Recently, Lights Editor Katie Kozora asked the incoming Board of Directors a series of questions to introduce everyone to the membership. My responses are below:
1. How long have you been in the League?
I joined the League as a provisional in 2005.
2. What was your favorite JLP placement or experience?
The opportunity to chair a signature project was the most rewarding experience. The second playground build with KaBoom! strengthened my volunteer management skills and introduced me to asset-based community development. I had the opportunity to build a playground in New Orleans 9th ward, five months after Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, I utilized my Junior League and Kaboom experience to build a playground in my hometown in Southeast Ohio with my family and neighbors. It is rewarding to be an active member of the Pittsburgh community, yet nothing compares to the pride I felt working with my childhood friends, neighbors and family to invest in the community we first called home.
3. Where do you live? Family or pets?
The East End has been my home since I arrived in Pittsburgh in 2005.
4. What are your goals for the 2013/2014 League year?
To further the mission and vision of our organization in the Pittsburgh community by nurturing a supportive environment where members can develop their skill sets through engagement with community partners and activities.
5. Where do you work?
My professional life centers around my work for the University of Phoenix in the Corporate Relations department. My graduate student life at the Heinz College will come to an end this August.
6. What is your advice to new members?
New members should say "yes." I am so glad that I said yes more often then I said no as a new member in the League, from that Pittsburgh became a home instead of a stop on my professional career path. I'm especially grateful to Sarah Lowery who encouraged me to try my hand as Communications Director and to Jennifer Daurora who supported my enrolling in Leadership Pittsburgh's Leadership Development Initiative class. These women offered me opportunities and I do not regret saying yes.
7. Favorite band, song or quote?
"Life is not a spectator sport." Major League Hall of Fame member Jackie Robison
8. What is your favorite thing about/or place in Pittsburgh?
My favorite things are too numerous to mention so I'll focus on the museums - it is such a privilege to have multiple quality museums at my disposal.
9. How do you de-stress?
Instead of letting myself become overly stressed, I try to mange it daily with trips to the gym and meditation.
10. If you had a day to do anything, what would it be?
I would spend the day with my Grandmother and Grandfather Sheskey working in their garden, enjoying afternoon cocktails, sharing the newspaper and watching a baseball game on television.
