Her Story
About Shelby
Shelby Baldwin is the Executive Assistant to the CEO of a network of four charter schools. In this central office role, she supports the CEO by triaging information, managing purchasing for supplies and refreshments, assisting the C-suite leadership team with meetings and action steps, handling board and governance logistics, and leading an organization-wide shared drive project in collaboration with IT to enhance data protection in accordance with New York State requirements. She brings six to seven years of experience in school operations, having begun her career in social services with roles in child protective services and foster care before transitioning to education operations as a principal's executive assistant. Shelby earned an associate's degree from community college and a bachelor's degree in psychology from UAlbany, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. She has completed the Directors in Residence program, Together Leader and Together Teacher certifications, and is currently enrolled in Executive Assistant Professional Development while working toward notary certification. Shelby attributes her professional drive to the emphasis on education from her upbringing combined with self-reliance developed through working full-time while attending school full-time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shelby
01What do you attribute your success to?
Growing up, education was super important to my parents. Our job with school was you get good grades, we take care of you. I never learned how to cook because my mom would be cooking dinner and she'd be like, you guys have to do your homework. Having to do it by myself and learn the hard way also helped. I buckled down through school, went to school full-time, worked full-time. I don't have a backup plan. I don't have parents to go to, so the backup plan is me. Working hard and trying to grid down and work really hard is a combination of both.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I remember one time I had a principal who made probably 3 times as much as me and I was like, I think I want to transfer to this school for this position because it was like an upgrade. She said don't take something just for the money. I remember looking at her and being like, you make 3 times as much as me, you're so privileged to say that. Sometimes you do have to take the risk and put yourself out there. If I had listened to her, I would have just stayed where I was and I wouldn't have made the next choice in my career which led me here. I love being an EA.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take advantage of all the professional developments you can. Always ask for developments. Always ask for feedback. Take it and grow from it. Building relationships with people inside of my network. Making a name for yourself, reaching out to people, being like I can do this, I want to be involved, I want to help. Growing and being able to stretch herself is really important.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work, being punctual is important, taking responsibility for the work that you own, and making sure that it's done to the best of your ability. I really value working relationships and getting to know the people I work with. I'm just a really hard worker, I will figure it out if I don't know the answer or try to learn. In my personal life, my friends are super valuable to me, they're closer than my family some of them. I enjoy helping people, children and families. Making that impact even if it's behind the scenes is important. My family is super important to me and being transparent about grief is something I value. My mom passed away 6 years ago and I don't find a lot of people who have lost their mom at my age and I think just being open about that and finding a community to support you is also really important.
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