In her own words: Leslie Gonzales, Carrington College

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Carrington College.

Leslie Gonzales: Founded in 1976, Carrington College offers certificate and associate degree programs designed to help prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities in the health care field. With 10 campuses across the Western United States, we are able to assist students with beginning new careers in the medical, dental, veterinary, fitness and health fields. The Reno campus currently offers an associate degree program in nursing and a certificate or associate degree program in medical assisting. At the moment we have 45 employees, with 30 part-time and full-time faculty and 15 staff in administration. We are located in south Reno at 5580 Kietzke Lane.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Gonzales: I began in 1998 with the University of Phoenix working in the financial aid department as an advisor.

NNBW: What does a person need to succeed in this job?

Gonzales: You really just need a strong dedication to helping other people achieve their dreams and change their lives. That's what education is about. The skills may vary, depending upon the particular path you choose in education, but skills can be learned, and it is that dedication that is really important.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Gonzales: I have always loved designing clothes, and as a child I dreamed of doing that as a profession. But I am truly very happy with the profession I am in. Education has played a big role in changing my life and the lives of my children, and I honestly believe in the power of education. When I began working in this industry, I had no idea how much I would love it or the impact it would have in my life. But now I really believe that life took me in the right direction and that I am right where I belong in the field of higher education.

NNBW: What are some important trends you see in your industry?

Gonzales: It's a very dynamic time for higher education, and much is changing. The changes are very positive, including increased accountability for schools, emphasis on student outcomes and success, and increased student access to a college education.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Gonzales: I love hanging out with my family and dogs, working on the house, movies, reading, sewing and designing clothes, writing, designing wreaths. (doing anything creative really!)

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Gonzales: This is a diverse and versatile industry it is a great choice for a career! There are so many paths that could be an option. Anyone with a dedication to helping students would have many great choices. I would suggest researching the educational field to determine which area or department would be interesting, and visit with a friend or mentor who might be able to give some guidance.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Gonzales: Younger would be nice if I could keep the knowledge I have now, but that would not be my first choice. Thinner would probably not be my choice either. Richer would always be nice, but I am happy that I went through some very lean times in my life. It allowed me to have a good understanding of the realities that face families on a daily basis, and an appreciation for what I do have. I would choose to be smarter, because knowledge is something we share forward, making our lives richer and the lives of those around us better as well. Being smarter, or better informed, extends to every aspect of our lives from relationships, to decisions, performance, survival, self-reflection, helping others ... it is really endless.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Gonzales: It was not really advice, but something I heard once, and unfortunately I don't remember where, so I can't give proper credit. It is a rule of thumb that I live by and try to use when faced with a decision: "If you are doing something out of kindness, then it is probably the right thing to do. If it is for any other reason, you may want to rethink it." We are all faced with choices on a daily basis, and this has helped me to make a good choice on several occasions.

NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?

Gonzales: Family, dogs, humor, coffee, and music.

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Gonzales: That's a tough question. I think with any gift, there are also drawbacks, so the key is recognizing the gifts we have inherently. I don't wish for any particular strength, but for the strength to make the most of the talents I have.

NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Gonzales: A bit of "OCD." It is clutter-free!

The basics:

Name: Leslie Gonzales, executive director, Carrington College

How long have you been in this job? More than two years

How long in the profession? More than 13 years

Education: Bachelors degree in Counseling Psychology/Master's degree in Organizational Management

What's on your iPod? A bit of everything

The best movie ever? "Rudy"

Spouse, kids or pets? Married to Rick Gonzales, two children: son Jake, 24, daughter Jordan, 23, and currently 3 dogs with one more pup being added to the family soon