“I’m a constructive destructor. I don’t just say ‘we need women’. You have to make the best case for women.”
-Rosie Rios
“Always knew growing up I wanted to do something bold my mom is my role model“
-Rosie Rios
“True feminism is empowerment“
-Rosie Rios
“Never ever forget you are at that place at the table. No matter what table it is, you are in that spot do something with that”
-Rosie Rios
Rosie’s 3 steps to success: “1. Do your homework, don’t walk into a meeting unprepared. 2. Speak up! 3. Be your own leader”
-Rosie Rios
Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, grew up in San Jose, California with her eight siblings. They were raised by an extremely hard working single mother who was able to put all nine children through college. Today, Rosie attributes much of her work ethic and determination to her mother and the example that she set for her children. Along with her many other accomplishments, Rosie has most recently played an essential role in the plans to replace Andrew Jackson with an image of Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. She also became a
Guinness Book of Records’ record holder as the person whose signature has appeared most often on U.S. paper currency (her signature is on over 1 trillion dollars worth of currency today). In more ways than one, Rosie is an example to women everywhere that they deserve a seat at the table and a prominent place in our nation’s history, present, and future.
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A FEMINIST?
“I call myself an accidental feminist. I had no interest in a lot of the issues that many women face today. What was known as feminism back in the seventies was mostly a kind of sexual empowerment. It was birth control, it was bra burning, and it was abortion rights. So for me, my mom, and my five sisters, this concept of feminism was very different than what I think it really is. Again, growing up in a household where feminism was not always a positive word, because of what was happening during that point in time in history, what I realized most recently, especially in the last eight years that I’ve been in this position, is feminism was around me the whole time. It really is this strength, this courage, this fortitude that I saw in my mom and now that I see in my 15-year-old daughter. That is true feminism.”
DID YOU EVER IMAGINE THAT YOU WOULD BE THE TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES?
“Never. No, never in a million years. I am one of nine kids raised by a single mother who sent us all to college. This story is more about her than it is about me. I always knew growing up that I wanted to do something bold, my mom was definitely my role model.”
WHAT HAS STUCK WITH YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR MOTHER?
“She never hesitated. There were very little inhibitions and there was nothing that really stopped her. I remember something she told me, and that was to never forget that you earned that place at the table, no matter what table that is. Whether it’s a business table, a dining table, a community table, whatever it is you earned that spot at the table so do something with that. I remember that constantly because certainly in the business world and in my investment management world and even the world that I’m in now I can’t stand when I see a woman walk into a room and she takes a seat around the walls. Sit at the table. You’re in the meeting so sit at the table.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PLAN TO PUT A WOMAN ON THE US CURRENCY?
“I realized that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing was basically institutionalizing our country’s history. On every product including your coin and currency, every front of a denomination is a very important person and on the back is a very symbolic monument or edifice. It really was kind of a chronicle of our history from 1776 to the present, and as I’m looking through these concepts I realize every single image of a woman was allegorical. They weren’t real people. They were like Lady Liberties or were wearing Grecian togas, some not even dressed at all, and you didn’t know who they were. Yet, all the men were founding fathers or presidents and I’m thinking, ‘How do you omit 50 percent of your population out of your history?’ At that time I had this little concept in my head that I had found my calling.”
Rosie’s passion for empowering women from all walks of life is both influential and inspiring to people everywhere. Her impressive career is an example that determination and drive will take you far in life, despite one’s background or upbringing. She is an inspiration to many and will be known as a person who fought for women for many years to come.
Rosie was the esteemed guest for Women Entrepreneurship Day’s monthly CORE: Breakfast Series which features powerful women in business that share personal success stories to provide inspirational motivation for women in business all over the globe. The breakfast events are held in an intimate setting with world business leaders, media, entrepreneurs, and impacting philanthropists. Previous honorary guests at this exciting series include: Mindy Grossman (CEO of HSN, Board of the National Retail Federation, Bloomin’ Brands, and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF ), Andrea Jung (President and CEO of Grameen America, Board of Directors of APPLE, Daimler AG, and General Electric, and Former CEO of Avon), Melissa Gilbert (childhood actress, television director, and 2016 Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district), Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud (Saudi Arabian entrepreneur, activist, CEO of Alfa International and Founder of 10KSA), Alexandra Wilkis Wilson (Co-Founder and CEO of GLAMSQUAD; Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor of Gilt), Georgette Mosbacher (Chairman and CEO of Borghese), and many others.
Rosie is also a loving pet parent of three adorable pups! Spike and Lucky are brothers and are already 14-years old! Buster, the smaller of the 3 pooches, is a 2-year old rescue. When asked about her 4-legged babies, Rosie said that Buster would be a $2 bill if he were to be any form of currency because he is unique, cherished, and she would carry him everywhere for good luck if she could! Spike and Lucy, Rios says, would be $10,000 notes because they are priceless!
For more information on Rosie Rios and her role as Treasurer of the United States, click HERE. To learn more about the Core: Club Breakfast Series click HERE!
For the Best that Pet Lifestyle has to offer follow Wendy Diamond on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and right here at AnimalFair.com!