How did you get involved with the Quality Council and the Arc?
I heard about the Quality Council because when I was an undergrad, I was looking for an internship related to disability policy that I needed for my political science major. I had known about the Arc Minnesota just from being present in the disability community but I imagined myself there somehow. So, I got offered an internship at the Arc as the Helpdesk intern. During my time as an intern, I got to learn the Arc Minnesota well. By the end of my internship, I was looking consistently for an opening either at the Quality Council or at the Arc Minnesota in a different department. Fast forward years later, I was looking for a job and watched the Arc Minnesota’s career website until I stumbled upon this and immediately applied.
What people appreciate about me?
People appreciate my empathy and ability to be there as a listener and connector when someone needs help. I am also known for my work ethic and a reliable coworker and friend. I am also honest and will tell you straight whether it is not possible or I am not sure and we should consult other individuals to see how to proceed. I am always focusing on broadening my connections and making sure that I have the resources and networks that can help people. I am known for being the person that if I don’t know it myself, I am sure to know someone who will know. People appreciate that a lot. I carry in my mantra that there is no need to reinvent the wheel and that more likely than not the answer is already out there.
What is important to me?
On a professional level, being able to feel ownership of the work that I do is important to me. Additionally, feeling satisfied that I helped someone whether it be with providing new material or a connection that the person can utilize to strengthen their own advocacy efforts. It is also important to spread gratitude and appreciation for those around me. Thanking someone that let me add them to my network of connections or helped me understand something that had been confusing before, that is incredibly important for me to do and can go a long way.
On a personal level, my family and friends are more important to me than anything in the world. No matter what happens in my life, I have found that being there for your family and friends means that they will be more than happy to be there for you.
