Her Story
About Whitney
A typical day for me as a Lifestyle Director involves coordinating, planning, and executing events that enhance the overall resident experience within the community I serve. My responsibilities range from communicating with vendors and coordinating event logistics to ordering catering, shopping for last-minute event needs, and overseeing event setup and execution. I also work closely with vendors onsite to ensure every event runs smoothly and creates a memorable experience for residents.
Beyond event coordination, I regularly visit all model homes within the community on a monthly basis to connect with builders, maintain strong relationships, and identify ways we can provide additional support. I believe collaboration is an important part of building a successful community, so I enjoy working alongside builders and sales teams to help create a welcoming atmosphere for both current and future residents.
In addition to the creative side of the role, there is also a strong administrative component. I manage budgets, prepare reports, track event performance, coordinate marketing efforts, and handle various operational tasks that help ensure successful programming and community engagement. Organization, communication, and attention to detail are all essential parts of what I do daily.
What I am most proud of is the positive impact these events and initiatives have on residents and the community as a whole. Hearing residents express appreciation for experiences they may not have had before and receiving encouraging feedback after each event is incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoy seeing neighbors connect, build relationships, and create a genuine sense of belonging within the community.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is seeing residents share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. In many cases, those experiences inspire others to become interested in moving into the community as well. Knowing that the work I do helps create a welcoming, engaging, and connected environment is what makes this career so meaningful to me.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Whitney
01What do you attribute your success to?
What I attribute my success to most is my passion for building community and creating meaningful experiences for others. For me, success is not just about planning events, it is about bringing people together, creating connections, and helping residents feel a true sense of belonging within their community.
One of the most rewarding parts of my career is seeing the joy and excitement residents experience after attending an event. I love hearing their feedback, especially when they share that an event introduced them to something new or created an experience they were not expecting. Knowing that residents appreciate the effort and thought put into each event motivates me to continue creating engaging and memorable experiences.
I also enjoy seeing residents share those positive experiences with their friends, neighbors, family members, and colleagues. In many cases, those conversations and recommendations inspire others to become interested in moving into the community because they see the value, connection, and lifestyle the community has to offer.
To me, that is what makes this role so meaningful. It is not simply about hosting events, it is about creating an environment where people feel connected, welcomed, and proud to call their community home.”
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice and encouragement I have received came from Monaca the CEO of the company I currently work for. She told me that she knew from the very beginning that hiring me was the right decision and that she could already see the passion and dedication I bring to my role. Hearing that meant so much to me because it reassured me that the work I do is making a positive impact and is being recognized. Her confidence in my abilities has been both motivating and encouraging throughout my journey.
I would also say that my Pastor the Bishop James E. Lee II and First Lady La’Kitsha Lee have played a major role in mentoring and encouraging me both personally and professionally. My First Lady, in particular, has always pushed me beyond my comfort zone and encouraged me to see potential in myself even during moments when I doubted my abilities. There have been many times when I felt unsure about taking on new opportunities or challenges, and she would remind me that I was capable of achieving more than I believed.
That kind of support, encouragement, and belief from the people around me has been invaluable. It has helped shape my confidence, strengthen my work ethic, and inspire me to continue growing both in my career and as a person.”
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to anyone pursuing their passion is simple: if it is something you truly love, do not give up on it no matter what others may say. There will always be people who doubt you, question your abilities, or tell you that your dreams are unrealistic. But you cannot allow someone else’s limitations or opinions to define your future.
I come from a small country town in East Texas where I often heard ‘no’ more than I heard encouragement. There were many moments when the constant doubt and negativity felt discouraging, especially when it came to the things I genuinely loved doing. It would have been easy to give up or settle because of what others thought I could or could not accomplish.
But moving to the DFW area changed my life. It gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, pursue my passion, and truly grow into the career that I love today. Looking back now, I realize that if I had allowed all of those ‘no’s’ to stop me, I would have never become the person I am today or experienced the opportunities I now have.
That is why I encourage people to keep going, even when others cannot see the vision you have for yourself. Believe in your purpose, trust your abilities, and continue pushing forward even when the path is difficult. Sometimes the people around you may not understand your dream, but that does not mean it is not meant for you. If you love it, pursue it wholeheartedly because your passion, determination, and faith in yourself can take you farther than you ever imagined.
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The values that matter most to me are integrity, accountability, growth, and genuine interest in people. These principles guide me in both my professional role as a Lifestyle Director and in my personal life. They keep me grounded, help me remain consistent in my work, and ensure that I show up with authenticity and purpose in every community I serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, accountability, growth, and interest. These guide everything I do, both in my work as a lifestyle director and in my personal life. They help me stay true to myself and to the communities I serve.
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