Zebra Courage: Trish Lopez, Teeniors

“What I’ve learned is to listen to my instincts in every area of this business, while also giving second chances to others and being incredibly kind.”

This month, we're discussing "courage" with the Zebra community. Trish Lopez of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Zebra community shared some thoughts on the topic.

First, let's hear about the Zebra that you’re building.

We’re building Teeniors. Teeniors are tech-savvy teens and young adults who help older senior citizens (or any-aged person) learn technology through one-on-one, personalized coaching. Whether it's a smartphone, computer, or software, our goal is to empower older adults to connect with their loved ones, engage with their communities (and the world) through technology, while providing paid, meaningful jobs to teens and young adults.

I don't know if that makes me a "zebra" but it makes me connect with any person, business, non-profit or robot in the world who's trying to do good, while also making a living.

What does courage mean to you, specifically as a Zebra?

Maintaining the optimism and resilience that it takes, not only to create something in the world that didn't exist before, but to continuously bring the courage and grit that it takes to roll with the roller coaster of uncertain revenue, uncertainty of what the next six months will bring, the certainty of the toll it takes on your personal life, and the certainty of knowing that you haven't contributed to your savings or retirement in years. (All in the name of creating the change we'd like to see in the world.)

What are some times in your business that you've had to be most courageous? What did you learn from them?

Most courageous times: having to fire someone that I really liked as a person, but that I knew wasn't a fit for the job. Having to give critical feedback is still a challenge. And I feel courageous every time I take a baby step forward in the right direction. What I've learned is to listen to my instincts in every area of this business, while also giving second chances to others and being incredibly kind.

Interested in learning more about this Zebra company?

Visit Teeniors.