Her Story
About Dana
I have been in my field for 5 years and have been in my current position as an executive assistant for leadership for less than 6 months. Previous to this role, I was in a grant and fiscal role for the community and technical college for about 6 months as well, but due to organizational structure changes, my role changed and I moved in and out of and into other roles, not necessarily by choice, but due to the changing landscape. From an administrative professional standpoint, I would say as an executive assistant for leadership is where my strongest attributes come out. A typical day for me involves being front-facing for anyone who comes into the suite, into the dean suite, acting as a face to go along with the office but also for the college as a whole. I handle very heavy communication, whether it's telephone or emails and correspondence, and I manage calendars and help facilitate and coordinate meetings, making sure that everything is confirmed and that any last-minute things that may pop up are taken care of. It's very busy and varies from day to day, hour to hour, honestly. My most notable professional achievement is pursuing and then completing my college education in a foreign language studies area, and then using those tools that I received and learned in my everyday career. I also take pride in my tenure and being with the same organization and department long enough to receive recognition. I was in higher education for several years, but then left for a span of time and came back in 2023, so finding my way back to where I feel like I belong has been meaningful.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my confidence in myself, loving myself enough to open myself up for all that is available, but also the support of my husband and my family, my children, and my extended family. They have been there the whole time, encouraging me and listening when I was struggling, or encouraging me to keep going, or encouraging me to take a step in a different direction if that's what was needed. I also attribute my success to listening to my gut instinct and not being afraid to take a chance.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The first thing that comes to my mind is to slow down and be patient with myself, and show myself some grace as I learn and integrate into a new role. I've also been advised to come to work every day, or as often as you can, prepared and ready and open to receive. And to pursue my dreams, that anything is possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry to have confidence and know your strengths and know your weaknesses. Be patient and work hard. Be accountable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In terms of opportunities in my field, I see the importance of having training and professional development made more readily available, or at least having more knowledge of what those availabilities are, in terms of leadership training and advancement. If a different position or something presents itself, taking the opportunity to maybe go in a different direction is important. Having a network, having a really broad, strong network of people that I can count on and who know that they can count on me as well, is vital in some cases. As far as challenges go, the biggest challenge has been having confidence in myself. At an early age, I limited myself by becoming impatient or feeling like I wasn't good enough. As I get older, I've really enjoyed being more comfortable with who I am and knowing myself, and what my strong attributes are versus what my weaknesses are. There have been other things outside of my control, whether it be personality conflicts or just no higher level to achieve that has forced me to look in other directions for other careers or other possibilities. And location sometimes, just because we live in a very remote area of the world, maintaining that positive attitude and mindset can be challenging.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are top values for me, along with loyalty and being dependable. I value being helpful and being a good team player, but also someone who can strike out on their own if necessary or needed, so independence is important. I also value being true and genuine and hardworking. That was a trait that both my parents taught me in action, not just in words.
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