Women's History Month: Curator of The Week - Hílen Rocha

In this week's feature, we have Hílen Rocha, CEO of R Legacy. Despite obstacles in her way, she was not deterred from achieving the goal she set for herself. Leading the way, speaking out against injustice, being open-minded about change, and pursuing her dreams.

1. How did you get started in Engineering? What's been your career road map?
   I did not want to be an engineer- I actually never really knew what an engineer was. I started my career wanting to be a lawyer. I was very discouraged soon after my first paralegal class and when I found out how long the career takes (little did I know engineering would take me just as long). I went from HS to community college and then transferred to a Cal State. Because of many road bumps and circumstances, I did not finish my career in 4 years, it took me 9.
    
2. What has been an important, perhaps the most important, lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
   Don’t run. I wanted to finish and get my feet wet, without really knowing what that meant. Within engineering there is a lot of maturities that need to happen before you enter this male dominant field, especially as a hispanic female. Had I gotten here sooner, I wouldn't have been able to handle it. I tried to take as many classes as I could even though I was working two jobs, and I failed. That in turn caused me to get discouraged and I almost quit several times. The most important lesson I've learned both now in my field and in school is don’t run. Work with a sense of urgency, but the race, you have your whole time to finish.
    
3. What inspires your creativity? What is your creative process like?
   My inspiration comes from different sources, mainly people. I aspire to see a better place for me and for future generations. That motivates me to pave the way, to speak out about injustices, to be open-minded about changes, and overall to go after everything I want, because we can.
    
4. If you could go back in time, what would you have told your younger self?
   The sacrifices will be worth it, so enjoy the struggle and trust your journey. That was a mouthful, but it’s been true in my life. Stress, High-pressured situations, they will always exist- it’s how you grow. However, you can learn to rise above all that when you understand it’s leading to your maturity and growth as a person. I believe everything that has happened in my life has not been a coincidence. It definitely has not been easy, but it has all molded me. I would tell myself not to be scared of the difficult times, because God will provide a way out and you’ll love who you’re going to turn into.
    
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
   I stopped reading. This question made me think about the fact that I removed NPR Radio from my stations- not because it’s not a good station, it has great information! But because everything is a disaster. When I read this question I immediately went to the app I use for news around the world and around me, here are the first 3 headings: “Man Kills girlfriend”, “Georgia grandpa gets life sentence for raping”, “2 dead, 14 hospitalized”. Everywhere you turn there is bad news. This is why I do what I do. I understand I can't change the world, but I can help change my circle, my community, those who hear me and who are around me, change starts with me.
    
6. Any closing thoughts you want to share with the ThinkLA Members?
   Thank you for your consideration and for what you do. It’s amazing to know there is a group of individuals who strives to connect, educate, and inspire our communities because that should be everyone’s goal. I am not where I want to be yet because I want to do more. Although I am an engineer, a contractor, I double majored, I have two businesses, etc- all of that means nothing if I am not an honorable person. I want women, young girls, young men, immigrant men and women to find support in me. My companies strive to help those who society deems unworthy. I want our communities to know college can be for everyone, and if you don’t want to study you can learn a trade and be successful, help your family, and be the best version of yourself. Many people closed multiple doors in my face, counselors told me to change my major because I wasn't going to make it, employers dismissed me because I don’t come from a family of engineers. “Todo se puede hacer en esta vida, con un poco de ayuda”- and I want to be that help.
    

Want to know where you can follow Hílen on social media?

Linkedin: Hílen Rocha
Linkedin: RLeagacy
Instagram: @Rlegacy.ca