Employee Highlight - Nellie Piña Dedicated To Success of OBO Solutions Center

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT

Nellie Piña Dedicated To Success of OBO Solutions Center

By: Jesse Rubio

Business Development Coordinator Selma “Nellie” Piña is the first person visitors see when they enter OBO’s lobby. As a member of OBO’s External Affairs division, she ensures the smooth operation of the OBO Solutions Center (OBOSC), where she assists more than 200 clients per month. She also plays an integral role in supporting OBO’s business development programming.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: I’m a native Houstonian raised in southeast Pasadena, and I speak English, Spanish, and basic Arabic. My professional background includes previously owning a business as a sole proprietor hairstylist and I taught an English/Spanish classroom in Jordan where I also edited/authored English, Science, and Math books for the MENA region in the capital city of Amman.

Q: What kind of inquiries do you receive at the OBOSC?

A: Most of our inquiries come from those who have just registered a business with the Harris County Clerk’s Office wanting to know the next steps once their DBA has been obtained. We then guide them to the proper permitting and licensing steps, as well as provide them with all other services and resources that OBO offers at no cost. Other inquiries include referrals from 311 or other City departments for information about doing business with the City of Houston through MWSBE certifications; funding resources and business mentorship; and how to move or expand out-of-state businesses to Houston.

Q: How have you grown professionally since you first started working for the City of Houston a year ago?

A: I’ve grown in how I better communicate with others, manage my time for efficiency, and in how I work with my team on various projects and business programs.

Q: How has your time living abroad impacted your perspective working in the public sector?

A: In my 6 years of living abroad I worked as an English/Spanish instructor, mostly during the Syria Conflict in which many of my students were refugees. In a situation like that, one automatically assumes that feeling of an “ambassador” role, where you want to share your empathy and do your best to help others in need. I just knew at that point that upon my return home, all I wanted to do was to be of service in my own hometown.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at OBO?

A: I have a BSBA degree with a concentration in Small Business/ Entrepreneurship, so I feel right at home! I was raised by a sole proprietor; my father has worked for himself since I was born. I witnessed the struggles, the successes, and everything that comes with owning your own business. I also chose that degree for the same reason and at OBO I get to apply not only my education, but also my own experiences as a previous business owner myself. OBO caters to Houston’s business community in every aspect to position them for success.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to go and why?

A: I’m a huge nature-lover, therefore places like northern India, the Kashmir region appeals to me, where I hear it looks like “Paradise on Earth.”

Q: What’s something about you that not many people know?

A: If you don’t know me, I confuse a lot of people (especially in e-mails) because everything is registered as my first name Selma, but I go by my middle name, Nellie.

Q: Which 3 words would you want your colleagues to describe you with?

A: Trustworthy, team-player, dependable.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who might want to join the City of Houston?

A: Join the City of Houston to be part of the impact that you want to see in your community, and work hard to celebrate it.