What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
Employment Facilitator for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Careers. I am privileged to work closely with the amazing teams of administrators, faculty and staff at AMTEC and Aviation. My role will include guiding students to relevant internships and employment that utilize their training and lead to rewarding careers. Toward this goal, I will work closely with faculty in recognizing and utilizing students’ strengths; coach students to see and develop their own value, envision their careers, and market themselves to employers; and align with industry to help close the loop and fill employment gaps.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
Until the recession, I was in Marketing and Sales. It was just a job, but it paid well. Then suddenly, there were no sales. Then, there were no jobs. Our family went on TANF (Temporary Aid for needy Families), and I met Lisa Fritch (who works at EvCC) while trying to figure out what to do next. Her guidance led me to a new career path. Since 2008, I have focused entirely on Workforce Development, helping folks figure out the next steps on their career path, coaching and teaching Resume, Interview and other self-promotion skills, and guiding groups in developing confidence and their future. It seems fitting that I am back here, working with Lisa and others to coach and guide. I am home.
What was your most memorable job? Why?
At the age of 16, I was able to work in the school library for a semester. It opened my eyes!! I learned process, organization and efficiency, and have used those concepts ever since.
What is your favorite meal/ snack in fall? Favorite fall beverage?
Autumn soups . . Homemade creamy potato, spicy sweet butternut bisque, and more. My mouth is watering! For my beverage of choice: eggnog latte, please.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.
- I am the mother of a dragon. A Bearded Dragon, that is. He’s a Citrine/Giant hybrid (orange/yellow, about 18” long). He eats from my hand, and loves baths.
- I raise cockroaches. That is, we maintain a supply of food for our Beardy. They stay confined, and are surprisingly clean and easy to manage.
- My favorite kind of shopping is at a Hardware store. I love McDaniel’s in Snohomish.
What is your favorite book? Favorite movie? What makes these choices your favorites?
Favorite book: Anything by Mary Roach. I started with “Gulp,” which is an entertaining, educational, scientific and historical look at the alimentary canal, starting with the taste buds and going all the way down.
Favorite movie: Into the Woods. The stage version with Bernadette Peters as the witch. Even Meryl Streep in the more recent movie couldn’t hold a candle to her. Plus, the movie doesn’t include the song “No More Giants.” See the Broadway version.
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
I recently finished “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. Currently, I’m enjoying “Being Wrong” by Kathryn Schulz. Her perspective is liberating.
Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
Born and raised in the Inland Empire of Southern California . . . SO smoggy back then. At the age of 20, I chose Washington State as my new home.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Work in the yard/garden, play with our pup, road trips with Doug, beach-comb for stones and seaglass, braid wool rugs, and make stuff. Right now, I’m sanding and finishing a live-edge cedar mantle.
Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
(Listing three, but they really go together.)
- “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” Christopher Reeve
- “I dwell in possibility.” Emily Dickinson
- “That there is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.” Samwise (through Tolkien)
