\/p>\n
One of five children, Rocha grew up without extensive community resources or professional networks.<\/p>\n
Her parents were wonderful role models, and teachers recognized her curiosity and potential early on, encouraging her to pursue opportunities she might not otherwise have imagined.<\/p>\n
Today, Rocha is proud to fill that role for others who lack those essential connections.<\/p>\n
She is proud to open doors for others, just as so many doors were opened for her.<\/p>\n
One moment especially reinforced that decision.<\/p>\n
Following Madison\u2019s Youth of the Year celebration, a mother approached Rocha and shared how much the Club had changed the trajectory of her child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe wasn\u2019t talking about a building or a program,\u201d Rocha recalled. \u201cShe was talking about confidence, opportunity and hope. That\u2019s when you\u2019re reminded why this work matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lessons learned<\/p>\n
Rocha is an insightful leader who has always appreciated a team approach, seeking advice and ideas from colleagues and embracing the concept that there is much to be learned from one another.<\/p>\n
Her lessons include these words of wisdom:<\/p>\n
Surround yourself with bright and knowledgeable people; do not aim to be the smartest person in the room.
\nListen and learn from others; you do not have all the answers.
\nStay curious.
\nBe humble.
\nRemember that everyone\u2019s voice matters.
\nBe resilient; control what you can and have confidence that things will improve.<\/p>\n
As Rocha\u2019s mother so often said, \u201cJust scratch the surface.\u201d<\/p>\n
Do not simply accept the obvious answer. Stay curious. Listen to others. Seek different perspectives.<\/p>\n
Those lessons have shaped Rocha\u2019s leadership style throughout her career.<\/p>\n
She also believes every leader needs to be the \u201cqueen of their own chessboard.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Rocha, that means listening to mentors and learning from others, but ultimately having the confidence to make your own move when the right opportunity presents itself.<\/p>\n
No one else gets to define what success looks like \u2014 or what your next move should be.<\/p>\n