Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of applied research and rural innovation with an exceptional leader. Our guest is Mary Ann Rojas, the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI) at Stephen F. Austin State University. Let’s get into it!"
Getting to Know Mary Ann Rojas
King Musa: "Mary Ann, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role as the Director of CARRI?"
Mary Ann: "Absolutely. I’m Mary Ann Rojas, the Executive Director of CARRI at SFA. CARRI focuses on leveraging university resources and talent to benefit rural communities. We help elevate SFA as an institution through innovative projects and programs that impact the community. It’s an honor to serve in this role and contribute to the growth and resilience of East Texas."
Personal Background and Path to Leadership
KM: "Where did you grow up, and how did your experiences shape your journey in applied research and rural innovation?"
Mary Ann: "I grew up in Muleshoe, a small town in West Texas. Life in rural Texas taught me resilience, collaboration, and the value of community. These experiences guided my path and strengthened my commitment to rural development. After marrying my husband and raising a family, I decided to pursue higher education at 30. Completing college inspired me to create opportunities for others to achieve their goals."
Personal Passions and Career Evolution
KM: "What are some of your personal passions, and how have they influenced your career?"
Mary Ann: "Family is my greatest passion, and we’re raising our one- and three-year-old great-grandsons, which is a joy. I also love road trips and spending time outdoors. Professionally, my career has always revolved around community and workforce development. From starting as an executive assistant to CEOs to leading workforce boards, these roles helped me gain insight into the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas."
Innovations and Opportunities at CARRI
KM: "What are some exciting initiatives and projects at CARRI that students and the community should know about?"
Mary Ann: "We’re transforming the old Science Research Center into an innovation hub, which will open next spring. It will feature cyber lounges, classrooms, conference areas, and spaces for businesses to onboard employees. CARRI also funds faculty research projects that generate economic impacts, and we offer scholarships to rural students. Our internship program places students in rural governments, providing hands-on experience and exposure to various roles."
Lessons and Advice for Future Innovators
KM: "What lessons have you learned through your work in rural development?"
Mary Ann: "Relationships are crucial. Effective partnerships and communication drive change. It’s essential to understand the needs of your community and remain patient and adaptable. Every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow."
KM: "What advice would you give to students and professionals aspiring to make an impact in applied research?"
Mary Ann: "Stay curious and open-minded. Look at the data, understand the unique aspects of your region, and apply your knowledge to real-world problems. Listening and learning are key to creating meaningful change."
Outro by King Musa
"Mary Ann, thank you for sharing your story and shedding light on the impactful work of CARRI. Your dedication to community growth and innovation is inspiring.
Listeners, remember: success starts with passion, vision, and a commitment to learning. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and inspire greatness. It’s your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay curious, stay creative, and keep innovating!"
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