Sergio Rocha: Driving Engineering while Championing Community Service

Title: Industrial Engineering Manager

Organization: UPS

Age: 36

Sergio Rocha is a bilingual professional with extensive experience in industrial engineering. As a proud son of first-generation Guatemalan immigrants, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan. Sergio holds multiple certifications in engineering management including lean six sigma. His career began in air operations, successfully planning efficient cargo operations at one of the world’s busiest airports, Chicago-O’Hare. As he moved through the ranks and responsibility grew, he designed projects focused on increasing UPS’ air and ground footprint by opening new airports and package handling warehouses. These new operations led to key job creation in economically challenged areas such as neighborhoods in Chicago, IL and Gary, IN. Sergio now leads a team of engineers amongst several midwestern states. From intern to manager, Sergio has rotated through the different sections of engineering, all while saving millions in costs and pushing optimization responsibly throughout the company.

Sergio is passionate about diversity and community service. In 2021, Sergio and his two colleagues founded Crecer, the first Latino Business Resource Group (BRG) in UPS’ 114th year history in Chicago. He continues to chair the group today, prioritizing the professional development and advocacy of Latinos in the company, while emphasizing community engagement. To date, Crecer has hosted over 80 events, generating 4,000 service hours with over 2,000 participants, and nearly 350K in funds donated. He has won awards from UPS’ C-Suite on his pioneering leadership and commitment to his community.

Sergio serves on the Board of Directors for Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago. Erie is a social services non-profit organization providing comprehensive immigrant and low-income support for families. He also serves on the Summer of a Lifetime board, an organization which funds 100% of early summer college programming for inner-city high schools.