823 Advizers
Allison
Chief Strategy Officer
America Achieves
Middlebury College, 2000
USC, MPP
Q1Career path
Public Service
International Affairs
Environmental Policy
1:10
"That experience combined with my experience in DC being in the real world going to the EPA and also Costa Rica really certainly influenced what I want to do"
Q2Main responsibilities
Economic Development
Philanthropy
Executive/Leadership
1:07
"I definitely have some internal calls. I do some writing to participate in webinars talk to other partners talk to incredible leaders and communities across the country and also work a little bit with federal policy makers just on figuring out where those connections between the work."
Q3Day in the life
Executive/Leadership
Communication
Project Management
1:08
"I'm also crafting emails, writing some proposals and doing a little bit of policy research."
Q4Most important skills - role
Strategic Thinking
Leadership
Communication
2:06
"I like to be very purpose-focused but nimble within that purpose."
Q5Favorite parts - role
Executive/Leadership
Teamwork
Communication
1:05
"I like learning something new. I like the variety that's in my role."
Q6Biggest challenge - role
Stress Management
Overcoming Challenges
Executive/Leadership
1:40
"I am an extrovert so I get a lot of energy from meeting with people and working with people...and now I work from home and on zoom and so it's hard to get energy in the same way that I used to."
Q7Favorite parts - industry
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Executive/Leadership
1:18
"So there's a real interest in not repeating the same patterns and same outcomes and instead really thinking about how to get more Equitable outcomes in Greater generation well"
Q8Who thrives in industry
Risk-taking
Problem-solving
Mission-driven
1:20
"They're comfortable with what happens when you take risks."
Q9Wish known before - industry
Executive/Leadership
Coalition Building
Political Savvy
1:14
"What I didn't know and what I've learned over time is that in addition to that the work is highly political."
Q10Entry-level positions
Data Analysis
Community Engagement
Teamwork
1:31
"I encourage people to be open-minded about roles that may not sound exactly what they were hoping for but really go into that role with a willingness and desire to say yes"
Q11Significant lesson - career
Values and Impact
Executive/Leadership
Teamwork and Collaboration
1:20
"For me the most important things that have contributed to me enjoying my work...being really clear on the values I want to bring to my work"
Q12College ideas for success
Resilience
Career Exploration
Overcoming Challenges
2:14
"I was really open to new adventures. So thanks setting abroad was a very defining moment for me."