Q:
What is your favorite part of being on the SPACC YPro Committee?
A: The professional growth and development in the form of learning. You have the opportunity to gather new ideas and concepts from others across different industries, and also pilot and screen some of your own ideas for making meaningful professional connections, event planning, communication, etc. Simply the concept of broadening my way of thinking about challenges and ideas through learning from others is my favorite part.
Q:
What is an interesting fact about you?
A: I once spent 3 weeks in Nicaragua at a rainforest preserve studying Mantled Howler Monkeys.
Q:
Who inspires you professionally and why?
A: Many! I think being able to find at least one thing about a person that inspires you, either professionally or personally is important. Someone who is challenging themselves to learn a new skill, taking on a new educational opportunity, is pushing the envelope in some way, shape of form, or just a really great communicator.
Q:
Any tips for networking?
A: I think being caring, compassionate and empathetic is often lost in networking and is one of the best ways to form a strong, real connection with another person. Ask them what they care about or what’s going on in their life, and really listen to what they are saying to formulate a thoughtful response. I try to think of building a new connection not as, “what can I get out of this relationship,” but, “what can I do for this person that will elevate their agenda.” In my experience, this approach has the ability to build the strongest type of professional network.
Q:
What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
A: This isn’t a piece of advice I was given, but instead a Rumi quote that I often think about when I am making a decision and the right answer isn’t immediately clear: “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.”
Just a simple reminder to listen to your gut, know what your passionate about, and do what feels right for you.
Q:
What is a great way to further professional development?
A: Get out there! Be involved in different groups and organizations that align with your interests, maybe join a planning committee or offer to help out in some way. You can meet new people, learn a new skill, and broaden your professional network all while doing something you enjoy.
Q:
What skills have you found essential for success?
A: Overall, I have found success in being courageous. Reminding myself that I have been in uncomfortable situations before and have conquered them. The more you do it, the better you get at it! This involves being open and honest and not afraid to communicate your thoughts in a constructive way, be that good or bad. This has been a successful tool for me in building trust amongst my superiors as well as my peers, and pushes me to do something unfamiliar for the sake of development.
Q:
What one thing would you do if you knew you were guaranteed to succeed?
A: If time and money weren’t a factor – travel! There are so many places I want to see but of course, you have the pay the bills. So, if I could guarantee success at setting myself up to do that I would hit the road, or the air.
