Dinora Rosas
Direct Procurement Team Manager
Eastman
In this Women in Chemicals Woman of the Week interview, Dinora Rosas, Direct Procurement Team Manager at Eastman Chemical, shares her professional journey from a chemical engineering intern in Mexico to a leadership role managing a broad team. Dinora discusses the personal and professional challenges she has overcome, including navigating the loss of her father, living independently in Spain, and accepting a daunting 100% English-speaking role to foster her growth. Throughout the interview, she emphasizes the importance of resilience, the value of diverse perspectives through her work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Women in Chemicals (WIC), and her commitment to supporting other women in the industry.
Professional Roots and the Path to Procurement
Dinora reflects on her background in Mexico and her transition from chemical engineering into the procurement field. While she initially expected a role in quality assurance or manufacturing, she found her niche in procurement, eventually moving from indirect procurement to managing raw materials and utilities. Her technical background proved essential in understanding the complexities of the equipment and materials she sourced.
Embracing Challenges and Competitive Growth
Dinora shares about her intrinsic motivation to seek out challenges that push her to "the edge". She discusses her competitive spirit and how it drives her to excel rather than just participate. This mindset was pivotal when she accepted a role at Eastman that required her to work entirely in English, viewing the anxiety of the task as an opportunity for self-improvement.
Advocacy and Community Building
Dinora highlights her passion for representation and inclusivity within the corporate world. She details her efforts in establishing a Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Eastman’s Mexico site and her involvement as Membership Chair for Women in Chemicals (WIC). She emphasizes that these groups are vital for creating a sense of belonging and understanding cultural differences.
Independence and Global Perspectives
Dinora touches on a defining period in her life when she lived independently in Spain for a project. This experience forced her to navigate a different culture and isolation, which ultimately helped her value her own resourcefulness and appreciate the "shocking views" and expanded thinking that only global travel can provide.
Resilience Forged in Family
Dinora shares the transformative experience of losing her father at a young age. She describes her mother’s strength in stepping into a dual role as a provider and caregiver, which required Dinora to take on significant responsibilities for her siblings. These early life lessons in vulnerability and support shaped her views on leadership and the importance of having a strong support system.