20 Under 40 | CARMEN ROMERO-NICHOLS
Carmen is the Operations Manager for ECI Services that specializes in tailored services for colleges, universities and university systems.
She is also the owner of La Creperie Co. food truck, which opened July 2023.
Carmen is the vice chair for the Human Relations Commission for the City of Topeka and serves as a Family Readiness Program volunteer through the Kansas National Guard.
She pulls from her life experiences as an immigrant and teen mother to support community members today.
She hopes to contribute to Topeka’s growth and diversity, and to support other small businesses like her own.
How have you grown during your career?
I feel that my skills and leadership qualities have shifted, improved, and changed for the better.
My primary intent is to serve, listen and observe more, and make adaptive and informed decisions that benefit the greater good.
I welcome feedback, suggestions, and new opportunities and see them as a way to improve what I do. I now know that we can never and must never stop improving.
What is one piece of advice that has served you well in your journey?
Ever since I can remember, my mom has always said, “If you can do something about it, why worry? And if you can’t, why worry?” When I’m stressed out or find myself in a jam, I can hear her voice saying those exact words to me and it brings me a little bit of peace.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Not following through with something, but also, use your blinkers, people!
