I grew up with a parent who was the Executive Director of our local community center. Because of this, I was raised immersed in a culture of giving back and serving those around me. What was good and important became all-consuming; And as a pre-teen, I became burnt out. I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the never-ending community service grind, and started pursuing jobs so I simply didn't have the time to volunteer.I babysat, became a sandwich artist, a bridal consultant, and found contentment in these roles and learned a lot along the way- but nothing brought the joy that I had from all those years ago back at my hometown community center. Slowly, I found opportunities that spoke to my soul, uplifted my talents, served those around me, and provided a newfound sense of fulfillment. With my past experience, I know the real impact of burn out and I strive every day in the great balancing act of life to maintain a healthy work-life balance; where I am finding joy in both "work and play", and not just living for the weekends.Over the years, I have seen my strengths unfold in the "behind the scenes" work. I greatly value being able to support those doing more front-line work in direct service roles, as well as helping organizations run day-to-day and long term. I am humbled to be doing this work now as a Development Director at Wisconsin Youth Company. In this role I work to develop the organization through fundraising events, grants, and partnerships- but also develop our community presence and awareness for the important services we provide to children and families in the Dane and Waukesha counties.