Her Story
About Kelly
I started my career working in human resources at the college, where I spent many years in the same department. After working there for so long, I was looking to step up or move across departments because I just wanted a change. There was an opening in facilities and college safety, and I decided to make the move. I've since fallen in love with this department. It is a male-dominant department, and being the only woman in that department is something to say for myself, because I am succeeding in such a male-dominant environment - actually two male-dominant departments. My main area of expertise is in a support role. I focus on scheduling, coordinating meetings, coordinating events, and making sure all the directors for both facilities and college safety have all the moving parts taken care of. I'm organized, I take care of the communication, run calendars, and make sure the day-to-day operations run smoothly. Because I deal with so many departments and serve as the point person for facilities and college safety, it has really gotten me out there and able to show other departments what I'm capable of. This year, I was named Administrative Specialist of the Year, which was especially meaningful because I've worked at the college for so long. It's finally nice to be recognized for that.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think it's just to be organized, listen. Listen to others speak. Be on time. Be early. You know, sometimes just sit back and listen. That's really it. I've learned that if you communicate, everybody's just looking for something. It doesn't matter if you say, you know what, I don't know the answer, but I'm gonna get back to you. That's all people are looking for, is really just communication.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would basically say that, with my position in a support role, every contribution matters, right? Being reliable, organized, and committed to helping others can make a meaningful impact, no matter where you work. So it doesn't matter - you don't always have to have an administrative role. A support role is just as important.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think, with working in college, it's getting students - the enrollment. Enrollment is a big thing. Learning looks differently now since COVID. I know COVID was a while back, but bringing people into a college campus is challenging. A lot of these young students are used to being at home, used to learning differently. And I think that just makes us - we can't operate if we don't have students. So I just think adjusting to the new way of learning is really a big impact on my field of work.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think being reliable, being organized, communication is key, right? It doesn't matter if you have an answer, if you don't have an answer. I think if you communicate, everybody's just looking for something. It doesn't matter if you say, you know what, I don't know the answer, but I'm gonna get back to you. That's all people are looking for, is really just communication.
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