What do you consider to be your greatest PR or business accomplishment?
Coordinating
and executing the Art Institute
of Chicago’s
Ox-bow Winter Benefit. My role
at the event-planning company
where I was an intern was to
assist my boss. But that role
changed quickly when she found
out that she was pregnant and
her due date was the day before
the benefit. From that moment
on, it was up to me to make
sure everything ran smoothly.
I went to Chicago for a week
leading up to the event for
the final preparations. Though
a bit stressful, it was a great
feeling when more than 700
guests attended the event,
the art was auctioned, the
client was happy and the event
was a success. After that,
I was no longer the intern.
What
do you see as your primary
area of expertise?
Working
with S&A staff members, clients
and vendors to manage the details
of special events as well as
writing and pitching news stories.
What
do you love most about S&A?
I
love having the opportunity
to work with a talented and
creative staff from whom I
learn every day. I also enjoy
getting to know a variety of
clients and having the ability
to help meet their needs. Working
for S&A has given me knowledge
and insight into many area
businesses, organizations and
committees, and it also has
made me care more about what
is going on in West Michigan.
What
is the expression you use
most often at work?
What
can I do to help?
Who
is your most admired leader
and why?
My
parents have been outstanding
examples of leaders to me throughout
my life. They have put my education
and experiences as their top
priority and are the most hard-working,
humble and supportive people
I know.
What
is the company you most admire
and why?
It’s
a tie between two organizations.
The first is the YWCA, a
nonprofit social service
agency that has a mission
to empower women and eliminate
racism. During my internship
at the YWCA Metro Chicago,
I saw how their efforts to
increase public awareness
about a variety of issues
as well as provide programs
and services to women and
children directly impacted
numerous lives. The second
organization is Young Life
because of its commitment
to serving teens by meeting
them where they are, providing
a unique environment for
teens to be themselves and
have fun while establishing
meaningful relationships.
How
do you define success?
Loving
your life and working at your
full potential.
What
is your general philosophy
on life and work?
Always
be open to learning new things
and gaining new experiences.
I
also love the quote by Minor
Myers Jr., “Go
into the world and do well.
But more importantly, go
into the world and do good.”
What
are your favorite sports
or recreational activities?
Traveling,
shopping, tennis and watching
my little brother’s
basketball games.
What
is your favorite movie?
Legends
of the Fall
What
is your favorite food?
Pickles
and chocolate-- but not together.
What
is your greatest vice?
Shoes,
coffee and celebrity gossip
What
is an interesting “factoid” about
yourself?
I
once hugged Oprah and told
her she looked thin. |
