By Jessie Eby, former staff member | Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Rocio Esparza knows firsthand that success begins with mindset.
As a real estate agent at Summit Real Estate, managing partner at Esparza & Associates, small business contractor with the Center for Rural Affairs, and business tax specialist and advisor at Phillips I Cruise Tax and Business Services, Rocio has built a thriving career supporting and empowering the Latino community. She spends her days teaching financial literacy to business owners and providing one-on-one coaching to guide her clients as they navigate the complexities of tax planning. But the road to her current reality wasn’t an easy one.
Rocio’s journey began in Mexico where her parents, both teachers, instilled in her the value of education. After moving to the U.S. in 2010 at age 18, pregnant and with limited resources, she and her husband faced many obstacles.
“We wanted to start a new life with better opportunities,” Rocio said. “But we didn’t have family here, and we didn’t speak the language.”
Rocio wasted no time enrolling in English classes at Central Community College in Grand Island, Nebraska, and she began learning as much as she could about navigating life in the U.S. She came here seeking a better life, she said, and she was determined to create it. She focused on her goals and wasn’t distracted by the many roadblocks that could’ve held her back.
Her resilience coupled with her deep desire to create a lasting impact led her to study business administration at Doane University while also balancing a full-time job and life as a mother and wife. She found a passion for financial coaching and business tax preparation and used it to blaze a trail for others who, like her, face systemic barriers.
“I realized I wanted to help my community, especially the Latino population, thrive in areas like real estate, business development, and financial management,” she said.
Goal setting
Although Rocio had always admired her parents’ teaching careers, she never considered that she might have anything significant enough to share with others. Then, during a one-on-one coaching session with a client, it dawned on her that her work could have a greater impact if she could share it with a larger audience. The lightbulb moment led to Rocio immediately putting a new goal on her vision board that evening.
“My goals are always focused on personal growth, community impact, and business expansion,” Rocio said. “I use a vision board to visualize these dreams, keep myself motivated, and align with my mission.”
Some time later, Rocio casually mentioned her public speaking goal to Jessica Campos of the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center. A few months later, Jessica presented her with an incredible speaking opportunity.
From vision to reality
In October, Rocio spoke at the Center’s 2024 Women in Business Conference in front of an audience of approximately 150 business owners. Although she was nervous, she kept her mindset trained on the positive aspects of the opportunity.
“When people asked me how I was feeling about it, I never told them I was stressed or nervous,” Rocio said. “I didn’t want to speak those feelings into existence. Instead, I told them I was excited. Our thoughts are so important.”
Rocio’s advice to other entrepreneurs
Rocio credits her success to hard work, a positive mindset, and staying focused on her vision.
“The vision board has been an essential part of my success,” she said. “It’s a daily reminder of where I’m headed and why I’m doing what I do. It gives me clarity and keeps me accountable. I approach each day with a solution-oriented mindset, knowing that I am contributing to something bigger than myself.”
Some of her goals have taken years to achieve, while others, like her public speaking goal, have been achieved within the span of a year.
“Overall, my success has been a journey with milestones, but the vision board has helped me pace myself and stay focused on both short- and long-term goals,” she said. “Stay resilient and focused on your mission and always remember that success is about lifting others while growing yourself. Always remember to give back to the community that has supported you.”
Resources are available through the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center
Big goals require hard work and commitment, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Women’s Business Center helps Nebraska entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses. Whether you need training, networking, or one-on-one business coaching, we’re here to support you. Learn more about our Women’s Business Center.
