Teresa Berger

Honestly, I think it comes down to two things.

First, my parents. I always tell people I have the best parents in the world. They’re square dancers too, and from the time I was little they taught me that if you work hard, good things will happen. They never told me something was impossible—they just encouraged me to figure out how to make it happen. When I decided to leave higher education and take a chance on a role with CALLERLAB, they were behind me 100%. Having that kind of support and confidence from your family makes a huge difference.

The other big factor has been the people who have believed in me along the way. I’ve had some incredible mentors and colleagues, especially the previous Executive Director, who taught me so much and was always willing to share his experience. And I’ll always be grateful to the Executive Committee that hired me. They took a chance on a 26-year-old woman to lead an organization that had traditionally been led by older, retired men. That was a leap of faith on their part, and I’ve never forgotten it.

Then, just a few months into the job, the pandemic hit. None of us had a playbook for that. We had to make difficult decisions, adapt quickly, and figure things out as we went. I was surrounded by leaders and volunteers who were encouraging, collaborative, and willing to trust me, and that made all the difference.

So, when people ask what I attribute my success to, my answer is really pretty simple: I’ve worked hard, but I’ve also been blessed with amazing people who believed in me, challenged me, and supported me. I don’t think any of us succeeds on our own, and I’m incredibly thankful for the people who have been part of my journey. 

My biggest piece of advice is to pursue the things you’re genuinely passionate about and not be afraid to get involved. Sometimes the opportunities that shape your career come from the places you least expect.

That’s exactly what happened for me. I was already a member of CALLERLAB because I loved square dancing. I got involved simply because it was something I cared about, and over time that passion turned into a part-time job and eventually into a career I never could have imagined.

I also think it’s important not to be afraid to take risks. If there’s something that excites you or that you believe in, explore it. Volunteer, network, ask questions, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. You may discover that it’s more than just a hobby—it could become a meaningful career.

And for young women specifically, don’t let age or expectations hold you back. When I became Executive Director, I was 26 years old and the first woman to lead the organization. There were certainly moments where I wondered if people would take me seriously, but I learned that credibility comes from showing up consistently, working hard, listening well, and treating people with respect. If you’re passionate, prepared, and willing to learn, don’t count yourself out before someone else has the chance to believe in you.

It’s not always easy, but building a career around something you truly care about is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping people move beyond the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way.” Square dancing has a rich history and incredible traditions, and those are worth preserving. At the same time, if we want the activity and our organization to thrive, we have to be willing to evolve.

Over the past year and a half, we’ve gone through a really exciting reevaluation of our square dance programs, and it’s been encouraging to watch people become more open to new ideas. We’ve had thoughtful discussions about what should stay the same and what could be improved. I think we’re realizing that embracing change doesn’t diminish the work of those who came before us—it actually builds on their legacy and helps ensure a strong future. Leading people through that kind of change can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

On the opportunity side, the people are what make this work so special. We have members all over the world, and I’ve had the chance to build relationships with individuals from so many different backgrounds who all share a love for square dancing. One of the highlights of my career was traveling to Japan for our first Mini-Lab there. I had been corresponding with many of those members for years, so finally meeting them in person, visiting their communities, and working together on ways to support and grow square dancing in Japan was an unforgettable experience.

Moments like that remind me that while our organization is centered around square dancing, it’s really about people and the connections we build. Those relationships are what make the challenges worth tackling and the opportunities so exciting.

If I had to narrow it down, I’d say honesty and hard work are two of the values that guide me the most.

Honesty is important to me both professionally and personally. In my work, I believe people deserve transparency and clear communication. Even when conversations are difficult, I’d rather be open and straightforward so that everyone has the information they need and can move forward together. On a personal level, I think trust is built through honesty, and that’s something I try to carry into every relationship.

The other value is hard work and determination. That’s something my parents instilled in me from an early age, and it has shaped the way I approach both my career and my hobbies. I’ve always believed that there’s room to keep learning, improving, and growing. Whether I’m leading a nonprofit organization, managing a project, or calling a square dance, I want to give it my full effort and continually look for ways to do it better.

I also value having a growth mindset. Especially in a volunteer-driven organization, there are always new challenges and opportunities to learn from one another. I think being willing to listen, adapt, and keep improving helps me serve our members more effectively and become a better leader, colleague, and teacher