Meet Andrea Rios McMillian

We recently connected with Andrea Rios McMillian and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from generations of women who endured, prayed, and persisted through dark nights that have swallowed others whole.

Picture this: a small house in a struggling part of town, my mother working late, my grandmother whispering prayers in Spanish over a pot of beans, waiting for her telenovelas to begin and me—a quiet, observant girl watching it all. We didn’t have much, but we had faith. We had each other. And I learned early that resilience wasn’t about pretending things didn’t hurt—it was about standing up even when they did.

My dad was in and out of jail, a shadow figure whose absence carved deep questions in me about identity, belonging, and love. Growing up, I attended an affluent suburban school and there were many times that I felt split in two—between cultures, between classes, between dreams and survival. But God became my anchor. When I didn’t have answers, I had a deep sense that I was being held by something greater. I still do.

After my 20-year marriage ended, I stood in my kitchen as a newly single mom, the hum of the fridge louder than usual, wondering how this will impact my three sons, how I’ll continue to manage a demanding leadership role, and still make room for my dreams. That’s when the resilience of my mother and grandmother kicked in to become more than a trait—it became a lifestyle. I leaned into discipline: gym at dawn, prayer before decisions, and rest in the arms of God amidst uncertainty.

Resilience, for me, is braided with faith, inherited from women who had every reason to give up but didn’t. It’s in the way I fiercely protect my sons, co-parent with grace, and lead others with empathy. It’s in how I tithe in abundance even when I feel the financial pinch, trusting God’s provision.

And it’s in my quiet longing—for a forever love, for peace, for purpose—that I find my greatest strength. Because I know now: resilience is about bending without breaking. It’s about rising with beauty and clarity after every fall.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m currently the Director of Video Production for a global tech nonprofit, GTIA, where I lead the creative strategy and execution of multimedia content that brings our mission to life. From concept to final delivery, I produce storytelling that highlights impact, educates diverse audiences, and drives engagement across digital platforms, events, and global campaigns.
What excites me most is the intersection of purpose and creativity. Whether I’m producing a project, leading a video team, or mentoring young professionals, I bring my whole self — as a woman of faith, a mother, a Latina, and a creative — into the work. I believe in creating with depth, leading with integrity, and using every platform I have to remind others of their worth and divine purpose.
One of the most exciting developments has been the continued growth of my podcast, which has gained momentum with new listeners. I recently finalized a partnership with the City of Aurora to broadcast my show on ACTV, their local television station. They’ll also support production for future episodes — a powerful next step in expanding the podcast’s reach and impact.
After returning from a transformative sabbatical that took me around the world, I’ve felt more aligned than ever with my calling to uplift and connect through storytelling. No doubt my experiences will shape future creative and spiritual projects. This season of life is about deepening my impact, owning my voice, and inviting others into a journey of faith, purpose, and personal power.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Trusting God — My faith has always been the foundation of my life. In every season — especially the ones filled with uncertainty — I’ve trusted that God would find me and lead me through. And He always has. For those just beginning their journey, cultivate a spiritual practice that roots you. Prayer, reflection, and surrender are powerful tools that remind you you’re never walking alone.
2. Trusting myself — Over time, I’ve learned to listen to my intuition and honor my instincts. There’s a deep inner knowing that often whispers before the world confirms it. Learning to trust that voice has helped me make decisions that align with my purpose. My advice: spend time in stillness, get to know your patterns, and pay attention to what your body and spirit are telling you. That’s wisdom worth following.
3. Trusting people — We’re often warned about the dangers of strangers and how unsafe the world can be. But through my travels and work, I’ve seen the beauty of humanity — the kindness of strangers, the generosity of community, and our deep desire to connect. When we trust others and remain open, we create space for love, collaboration, and shared healing. This is how we thrive.

These three forms of trust have shaped how I live, lead, and love.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has helped me most is my mother. Her resilience, endurance, and unwavering generosity have been pillars in my life. Her steady light has guided me through every season. Watching her rise each day with quiet strength, even in the face of heartbreaking challenges, gave me a living blueprint for how to persevere. She didn’t just tell me what was possible — she showed me. Her lived example gives me the confidence, grit, and heart to overcome my own challenges. She continues to show me that strength doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it shows up, day after day, and just keeps going.

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