Meet Alba Rojas-Sukkar | Owner/Principal ARS Consulting Services LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alba Rojas-Sukkar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alba, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been working in the non-profit sector for over 30 years. When I decided to transition to consulting, I knew the time was right. I wanted more time with my family and was ready to leave the world of working 50+ hours a week and pivot to a more balanced workload. I also knew I was ready to make a difference and help many non-profits instead of focusing all my time and energy on one.

Starting your own business is nerve-wracking! I was so worried that my business wouldn’t launch. I am very lucky to have a supportive husband who was so encouraging. It turned out to be the best professional decision I have ever made! My clients kept coming, and all through referrals. I have yet to advertise. The referrals have been the ultimate compliment. When your client is so happy with the work you have accomplished together, and they reach out to their non-profit collogues and recommend working with me, that feels like success. It’s not advertising that brought them to me, it’s real testimonials of success.

My goal is to work with clients and set them free after our project is over. I don’t stay on retainer, or start up a new project. You must set them up for success so they don’t need you. That’s how you know you measure success, when the non-profit is using what you have taught them, and are seeing the ROI.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I love consulting! Working with each organization and watching them see their ROI is so rewarding.

Being in the nonprofit world for over 30 years has taught me so much. I have worked and raised money for kids, funded buildings, enhanced museums, and supported cancer patients, and every job has had a profound impact on me. When I commit to an organization, I am all in. I have no problem asking for money. Believe me, no one wants to sit next to me at a dinner party or event because I will talk about my organization with such passion, that it will cost them a donation to my organization when we are done. I’m a passionate person, so if I choose to do something, I do it 100%. I stayed at my jobs for years because I loved what I did and I believed in what they did.

That’s what brought me to start my consulting company. I wanted to make a huge impact for MANY nonprofits instead of just one. I kept seeing the need out there and wanted to help. I would go to events and reach out to my colleague afterward and say, “I have some ideas on some changes you can make next year that will help you raise more money at your event next year.” I just can’t turn it off. There is no competition in the nonprofit world, I just want to help.

Consulting has allowed me to help nonprofits in many arenas. I offer board training, and board retreats, making them more streamlined and productive. I do a lot of fundraising training. Asking for money terrifies people. My goal is to help change their mindset and channel all that passion they have for helping their organization and remember they are asking for charity – not for themselves. It’s not personal, and the worst anyone can say is, no.

Nonprofit reorganization has become more prevalent. Helping charities, reorganize and restructure to make them more efficient and successful has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of.

I love events! I know…most people hate them. I love to make them more efficient. Some organizations waste so much money on events! Events are great IF they are done right. Being able to go in and restructure their event to make it more streamlined and help them make much more money is so satisfying.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, I love to eat my way through Tucson so that would be on the agenda!

It would include a stop at El Charro Cafe. How can you call yourself a Tucsonan if you don’t take your visitors there? Margaritas, carne seca, and amazing tamales. You can’t go wrong!

Teaspoon is a fun stop for their famous bubble waffle. We would also have to stop at Le Buzz for their vanilla scones. They sell out immediately so you must get there early and grab a few.

A trip to the Tucson Museum of Art for a walk through their exhibitions and you MUST stop at Cafe a la C’art. Their food is the BEST. They have an incredible pastry chef who fills that pastry case with deliciousness made from scratch every day. I ate there many times a week in the 9 years I was at TMA and always had amazing food and desserts.

You also must include a trip up to Mt. Lemmon for all the scenic views and stop at the Cookie Cabin for their enormous cookie.

I could go on and on and turn this article into a food blog!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m a true believer that behind every successful person, is a village that got them there. My family and friends are my village and the ultimate support team. My husband and kids have been amazing. They cheer me on and help in any way they can. I could not do this without their support.

I come from a large Mexican family, and everyone is involved in everything we do. They are at every fundraiser I do and wholeheartedly support the non-profits that I help. They are there to pick you up on bad days and are there to knock you off your high horse and give you a reality check when necessary. That’s the beauty family. They keep me balanced!

I have wonderful colleagues that I can bounce ideas off and are there to help. There is no competition with us. We all are here to help each other. I also have incredible friends who listen, support, offer advice, and help me at all hours. They have been an incredible part of my journey.

To my village out there – THANK YOU! I am grateful to every one of you.