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Saludos! I have been a member of ANSO since 2007. Back then I was a Lieutenant; a friend invited me to one of the annual conferences in San Diego, CA. I was excited for having the opportunity to network with senior officers who took the time out of their busy schedule to mentor enlisted members and junior officers like me. I remember sitting down with Admiral Jody Breckenridge, USCG (Ret.) for a mentorship session; that was the first time I had ever had a one-on-one conversation with an admiral about my career goals. I greatly benefited from her advice and the mentorship from all the other members that attended that conference. In addition, I came out with a few mentors who provided me with guidance during my 23 years in the Coast Guard, and a network of professionals who helped me succeed in my career.

ANSO helped me develop skills in the following areas:

• Leadership – ANSO offers opportunities to excel as a leader (e.g. be part of the Board of Directors or serve as a member of a Chapter). I have had the pleasure of serving as a Chapter President, National Membership Coordinator and now, as the ANSO National President.
• Mentorship – ANSO provides a network of mentors who can provide advice/coaching on how to accomplish your personal and professional goals.
• Workplace Climate – ANSO promotes cultural awareness. Cultural awareness is essential to improve work relations and communication. Reference: Study On Hispanic Professionals Reveals Low Productivity And Engagement In The Workplace
• Public Speaking – ANSO provides plenty of opportunities to improve your public speaking skills. Talk to senior flag officers and peers to discuss career goals, provide presentations and briefs to promote ANSO, volunteer to speak during our conferences or during our community outreach events.
• Planning – ANSO provides plenty of opportunities to improve your planning skills. Help the organization plan conferences and events that can benefit our members.
• Initiative – get involve and provide ideas that can make our organization grow and stay relevant within the Sea Services and the community.

Throughout the years, I have continued to attend conferences and events not only to seek professional development but also to serve as a mentor and contribute to the ANSO mission: “To assist the Sea Service Chief’s efforts in Hispanic workforce recruitment and retention by fostering the personal growth and professional development of officers, enlisted and civilian personnel; providing mentorship, networking, training and educational opportunities; and engaging the Hispanic community through outreach initiatives.”

In 2015, I had the privilege to serve as the President of the BM1 Carlos Valdivia Molina ANSO Chapter, San Francisco, CA. I was the only member in the Chapter at the time. Through partnership with Leadership Diversity Advisory Council (LDAC), Coast Guard Enlisted Association (CGEA), National Naval Officers Association (NNOA), Civil Rights Office and others, the San Francisco Chapter grew to be a 10-member Chapter responsible for the coordination of the Hispanic Heritage Month and two professional development events a year for officers, enlisted and civilian members. After this great opportunity, I volunteered to serve as the Board of Director – Membership Coordinator. This position gave me the opportunity to contribute to the organization at a higher level and have an impact in the future of ANSO. Currently, I have the pleasure to serve you as the 15th National President. I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to lead ANSO for the next few years and work with the Board of Directors (BOD), and all ANSO members to make this organization even more successful.

I encourage you to join ANSO, take advantage of all the opportunities it provides, and help us accomplish ANSO’s mission.

Very respectfully,
CDR Blanca Rosas, USCG (Ret.)
La Presidenta de ANSO

AHORA ES, ANSO!
ADELANTE CON ANSO!