Forward Janesville - TheReport - Fall 2017

FALL 2017 • 17 AMBASSADOR PROFILE What prompted you to get involved with the Ambassadors initially? My desire to lead and grow students into adults who are college, career and life ready prompted me to get involved. As an Ambassador, I have the opportunity to connect with area business and community leaders that will not only benefit Janesville but also the students in which I serve. New to Janesville and Rock County I knew I needed to quickly form sustainable partnerships that would be a win for all involved: employers, students, educators, and the community as a whole. I knew being an Ambassador would give me an inroad that would be difficult to discover on my own. I also knew that I would be a good advocate and representative for Forward Janesville and the business community because I understand the importance of growing our own. Our students, employers, educators, and community need to work together so we have a robust economy where our employers can anticipate and meet the demands of a constantly changing marketplace. I knew I could be (one of) the links to connect them all together. What was your most interesting—or hilarious—Ambassador experience? I'd like to start by saying that the Annual Dinner was by far my most memorable experience. Being new to the area and to Forward Janesville, I didn't know what to expect. The Annual Dinner far exceeded my expectations. I was so impressed with the companies present. It truly was the “Who's Who of Rock County”. As I stood in the doorway greeting people, I reflected on the magnitude of my position. It's far more than a school coordinator. It's far more than partnering with all the many businesses and community members in the area. It's a union. An alliance between the business and community members and the school that must be constantly massaged for the sake of our talent pipeline, student readiness and the community as a whole. I especially loved Barry's message about the importance of education, Inspire Rock County, Academic and Career Planning (ACP) and the need for mentors for our students. The Annual Dinner refueled me. I left feeling inspired, renewed and ready for more. There is power in the Janesville community—and I love that I got to experience it firsthand. What advice would you give to a new Ambassador? Start! Have a desire to get involved with your local community. Build a relationship with the other Ambassadors. The more you connect, the more connections you'll make and the greater your circle of influence will be. What tops your bucket list and why? Become a motivational speaker. I desire to inspire, lead and direct women to become all they can be. In today's world, there are so many challenges and most of us allow our struggles to direct our path. I've faced many challenges and have worked diligently to make lemonade out of the lemons. Life is what you make it. I prefer to make mine sparkle. Life motto "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later." Richard Branson My mother taught me, "If you don't ask, you don't get." This tagline has served me well in my position. My father always said, "Find something you love to do that your willing to do it for free ... then get so darn good at it that people will pay you big bucks to do it." I absolutely love my job and find it to be rewarding every day. Still waiting for the "big" bucks! • FIRST YEAR AMBASSADOR • “I think it is important to serve the community in which you live and work. I also believe that if you want change to happen around and within your community, it needs to start with you. John Maxwell, author and speaker, suggests that we volunteer 10% of what we work to a cause/charity we care about. If you work 40 hours a week, give four hours to a cause and/or charity in which you care about. I try my best to better the community in which I work and live.” Creative Community Living Services, Inc. Amy Haggerty 101 S. Main Street – Suite 200 Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 754-5400 www.cclsinc.com Dreier Family Dental, LLC Dr. Brandon Dreier 2203 Holiday Drive Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 752-2931 www.cjwinterdental.com Downtown Janesville Incorporated P.O. Box 8081 Janesville, WI 53547-8081 www.downtownjanesville.com Kwik Trip (4 locations) David Ring 3359 Milton Avenue Janesville, WI 53548 (608) 758-8629 www.kwiktrip.com 254 E Memorial Dr. Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 754-4088 3123 US-51 Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 752-3354 2518 W Court St Janesville, WI 53548 (608) 756-2880 Sprint Dale Bolton 2500 Milton Avenue Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 554-2090 www.sprint.com Universal Wireless Inc./Sprint David Bowey 2201 Humes Road – Suite 130 Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 644-5050 www.sprint.com Van Roo Family Chiropractic Dr. Laura Van Roo & Dr. Ryan Van Roo 2505 Milton Avenue Janesville, WI 53545 (608) 756-5225 www.vanroofamilychiropractic.com Versatile DJ Entertainment Jose Massas 1916 Green Valley Drive Janesville, WI 53546 www.versatiledjent.com PATTY HERNANDEZ Curriculum Coordinator – College & Career Readiness Coordinator School District of Janesville FJI• NEW MEMBERS Chairman’s Club Member