We’re back with the new “New Sensation” feature. We’ve updated the questions based on your feedback. You’ll now learn about the best YouTube videos on the web, read about gift ideas for the holiday season, and learn about the career accomplishments of our new members. As a reminder, we developed this feature to introduce you to new ELGL members and as a way on connecting ELGL members with similar interests.
Vitals
Lauren Swaim
Strategic Government Resources, Online Customer Support Coordinator
Experience: Americorps Case Manager, Caritas of Austin and OI Specialist, Caritas of Austin
Education: Abilene Christian University, Bachelor’s degree, 2D Design
Connect: LinkedIn
Lightning Round
Tell us about three of your biggest accomplishments.
I hold a BFA in illustration but have a strong tendency towards streamlining process and pulling off complex technical projects. Somehow I figured out how to blend the two! Having to prove myself through my work has really helped me appreciate my own background as well as recognize others’.
It is a major accomplishment in and of itself to understand and take advantage of your true passion while at work. I can take that passion for “how” I do my work wherever I go and whatever I do. There’s incredible peace in knowing that.
I make a mean, MEAN carnitas and black bean tamales.
(Complete this sentence) I feel old when I……..have to use a drop down menu online to scroll and find my birth year….that sucker drops down further and further each year.
Tell us about two mistakes that you’ve made that we can learn from.
As a young intern, I was witness to some pretty nasty office politics and out right no-no’s that I would have otherwise not seen as an entry level employee. I learned quickly to watch and listen often and to be self-aware of your words and actions. You can get a much better sense of the landmine’s and quicksand that way.
It’s so easy to let the work trickle into the evenings and weekends. I have to constantly remind myself that I can accomplish things with so much more energy and enthusiasm if I will stick to the boundaries that I set.
Give us three of your favorite YouTube videos.
I love understanding the science behind food and cooking…this gets me every time.
As part of being an ELGL member, we give you a chance to redo or change any part of your life. How would you use it? Note: My life is perfect, I am perfect, I would never change anything is not an acceptable response.
I would figure out a way to eliminate the three cow-licks neatly placed in a row where my hairline meets my forehead.
Our annual conference will be held in October 2014. Name three topics or speakers that should be included on the conference agenda.
I don’t really understand how to take advantage of LinkedIn. I have a profile…but what is it for, why do I need to acceptance invitations from strangers?
(Complete these phrases) Best thing about the….
80’s was……. John Cusack
90’s was…… Comfy jeans
00’s was….. Four years of late nights, perpetually stained hands, and the smell of turpentine miraculously being counted as college.
Last year was….. finding the normal again after getting married.
Today is…. microwave macaroni – read into that what you will.
Name two of your mentors and describe them in five words.
Michelle Dunnivant, Foundation Communities in Austin TX – passionate, strong, a forcetobereckoned with
Krisa Delacruz, Strategic Government Resources – passionate, resilient, empathetic, kick butt
What’s your least favorite thing about humanity? People fighting vehemently for something that is conflict with another thing they are fighting vehemently for…thoughtful reflection would be nice.
How did you hear about ELGL? The SGR conference this past January!
Fast forward one year, what will factor into your decision on whether to renew your ELGL membership?
I would appreciate a way to find mentors/mentees (I had to google that word) that have similar professional interests (not necessarily similar titles)…maybe almost like a job board based on a profile and survey to help us connect.
Give us two ideas for attracting and retaining talented individuals to the public sector.
I think there is always a significant lack of straight forward explanation given to the general public regarding the what’s and why’s of the work being accomplished in their communities. I think the ability to understand can be a huge motivator for getting involved.
I think there is a lack of personal and professional education in how to actually affect organized change starting with self and expanding out from there – running around in circles isn’t really that fun for anyone involved.
What questions should we have asked? I don’t know, but I’m impressed with the questions.
What one question you have about ELGL? I want to follow you on Twitter but I still don’t really understand how Twitter works…LinkedIn, Twitter…I’m the anti-millennial. A task for this evening. I’m excited for what you guys are gearing up to do in the Southwest!
Supplemental Reading
The SGR Team – Strategic Government Resources