Her Story
About Kaija
Kaija Snyder serves as City Administrator for a small community in central Wisconsin. She has spent a little over three years working in local government after gaining experience in the nonprofit sector. Previously, she worked in the elections field, where she led efforts for the 2024 election alongside a volunteer force of poll workers, an achievement she describes as a career milestone. Snyder began her studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in secondary education, expecting to teach English and French in public schools, but shifted focus during the pandemic. She later returned to the same university to earn a master's degree in public administration, which led her to pursue opportunities in government. She values the tangible impacts of her work, such as infrastructure projects that improve community life, and appreciates the thorough, collaborative nature of the public sector. Snyder attributes her success to a strong support system of women role models and her own determination to stay committed to her goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kaija
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I have a really strong support system. I have a lot of people in my corner, a lot of women that I have looked up to and have seen do it and make it happen, and that's made me believe that it's possible. I just have really strong determination, you know, I want it bad. So staying committed to that, and staying committed to myself, making it happen for myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One thing I was told recently is that your responsibility to your organization is not only to make sure that the organization thrives, but to make sure that its assets thrive, and that you yourself are one of those assets. You have to make sure that you're protecting yourself, taking care of yourself, your mental, and make sure that you're good to do your role. Everyone should unplug sometimes, make sure that you're good, and you're able to be there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just believing in yourself and staying true to yourself. Having this core belief that you can do it, that you can be successful. Knowing that you are your biggest advocate, you're your biggest fan. You have to be in your corner every day. You have to take care of everyone. If that means bumping a few shoulders along the way, so be it. It's not easy for us and so it does take that grit, and being able to embrace that is important.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, there are more resources out there for entrepreneurial and ambitious women than there has been ever before, so there's a lot of different opportunities to connect with other professionals. At the same time, social media is out there, and the political climate is changing, so we do also see that there are challenges in that way. But ultimately, I am optimistic. I think that there's a lot of connection to be had.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Really just integrity, reliability. I always do what I say, say what I mean, and just showing up for people. Being there when it counts. I think that comes through professionally and personally for me.
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