OCC Degree Propels Alum Into Management At GE Aerospace

Chayanne "Chachi" Robles '13 can trace the roots of his success at GE Aerospace to a combination of his classmates and professors at Onondaga Community College, and his early job experience at Wegmans. "Both institutions taught me valuable skills in the areas of listening, empathy, and trust. Those have stayed with me into the work I do today."

Robles grew up in Liverpool where he was homeschooled along with his four siblings. All five would eventually attend OCC before advancing into their chosen professions.

He began working at Wegmans at age 15 so he could be part of the supermarket chain's higher education scholarship program. He got quite an education in the process. "Working on the floor in the aisles or at the service desk meant I was on the front line of customer service. I learned quickly the value of listening and how it was an extremely effective tool to ensure customers a positive experience."

Skills learned at Wegmans would translate well to the classroom and machine labs in OCC's Mechanical Technology degree program. Professors there including Bob Tanchak and the late Bob Latham helped him with his coursework and learn in-demand skills within the industry. They also inspired him to continue his education beyond OCC. "There was a great learning environment and family-type atmosphere. We had students of all ages and backgrounds, and we all worked together. It really opened my eyes to the importance of empathy in the workplace and how it made everyone more appreciative and supportive."

After completing his associate degree in 2013, Robles transferred to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). During his junior year he interned at Wegmans, and as a senior he interned with GE Aviation (now GE Aerospace). His superiors at GE were so impressed, they encouraged him to apply for GE's Operations Management Leadership Program. It gave him the opportunity to spend time in various sectors within the company so he could determine what the best fit for him was. "It was a great experience. I gained a 'big picture' appreciation for GE. The larger perspective allowed me to better understand and explain why the work we do is so critical." Robles went from Ohio to Texas to North Carolina and now is back in Texas working as a Material Readiness Program Manager.

Perhaps the most critical key to his success is his significant other, his wife Datoria whom he met at RIT and married four years ago. "She's my rock and a big reason where I am today. Whenever I question a potential opportunity she's the first to say 'why not?' Having someone in your corner who pushes you for the better is pretty amazing."

His support at home and in the work place is something Robles is extremely grateful for, and he hopes his career success will inspire others. "I know I don't look like the typical engineer or corporate person, but I want to be a resource for any minority who is interested in pursuing a similar path in the same or similar STEM area. I applaud the efforts by companies like GE and what Micron and Amazon are doing in Central New York. They are extending those opportunities and dreams to area youth to show them they belong and this pathway for them is real."