#PinayCrush: Gigi Roundtree
Throughout her life, Gigi Roundtree has always felt a connection to people and community. A social justice and community activist, nonprofit founder, author, entrepreneur, and business consultant - all her work is rooted in being a voice for her community and giving people tools to change their lives.
Originally from the Bay, Gigi eventually moved to Las Vegas where in 2016, with the support of her family, she made the decision to leave her job as an operations manager and become the founder and president of a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the disenfranchised and helping them make a new start in life. Common Tree provides essential goods and services to impoverished Las Vegas communities through fundraising, community outreach, and raising visibility around the rising homeless population. Common Tree services local students in need through their “Empower & Inspire Mentorship Program” as well as adults with their monthly “Lunch & Learn” workshops, designed to assist those transitioning from homelessness to integrating back into the workforce. They also coordinate back-to-school expos, feed the homeless campaigns, and deliver goods and services such as food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those in need. Gigi believes that Las Vegas can continue to grow as a community that gives, cherishes, and loves everyone who is need, and Common Tree has dedicated itself to becoming a hub of resources and hope for children and families in the valley.
“I realized I wanted to pursue a different passion and started Common Tree, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With the support of my family and many prayers, I was able to leave my corporate job as an operations manager to pursue my passion!” Gigi says. “I experienced a few setbacks along my journey and wanted to give up. Failure is expected throughout life, but having the ability to learn from failure is considered a key path to growth. I didn’t allow my failures to define me, I let it empower me.”
Eventually, the love Gigi pours into her community has gained recognition from local magazines and news channels. She’s the recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and has been named a 2017 People to Watch by Las Vegas Woman Magazine, a 2018 Top 100 Women of Las Vegas by MYVegas Magazine, 40 under 40 Most Influential Business Professionals and many more.
We caught up with this amazing woman and learned about her work, her motivations, and how her culture keeps her rooted in our interview below!
Hella Pinay: Can you tell me a bit about your entrepreneurial journey and background?
Gigi: In 2012, I flirted with the idea of Entrepreneurship. I started a vegan catering service called "Organic Chick" - I had a few clients, then stopped as I didn't have enough clientele. In 2014, I started a graphic design company called "BE Designs" but I soon realized it just wasn't my passion. I found myself giving up so easily, and the thought of failure frightened me. But what I learned is that in order to succeed we have to fail our way to success. In 2016 that's when I founded my nonprofit "Common Tree" and that has been my passion - servicing the disenfranchised segment of Las Vegas. Also, I’ve built a profitable consulting business assisting aspiring Entrepreneurs with their business ventures - forming their LLC's and nonprofits, among other business services.
Tell me about Common Tree and what inspired you to start it.
Rooted in the Community, Common Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit developed to assist families and students in challenging circumstances in Las Vegas. At Common Tree, we strive to bring back the idea of a community purpose. Together, we can truly make a difference for those less fortunate and our youth, through fundraising, mentorship, spreading awareness, and being a community advocate. We can continue to grow as a community that gives, cherishes, and loves everyone who is need. Common Tree is expanding our mentor empowerment program within CCSD, our feed the homeless campaigns, financial literacy mentorship programs, back to school expos, and major holiday campaigns that serve Las Vegas families and we need your help and generosity to keep the momentum going. My inspiration is just my love for people and my community. I see so many people struggling and facing hardships, if I am able to be that beacon of hope for them, then I feel fulfilled.
What do you love about the work you do?
I just love HUMANS, period!
What challenges do you face in your work?
When I am unable to fulfill my duties to my clients. I want to save them all from their situations - but I know there is only so much I can do. I have such a great team that work alongside me to make sure I stay focused.
What is your greatest motivation or driving force?
Self Improvement is my driving force - I am constantly growing and learning. I can only be my greatest motivation to succeed.
I also saw that you've written three books! Tell me about them and what inspired you to write them.
Yes!! There came a point in my life where I lost myself for a minute. I fell into a dark place and became depressed. I had to learn to love me again and pour into myself. I started to journal and write notes to myself. And that's what inspired me to write my books. I saw how it has helped people get through their "moments." I would receive messages that certain parts of my book gave them healing and that's very exhilarating to hear. To know I have made an impact on someone’s life. They are all motivational books which are available on my website - www.gigiroundtree.com or on Amazon.
What is your family's migration story from the Philippines? Where in the Philippines does your heritage draw from?
My parents actually met in the states in 1979, going a blind date. Both their parents migrated here first and then petitioned them and their siblings. My dad is from Olongapo and my mother is from La Union - San Fernando.
What was it like growing up in the Bay as a Filipina-American? When did you move to Vegas?
My dad was in the military (Navy) and we lived in Oakland/Alameda where we lived near the Navy base. Growing up in the Bay Area I had some of my best memories there. Riding our bikes and playing outside with all the other kids whose parents served. Chasing the ice cream man. Chinatown. The culture was everything. I moved to Las Vegas in 2005, cost of living was more cost effective. I love Las Vegas! Come visit me!
Who are the Filipinas in your life who've inspired you?
My Mother & Nanay (rest in power)- They are both strong women and always made sure I knew where I came from. They both instilled greatness in me. Definitely my guiding light when it gets dark.
How does your heritage influence your work?
Family - I treat everyone like they’re family. Being a Filipina is part of who I am. It’s part of my story. I am also more than who I was. I am a culmination of my roots and that has made me a better person. And has allowed me to love myself and my culture.
Do you have any upcoming events, programs, projects coming up that you are excited about?
We have ongoing programs - "Empower & Inspire Mentorship Program" in which we mentor students. "Lunch & Learn" in which we mentor and teach classes to adults facing homelessness and transitioning back into the workforce with workshops to put them into a position to get back on their feet. We also have our "Common Tree Community Feeding" on November 23rd and "The Sack" on December 18 - where you are able to sponsor a child in need at one of our adopted schools we sponsor.
What makes you Hella Pinay or what does that mean to you?
Being Pinay is just liberating - it's who I am. Staying true to your roots. KAPAMILYA.
Follow along with Gigi’s journey on Instagram @_gigiroundtree
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about Common Tree, check them out online here or donate at PayPal.me/commontreelv