In Conversation w/ Rosie Collin - The Bend Magazine

In Conversation w/ Rosie Collin

Rosie Collin, CEO of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, shares advice on how to succeed in the business world.

Photo provided

Rosie Collin is drawn to serving others within her community, an idea that has helped her in many noteworthy roles at local businesses and institutions in the Coastal Bend. After serving students in the classroom as an educator, Collin has gone on to serve as president and CEO of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority, working directly with local, state and national business leaders and agencies. Collin currently serves as chief of staff at the Port of Corpus Christi, and previously was its director of community relations.

In addition to these notable roles in her professional career, Collin also serves the community as an executive board member of Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend and the Del Mar College Foundation. She also is chair of the Public Affairs Committee of Port Industries.

Among the things which she is most proud of is being the granddaughter of Rafael Galvan — civil rights leader and entrepreneur, the first Mexican-American police officer in Corpus Christi and one of the founders of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Will Leschper: How have your experience and background been beneficial in serving the Coastal Bend community?

Rosie Collin: These opportunities have all been unique but also have one common thread: engagement in meaningful work to build unity and enrich the lives of people in the Coastal Bend. I have had the great honor of working with several interns, who have either stayed in Corpus Christi or returned, that are now working in various careers.

WL: What are the most important pieces of advice from your mentors that have had a beneficial impact on your career?

RC: Listen to others. Advocate for others and be propelled to do all the good in your heart by the light that others bring. Help create a legacy of service by a leadership that helps to drive collaboration and results in strengthening the community. Be grateful and do your life’s work with grace, humility, courage and accountability.

WL: What are the best qualities of a good manager, in your experience?

RC: One who embraces the mission and goal of an organization, while empowering team members to thrive, grow and develop under their leadership. A leader who willingly gives credit to others and who leads with passion, knowledge and humility is vital to personal and organizational success. Creating an inclusive environment that inspires loyalty can reap enormous personal rewards. I have also learned that a good manager will always take into account data in decision-making. This balance can help create sustainability in a department.

WL: What have been the most important skills in your success?

RC: Building honest, strong communication with a diverse group of people has been of enormous value to me. Bringing a positive, and yet at times pragmatic, approach to the decision-making process has also been of great value. I cannot underscore [enough] the value of a professional work ethic as a guide in finding success in life. This includes being a trustworthy member of a team.

WL: What do you love most about the Coastal Bend?

RC: The community. I love that we have a sparkling bayfront skyline and an exciting downtown area that fully embraces local art. From my office at the Port of Corpus Christi, I have seen the acrobatics of a dolphin jumping and a vessel coming in at the same time with a backdrop of the Harbor Bridge, Texas State Aquarium and Lexington Museum on the Bay. My favorite places also include the Galvan House and the Galvan Ballroom. Altogether, we enjoy a spectacular Coastal Bend.

WL: What are your favorite activities outside the office?

RC: I have some favorite avocado trees and especially enjoy the arts. Although I love home projects, nothing is more beautiful than visiting with my grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews, siblings, cousins and friends.