For most people, the beginning of fall is a busy time. Ranging from the start of school to closing the chapter of summer activities, a new season is in full swing. That also rings true for our Professional Development Coordinator, Jennifer.
Between the new hire orientations, agency training, and running multiple leadership programs, Jen is also responsible for the agency-wide All-Staff meeting every September. We sat down with Jen and revealed the ‘woman behind the curtain’ to highlight not just her position, but how she lives out Fairfield DD’s mission every day.
“I help make sure our team members have the training, certification, and skills they need for their role and to do their jobs well,” Jen shared. “A lot of my job is behind the scenes, but ultimately, I’m focused on helping our people and our organization grow.”
Jen has helped facilitate leadership development programs for team members during her time at Fairfield DD, including collaborating to create a new additional program. This program is designed as the next step for team members who complete the Emerging Leaders program. It gives emerging leaders an opportunity to build on what they have learned, develop deeper leadership skills, and continue working toward their leadership goals within the agency.
Beyond developing leaders internally, Jen believes her role directly affects those who live out Fairfield DD’s mission.
“I think of my role as supporting the people who make our mission possible. Whether it is to make sure our team has the training, skills, leadership development, and support they need to be successful,” she said. “So, while I’m not necessarily working directly with the people we serve, I’m helping strengthen the people and culture behind the services we provide.”
Jen emphasized that success is not achieved just by team members completing training, but that it runs deeper than that for her.
“Success for me is not just everyone completing their trainings, or I had good feedback from All-Staff, although I’m certainly okay with that piece too! More importantly, when team members feel connected and invested in what we do here and equipped to support those we serve,” Jen laughed. “At the end of the day, my hope is that we are all growing and learning together, and maybe, if we’re lucky, we may have a little fun too!”
When asked what her favorite part of her role is, she shared that it all comes back to learning.
“My favorite part of my role is learning new things and sharing them with others. I am constantly looking for better resources, ways to communicate, and creative ideas to keep my co-workers invested in themselves and Fairfield DD.”
Jen explained that through learning and sharing with other team members, she feels Fairfield DD as a whole is building parts of a community.
“I’m here as a support to help connect the dots and bring us together through opportunities like new hire orientation, trainings in Relias, or All-Staff Days. We are part of a community, and I am happy to be a part of creating that.”
She had advice for people interested in joining the Fairfield DD team, but that advice applies to anyone trying something new.
“You don’t have to know everything when you start! Even if you know a lot, things are always changing,” she said. “The beautiful thing is that there will be guidance and support along the way to help make sense of it all, or nonsense of it all.”
At the end of the interview, Jen was asked if she had anything else to add, anything else she wanted people to know. She finished with one last piece of advice for everyone.
“Ask lots of questions, keep learning, and lean on the people around you. There is always something new to learn!”