Her Story
About Marci
Marci Hensley is an operations and community engagement professional currently serving as Operations Manager at the Cadillac Area Community Foundation in Cadillac, Michigan. She began this role in May and handles day-to-day operations including office administration, website updates, social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, donor relations, nonprofit support, and migrating systems for greater efficiency. Prior to this, she spent four and a half years at the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau in tourism and operations roles, where she managed office functions, financials, community events, and partnerships. Her earlier experience includes event logistics and sales management in hospitality settings, such as a rental company handling university and corporate events and a hotel sales manager position. She moved to Cadillac nearly five years ago and has since become deeply involved in local community initiatives, including leading the Beer Fest and contributing to award-winning projects like an ORV trail initiative and a KISS celebration event.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marci
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my success comes from being passionate, dependable, and willing to take initiative. I genuinely care about the work I do and the people I work with, which helps me build strong relationships and partnerships. I’m also adaptable and enjoy learning new things, taking on challenges, and finding creative ways to get things done. Most importantly, I bring a positive attitude, work hard, and am always willing to jump in and help wherever I’m needed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve been given is to be true to yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader at the end of the day, so believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, think outside the box, and challenge the normal way of doing things. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step up and be a leader. Be confident in your ideas, keep learning, and never be afraid to bring something new to the table.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women would be to remember that age is just a number. Don’t let your age define what you can accomplish or hold you back from going after opportunities. Keep working hard, stay true to yourself, and continue doing good things. What you put out into the community and your job has a way of coming full circle. Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and don’t be afraid to take the chances.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think one of the biggest opportunities right now is continuing to grow, learn, and find new ways to make an impact. I want to learn it all. There are always challenges that come with change, but I try to look at those as opportunities to think differently, try new things, and grow as a leader. For me, it’s about embracing change, staying open to new ideas, and finding ways to turn challenges into something positive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, what’s most important to me is continuing to learn, grow, and figure out my path. I’m excited to take on new challenges, gain my footing, and really take my career to the next level. I want to keep pushing myself, learning new things, and seeing what I’m capable of.
In my personal life, I want to be more present in the moment. I’m always busy and constantly moving from one thing to the next, so I want to make sure I’m taking the time to slow down, enjoy my family, and truly be present for the moments that matter most.
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