Member Spotlight.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I have my master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology and am starting my PhD program at Capella this month!

Q: How long have you been a member of MNODN?  

A: I officially joined just a couple of months ago

Q: Why did you join?

A: I joined for a couple of reasons. I was looking for organizations to be a part of in Maine and was having difficulty finding other I/O-related programs. Someone in my network suggested MNODN and MPPAW and I have been very fortunate to be invited to participate in some great programs from afar. I also loved the Community Consultant Program opportunity to not only gain experience in Organizational Development but to give back to nonprofits. After spending more than a decade of my professional career in the nonprofit sector, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet some of my professional goals and be able to help in a consultant role.

Q: What benefits do you gain from membership?

I am currently working with a great group of professionals in the CCP and am learning a lot from them. I’ve really enjoyed expanding my network and meeting others in OD and I/O. I am looking forward to attending events and growing my network with MNODN.

Q: What special skills do you possess that make you an effective OD professional?

I have had an interesting career journey to date. In the US Air Force, I controlled air traffic control in one of the busiest air traffic control towers and then cross-trained into Public Affairs where I was able to host media for some large-scale projects (such as a presidential visit, airshows, National Geographic, etc.). After I got out of the military, I volunteered as an EMT on an ambulance and worked in the nonprofit sector for some incredible missions in fundraising/development/marketing roles. These roles have allowed me to develop effective communication skills, work under pressure and meet deadlines, learn project management processes, work with leadership and cross functional teams, and develop organizational structures and strategy to accomplish goals. I am still learning and developing my skills.

Q: What advice do you have for people entering the field?

Networking is the best way to help find opportunities and help others along the journey. Although I feel like I am still working to fully enter the field myself, I have had so many incredible opportunities to expand my knowledge at my jobs in an OD/IO capacity to build experience. I have found connecting with people on LinkedIn and through organizations like MNODN to be really inspiring and helpful. Keep putting yourself out there, seek mentors, and always seek to continue learning.