<p>By: Kara Adams, Director, Education (eLearning), FMI</p><p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/future-leaders-experience-coaches.jpg?sfvrsn=a06b59ed_1" style="float:right;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:15px;" sf-constrain-proportions="true" sf-custom-thumbnail="true" class="-align-right" width="400" alt="Headshots: Tina Gomez and Enrique Rosas" sf-size="190232" />As FMI gears up for the 2025 <a href="https://www.fmi.org/future-leaders">Future Leaders eXperience</a>, two returning volunteer coaches — Tina Gomez and Enrique Rosas — share their motivations, strategies and heartfelt reflections on why this program means so much to them and the impact they hope to make on this year’s rising stars in the food retail industry.</p><h5>Why They Returned</h5><p>For Tina Gomez, a Human Resources Assistant Store Manager with Fred Meyer, last year’s experience as a coach was a personal and professional boost. <em>“It was very uplifting,”</em> she shares. <em>“I gained confidence in my role by leading others in this program.”</em> Gomez found empowerment through helping others grow, and the experience resonated deeply with her role in HR. She reflects, <em>“Feeling needed outside of my job made me feel confident in what I signed up for.”</em></p><p>Enrique Rosas, Retail Coordinator at Hy-Vee, Inc., echoes that sentiment, citing both enjoyment and impact as key motivators for returning. <em>“I really enjoyed the program as an attendee and as a coach,”</em> he says. <em>“It’s a great opportunity to influence future leaders all across the country.”</em></p><h5>Lessons from the Past</h5><p>Both coaches are bringing refined approaches this year based on what they learned. Rosas emphasizes the importance of accessibility and proactive communication. <em>“Last year, I made sure to make myself available to my team — via phone, email, LinkedIn, Zoom. I think that was really appreciated.”</em></p><blockquote>There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. My goal is to help positively influence my team, provide guidance and clarity. I hope they pass what they learn on to others — like a trickle-down effect.<footer>Enrique Rosas, Retail Coordinator, Hy-Vee, Inc.</footer></blockquote><p>Gomez is focused on celebration and visibility. <em>“I’ll definitely shout out the participants who finish early or on time,”</em> she says. <em>“I want to bring more excitement this year.”</em> Her approach includes public recognition and individualized encouragement — methods that build both confidence and community.</p><h5>Witnessing Transformation</h5><p>One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is watching leadership blossom in real time. Gomez recalls a particularly engaged participant: <em>“There was a store manager who helped encourage others and participated in every single module. I wondered if he became a coach this year.”</em> For Gomez, the participant’s initiative — and others who reached out with thoughtful questions — validated the importance of her role.</p><p>Rosas shares a story of meaningful growth, too. After extended discussions with one of his team members, they were able to pinpoint and address a challenge in building positive workplace relationships. <em>“By the end of the course, they had overcome that obstacle,”</em> he says, a testament to the power of personalized coaching.</p><h5>Creating a Safe, Inclusive Space</h5><p>Both Gomez and Rosas are intentional about building environments where participants feel supported and valued. Gomez plans to be more explicit in using inclusive language. <em>“I will make sure to use the words ‘safe’ and ‘inclusive,’”</em> she says, adding that she’ll send public shout-outs and email progress reports to keep momentum high.</p><p>Rosas is committed to availability, encouragement and follow-through. <em>“I always followed up with the team both as a whole and individually. I set goals and reminders for them. I was inclusive, encouraging and understanding.”</em> His method is simple but powerful: be there and be real.</p><blockquote>It was very uplifting. I gained confidence in my role by leading others in this program.<footer>Tina Gomez, Human Resources Assistant Store Manager, Fred Meyer</footer></blockquote><h5>Looking Ahead</h5><p>When asked about the legacy they hope to leave, both coaches look beyond the immediate experience. Gomez hopes to <em>“inspire more participation and get participants to volunteer to be coaches for 2026.”</em> She plans to plant that seed early and often.</p><p>Rosas sees a ripple effect: <em>“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. My goal is to help positively influence my team, provide guidance and clarity. I hope they pass what they learn on to others — like a trickle-down effect.”</em></p><p>As the 2025 <a href="https://www.fmi.org/future-leaders">Future Leaders eXperience</a> begins, Gomez and Rosas embody the program’s spirit of growth, service and leadership. Their stories remind us that leadership is not just about position — it’s about presence, purpose and the power of paying it forward.</p><p><a href="https://www.fmi.org/future-leaders/registration" class="button">Register for the 2025 Future Leaders eXperience</a></p>
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