When your nominator begins with the statement, “Rosa is one of the most empathetic and courageous women I know,” and adds, “She cares deeply about our community, and beyond her work in social responsibility for the global corporation (at Whirlpool), she also runs Harbor of Hope Food Pantry in her spare hours, is continuously helping families and individuals, ensuring they have essential needs like coats and food, and is one of the most generous people I’ve ever encountered both with her time, resources and money,” you know there’s a powerhouse story unfolding. The accolades regarding Rosa’s legendary work in and for the community and well beyond could fill an encyclopedia. One of the most powerful comments about Rosa stems from an incident when she saw middle-school boys throwing rocks at a window. She stopped her car, got out and confronted them with kindness. She actually asked if they ever considered exploring baseball because she saw one among them had an incredible throwing arm and great aim. Boldly changing lives at every available opportunity. That’s Rosa Skinner from Whirlpool Corporation. Read on for more.
Name
Rosa Skinner
Where do you live?
Saint Joseph, MI
Company or Organization
Whirlpool Corporation
What is your job or role there?
Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
I feel as human beings we are in need of positive boldness. With the increasingly difficult challenges our world faces, you have to be brave enough to jump into action, remain vulnerable enough to fall short, be open enough to learn after you fall short, and then be Bold enough to not give up.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Brave…Fearless…Striking
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
Throughout my career journey, the times when I feel at my best is when I get intentional about humanizing the work that I do. What I mean by that is that as our lives get busier, it’s easy to get caught up in getting efficient results. I have to force myself to slow down and really “see” people where they are and feel how my work can/will impact people. I feel at my best when I see, listen, and feel my purpose. I have the unique privilege to have a career where I get to live my purpose in all I do.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
My authentic self is someone who loves to laugh and will do/say almost anything for a laugh. However I am also an introvert, so the funny stories are always plentiful, but a lot are too embarrassing to share publicly.
I do recall one instance when I was young in my career as a flight crew member on our corporate jet. I put myself into such a state of anxiety with the goal of trying to please that I hadn’t noticed that my passenger was in the lavatory. The lavatory stood between me and our baggage compartment where we stored the food for the flight. I was being efficient as I hurried to get to the food. I threw the door open and one of our executives was using the restroom. It took me way too long to realize that he was there and physically bumped into him. I slowly closed the door behind me. If I was a spiciness scale at the local wing place, I went from Bell Pepper to Ghost Pepper in two seconds flat. I seriously considered jumping out of a moving plane was a perfectly good option. When he walked out, we both looked at each other and nodded in agreement that no words needed to be said and that we would never acknowledge this moment again… until now.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
My parents, but in particular my mom. In the short years she was with us, she taught me that loving people is the most important thing you can do in everything you do. She nurtured that in us. She would say, “Success isn’t about how far you go in life. Life isn’t about careers, money, status, or fame. It’s about how you step up to help others and how you make them feel. Everything else comes from above.” She just knew how to love people authentically.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
That is a great question. My career journey has been a long one, and I think the one common thread throughout that journey, is that every learning opportunity is a blessing that will enhance your future and we must treat it as such. What I mean by this is that when you embrace learning, even the smallest of things, those little things may be what accelerate your future. Just say yes to opportunity.
What does your selection to the first ever Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
I’d be lying if I said that being a recipient of any Moody on the Market Award isn’t the coolest thing and highly sought-after!
What really touches me though, is the nomination. I’m not any more special than anyone out there, but I am blessed to be surrounded by people who support me when things get rough. My army of beautiful souls are heaven-sent and they lift me up when I need them most. Someday I hope to be just like them!
