Behind the Resume #61 – Lori Greenwood

Lori Greenwood new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

My title is Communications Consultant/Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Specialist. My day-to-day workload will include the launch of two relationship technology systems: Radius CRM and Mongoose Texting. Once implemented, these systems will help to communicate with and track prospective students as they progress toward enrollment.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I’ve had more than 20 years of experience as a multi-faceted communications professional. With hands-on understanding in traditional advertising, as well as digital marketing, I enjoy using campaign analytics to build data-driven strategies. I have previous experience implementing Radius CRM and Mongoose texting for higher ed enrollment management, and I look forward to working with the EvCC implementation team on this project.

selfie of Lori Greenwood in front of computer monitors
I’m temporarily located in Jenny Marin’s office, OLY 206B, while she’s out on maternity leave – feel free to drop by and say “hi.”

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Previous faith-based, nonprofit work as a communications specialist was especially memorable because it enabled me to travel to more than 25 nations of the world — where I developed a great love for diverse cultures, customs, and cuisines.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day at work is pretty exciting! I not only have the opportunity to write persuasive copy/content, I also write criteria logic, with the goal of building fully-automated communications plans designed to guide prospective students through next steps. While our campus implementation team is early in the process, once “live,” the system data points will allow users to zero-in on target audiences, and tailor messages based on where a student is in the enrollment process. Sounds awesome, right? But wait until you hear the best part… My role will include training system users. And, since we have unlimited user licenses, any staff or faculty member that would like to work with prospective students can use the system to do so.

Describe yourself at 12 years old.

At 12 years of age, I attended a small parochial school in the Chicago area with my two sisters and one brother. I haven’t been able to wear plaid, since.


What is your favorite meal/snack? Favorite winter beverage?

Influenced by the years of international travel, some of my favorite meals include Ayam Kampung and Nyama Choma. Favorite beverage is coffee – especially in the winter.

 What would be the title of your autobiography?

Okay, this question stumped me. So, I asked Buzz Feed for some help (really). After filling-out their short questionnaire, here’s their title suggestion… I Don’t Wanna Talk About It: My 52,000,000-Word Autobiography.”

What is the first concert you attended?

Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Sir Georg Solti conducting.

Lori, husband and 3 kidsWhat is a defining moment in your life?

For me, a defining moment in life was to be a first-generation college student, however, it’s second to becoming a parent! Here’s my family (left to right): My husband Tom, me, our son-in-law Austin, who is married to our oldest daughter Crista, and our youngest daughter, Anna.

What are you reading right now/what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

I’ve had this book for a while now, but I am finally getting around to reading Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Written as a letter to his son, Coates tries to make sense of racial injustice and exposes the irony of living in a world that refuses to allow him the freedoms that many others take for granted.

 What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Ayam Kampung, of course… or maybe Nyama Choma.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

I was born and raised in Chicago and lived there until I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Other locations I’ve lived include New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. I relocated to Seattle, Washington in 2004, and I live just south of the college, in Lynnwood.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years (and beyond), I see myself here at EvCC, contributing to the success of our community.

What do you like to do on your days off?

I use my days off to try to catch-up on various home improvement projects. Lately, I’ve been scrapping a popcorn ceiling. Yep, it’s as fun as it sounds! When I need a break from the projects, I enjoy spending time at Seattle Art Museum, which I often refer to as “my happy place.”

Do you have a favorite quote/piece of advice?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

Behind the Resume #60 – LaRea Sylvester

LaRea Sylvester new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
My title is Campus Security Officer. My day-to-day endeavors will be making sure our campus is safe, secure, and prepared if emergencies occur. Another big part of my duties will be acting as an ambassador of the College in order to make sure that our campus is accessible to our community while helping our students, staff, and faculty reach their immediate and long term goals and destinations. I act as a support and safety net for all those who come on to our properties including our satellite campuses.

Tell us a little about your professional background.
I held a DOL issued Unarmed Security Guard license prior to joining the EvCC team. I performed duties on a contractual basis from Bellingham to Seattle, including Bellevue/Redmond. I also have 15+ progressive years of experience in the Tribal Gaming industry. Although I primarily worked in Slot Operations and Slot Systems, I am also certified to deal Poker, Black Jack, and Roulette.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Me, freshman year at Everett High School
Me, freshman year at Everett High School

I have had too many jobs to single out just one as most memorable. The job I enjoyed the most was being a Slot Technician. I was responsible for all mechanical and technical aspects of 2500+ slot machines. The field is constantly growing and evolving, so there was never a dull moment.

What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts early! My shift begins at 6:00 a.m.; the first thing I do is debrief with the night shift so I can stay up to speed on anything that has occurred. I also like to conduct a safety check of the campus right away in order to identify anything out of the ordinary or unsafe, so we can correct or fix the issue prior to community arrivals. After completing safety checks, I begin daily patrols of our campus to meet and greet everyone, provide excellent customer service, and help manage any and all things related to parking.

Baby Rea
Baby Rea

Describe yourself at 12 years old.
I was invincible; I could do and be anything I wanted, and at 12 years old I wanted to be a “grown up.” Now (27 years later) I just want to be in elementary school again for recess and field trips.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in winter? Favorite winter beverage?
Pozole or Menudo and Eggnog Chai Tea Latte

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Rea the Rebel: Blessed & Unstoppable

What is the first concert you attended?
Boyz II Men at the Tacoma Dome

What is a defining moment in your life?

Me & my daughter
Me & my daughter

The birth of my daughter is the defining moment in my life; who I am and everything I do is attributed to her. She keeps me grounded, focused, and accountable to someone bigger than myself. I am very fortunate and thankful that I became a parent.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
I am reading two books:
How to Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
The Lotus Sutra, Translated by Burton Watson

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Doughnuts

Surfing off of Maui
Surfing off of Maui

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I’m a military brat, so I have a few home towns:
(1) Riverside, CA (2) Las Vegas, NV (3) Honolulu, HI (4) Everett, WA (save the best for last)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will still be a Security Officer with the EvCC team, but BETTER! I will be highly knowledgeable, a recognized ambassador to the community, AND I will know and remember everyone’s names.

What do you like to do on your days off?
What I like to do changes with the season (except watching UFC, that’s 365).
Summer: wakeboarding, surfing, hiking, riding my motorcycle
Fall: football, shooting
Winter: STILL football, snowboarding
Spring: riding my motorcycle, missing football, hiking

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.”
~Leo TiagoLaRea Sylvester