We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chanel Aleta Da Rocha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chanel Aleta below.
Chanel Aleta, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by dreams, detours, and the lessons I’ve gathered along the way. As a young girl, I dreamed of becoming a professor and even opening my own school. I’ve always had a deep love for education and community, and I imagined creating spaces where learning and connection could thrive.
But life had other plans, and I followed those twists and turns. I got involved in community organizing, fueled by the desire to be part of the change I wanted to see. That passion led me to intern with the Obama Administration, an incredible experience that opened my eyes to the impact of collective action. From there, I built a career at companies like Apple Inc. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and Meta, honing my skills in strategy, operations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
While those roles helped me grow professionally, they also connected me back to my roots. I grew up in the Bay Area, where my grandfather, an entrepreneur, constantly reminded me of the importance of learning a trade. Inspired by his example, I started exploring business ideas at a young age. I made beaded jewelry, and that trade not only took me to incredible places but also remains something I rely on to this day.
All of these experiences brought me full circle to what I value most: community, culture, and creating spaces that inspire. They helped me realize that my purpose is about blending my passions for education, entrepreneurship, and connection into something meaningful.
When I launched Chanel Aleta Presents, I finally felt like all those seemingly different chapters of my life aligned into one. It’s a business that celebrates culture, uplifts communities, and creates opportunities for others to feel seen, valued, and connected. I’ve come to see that purpose isn’t always a straight line; it’s about following the threads of your experiences, learning from them, and weaving them into something that feels true to who you are.
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?
At Chanel Aleta Presents, I create events that bring communities together in meaningful and impactful ways. Our mission is to host a variety of events that inspire connection, and joy.
One of our cornerstone events is the Bay Area Youth Pan-African Dance Conference, which occurs twice a year, with the next one scheduled for Spring. This event offers youth a chance to explore dance styles like West African, Afro-Brazilian, Afrobeats, and jazz while fostering a deeper appreciation for culture and community.
But Chanel Aleta Presents is about more than dance or any single type of event. I’m planning family-friendly gatherings, artistic showcases, and cultural workshops that create opportunities for people to come together, celebrate their uniqueness, and find common ground.
What excites me most about this work is its ability to connect people through shared experiences. Whether it’s learning a new dance, engaging in dialogue, or simply enjoying the energy of a community gathering, these events remind us of the beauty and power of unity.
I want people to know that Chanel Aleta Presents is more than just an event production business—it’s a platform for connection and celebration. Through every event, my goal is to leave attendees inspired, uplifted, and more connected to their communities.
If you’re looking for opportunities to experience or support events that celebrate diversity and foster meaningful connections, Chanel Aleta Presents is here to make that happen. I look forward to creating spaces that bring people together in positive and impactful ways.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I can identify three qualities and skills that have had the most significant impact: resilience, intentionality, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. These attributes have guided me through challenges, kept me focused, and enabled me to create something meaningful with Chanel Aleta Presents.
1. Resilience
The journey of building something new is filled with both highs and lows. Resilience has been my anchor, especially during moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. Although I never got to see my grandfather in action—he passed away when I was eight—I experienced the results of his hard work. I heard countless stories about his entrepreneurial journey and perseverance. Those stories taught me that challenges are a natural part of the process and that every setback is an opportunity for growth. I advise others to embrace the difficult moments and trust that they are shaping you into a stronger person who is more prepared for success.
2. Intentionality
Intentionality has been essential to my work. At Apple, Steve Jobs taught me a powerful lesson: what you choose not to do is just as important as what you decide to do. This wisdom has guided how I approach everything, from event design to decision-making. It’s about remaining focused on what truly matters and letting go of the rest. I also witnessed this in my mom’s approach to hosting events—she was deliberate about every detail to ensure that guests felt seen and valued.
My advice is to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and let your answer guide your actions. Focus on what aligns with your goals, and don’t be afraid to say no to distractions or opportunities that don’t fit your vision.
3.Building Meaningful Relationships
I’ve been fortunate to grow up, attend school, and work alongside incredible people. My community has always been full of talent, creativity, and generosity—from the friends and peers I grew up with to the colleagues and mentors I’ve worked with. And, of course, my family has been a constant source of love and support.
One of my biggest lessons is that you don’t need to reach far outside your network to achieve your goals. Sometimes, people need to chase distant connections or unfamiliar opportunities. Still, I’ve found that the most impactful relationships are the ones closest to home—water where you are planted. Nurture your connections, and you’ll find abundant resources, ideas, and support.
Many of my family and friends pursuing their entrepreneurial journeys have been an incredible source of inspiration and support. By investing in the relationships I’ve cultivated and walking similar paths with peers who share my values, I’ve built a foundation for success rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
My advice is to foster genuine connections with the people around you. Celebrate their strengths, support their endeavors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. Success often comes not from reaching far but from appreciating and building on the network you already have.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
When it comes to overcoming challenges, my husband, Carlos, has been my greatest source of support. Together, we are building a life with our three daughters, navigating the joys and challenges of pursuing our dreams while raising a family and working toward a shared legacy.
Many people talk about the ups and downs of life, but Carlos sees how the lows affect me 24/7—how they impact my sleep, my mood, and even my confidence at times. Yet, through it all, he’s there, offering words of encouragement, practical solutions, or simply his steady presence.
Carlos’s unwavering belief in me has been a driving force, especially when I’ve doubted myself. He encourages me to dream big, reminding me of what’s possible when we lean into our strengths and vision. His support is more than emotional; he helps create the balance I need to pour into my work without losing sight of what matters most—our faith, our family, our health, and the legacy we are building together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chanelaletapresents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelaletapresents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564707308615
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
