No matter my job, I've always been an educator. My retired self now knows that as an Aries and the oldest child and grandchild in our family, my destiny was pre-ordained to help lead a pack and watch out for others. As the daughter of an engineer and social butterfly, I became skilled at solving problems and making things work, but always with appreciation for the viewpoints and contributions of others. While I understand goals are important, I also believe in the strength of compromise and the power of ownership and commitment achieved through "win-win" solutions. Throughout my journey, I learned my/our greatest successes were achieved by encouraging and empowering people to stretch, commit, and believe in themselves because the "means to the end" matter, and resulting outcomes are more meaningful and lasting.I have long admired the impact teachers, principals, coaches, and counselors make on the lives of students they touch. My favorite high school teacher once told me I could do anything I wanted. It took me a while to figure out what I "wanted" was a pathway to empowering and improving the lives of people and communities; but, through big impact, large scale, and broad scope solutions. I started teaching in a high school classroom, like my high school teacher mentor, always with an eye on how to impact on a larger scale. I sought broader knowledge about administrative and leadership practices, which reinforced my belief in "win-win" solutions and honed my focus on governance and authority as the keyhole to potential, large scale and scope change and successful impact. Through my internships and jobs, exposure to organizational structures, reflective thinking, and guidance of key mentors, I landed on my pathway to my favorite and most meaningful jobs and experiences - it just so happened to involve the intersection of policy and politics.I quickly learned my super power was/is my ability to make sense out of chaos. I was/am able to absorb a large amount of input, frame relevant information within goals, strategize options and solutions, and focus the strengths and interests of colleagues to successfully accomplish goals; all within the context of significant political and policy interests. I also learned embracing the lessons of tragedies and challenges actually will make you stronger, if they don't kill you! Joking (not joking.) Now, as a retired policy/strategy engineer, I am happy visiting with my mom, playing with my dogs, fishing, and watching science fiction movies -- unless something interesting catches my attention. Go Buckeyes!
Listed skills include Higher Education, Policy, Government, Public Policy, and 20 others.
