River City Six – Angela Chicas
Meet Angela Chicas, marketing generalist at Centris Federal Credit Union.
Tell us a little about your business.
Centris is a full-service financial institution providing the same products and services that a bank does. Centris definitely has their members in mind as their top priority and aligns them with the best services and products they need. We have been in operation since 1934 and pride ourselves on superior service and that decisions are made locally. Centris was actually started when the banks in town weren’t meeting the needs of the people, so seven workers at an Omaha telephone company started a credit union.
How did you get started in the business?
I started in the marketing field when I was a sophomore in college, working as a sales and promotions coordinator for a local Spanish radio station in Omaha called Radio Lobo 97.7 FM. I learned some essential marketing skills through that experience, such as the importance of adhering to brand standards, social media writing, and event planning. I later received an offer to work for NRG Media, a radio cluster in Omaha, which gave me the opportunity to learn the radio’s business aspect. At NRG, I also worked as an on-air talent personality on their Spanish radio station La Nueva 1020 AM and 99.5 FM. I hosted a four-hour show every Saturday for two years. Simultaneously, while working part-time with NRG Media, I accepted an offer with Centris as an intern in their marketing department. Towards the end of my internship, I was offered a permanent position. I accepted and have been with the company now for two and a half years.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
My work in the radio business and at Centris. It was the springboard for my professional career and led me to where I am today. I learned and did many different things at the radio station, such as creating scripts, promotion, and content for my show. I learned and observed from so many talented people who have years of experience in the industry. At Centris, I have achieved independence and trust from my team. Professionally, that is all I want—to know that the people I work with trust and rely on me to get a task or project done.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My favorite quote comes from the movie The Pursuit of Happiness: “I’m the type of person who, if you ask me a question and I don’t know the answer, I’m gonna tell you that I don’t know…but, I bet you what, I know how to find the answer and I will find the answer.”
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I would have been an actress. In high school, I was a part of the International Thespian Society and was in a play and a musical. I absolutely loved it! Ever since I was little, I have loved to sing, dance, and interpret movie scenes to my family. I once jokingly told my mom that someday I would be paid to just talk. It’s funny now, because it actually happened!
What is your favorite movie?
Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Pitch. I love their pizza and especially their truffle fries! I definitely recommend this place.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Michelle Obama.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 758-6500; achicas@centrisfcu.org; centrisfcu.org.