In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our amazing female volunteers and staff. Read our interviews to learn more about these female leaders who are helping the Y strengthen the foundations of community.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our amazing female volunteers and staff. Read our interviews to learn more about these female leaders who are helping the Y strengthen the foundations of community.
I’m not even sure how long I’ve worked at the MYVMCA. I’ve stopped and started a number of times, but I would say I’ve worked here off and on for seven years. I started as a part-time administrator in the Camping Services office. I moved to the role of Temporary Grant Manager. I was then hired as the Director of Grant Management and Research for a few years.
I left for a few months and then came back as the part-time administrator in camp again last year. When the Director of Grant Management and Research position opened again, I decided to throw my hat back in the ring and applied. Fortunately, Claudia (Soo Hoo, Chief Operating Officer) hired me back again and I’ve been back in this role since last September. Phew!
My experience at the Y as a woman has been great. I’ve never thought that I was treated differently as a woman.
My top female role model is my sister who lives in Chicago. She has an extremely good work ethic. She works very hard and plays hard. She has four daughters and makes sure they know that you can do anything you want to do, but you have to go after it. It won’t fall in your lap. You have to prepare and then go for it!
I think there is a reason you have two ears and one mouth. I think a good leader listens a lot and asks questions. A leader is somebody who has a defined purpose and can have the ability to look at the big picture, while being able to execute all the details to get there.
My favorite role I’ve ever had has been as a mother – hands down. So when I went back to work full time, I struggled with the guilt I had in regards to not being home when my boys got home from school, or missing a game, or not being able to help them with something. It was very hard for me to work that first summer while my boys were stuck home. But then I realized that they were becoming more self-sufficient and I was making a difference by being a positive role model to them by modeling a strong work ethic.
As you start your career, make sure you know what the most important aspect of your dream job is. Is it money? Is it flexibility? Is it making a difference in the community? Is it purpose? Is it location? Whatever it is, make sure you follow your dream and not what other people think should be your dream job.
You are not limited to one role at the Y. If you do a good job and add value, you may find yourself in a multitude of different roles…and that’s wonderful.