Big Changes for Free State Marketing!
In 2014, with the ink still wet on my bright, shiny new master’s degree, I was desperate to jump back into the full-time workforce after spending almost seven years as a stay-at-home mom. While that time was an immense gift, allowing me to bond with my daughters and be there for them in ways so many only parents dream of, those seven years were humbling, challenging, and eye-opening. They also led to growth in various ways I wasn’t expecting, including empathy, compassion, leadership, and self-awareness. The time I took away from full-time work led me to see the world differently and develop and solidify my professional values.
“It’s not what you do; it’s why you do it that makes the difference.”
While I initially chose the safe route of a federal service job, I knew it wasn’t for me and I kept looking for something more meaningful. On a random Tuesday, I received an email about a communications specialist position for a local non-profit organization through the AmeriCorps/VISTA program. I quickly applied, attended an informational meeting, was brought in for an impromptu interview…and was offered the job that would eventually launch my decade-long consulting career.
In August 2014, I began working with the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership on behalf of the Fort Leonard Wood Region. While I loved the work and thought it was a lot of fun - combining my communications skills with community and region-strengthening work - the most impressionable part of this experience was the team I got to work with. As you might suspect, the transition from stay-at-home mom to full-time working mom was a big one for our family. My program didn’t offer benefits, such as vacation or sick time, and it provided a monthly stipend of about $678 after taxes. Childcare for my youngest daughter was $673 per month. While the sacrifice was worth it for me professionally, it caused some bumps in the road. Thankfully for me, the two professionals, Joe Driskill and Dorsey Newcomb, who oversaw my work and guided the SOP at the time, were compassionate leaders and caring individuals. Their understanding of sick kids, school events, appointments, and other life events not only made my time at the SOP enjoyable, they showed me who I wanted to be as a non-profit leader.
After about a year at the SOP, my family had to make the move from Missouri to Texas. I began the process of looking for positions in the San Antonio area without knowing anyone or having any connections in that huge city. It was discouraging and frustrating. About a month before we had to move, Joe and Dorsey approached me about working remotely for the SOP as a contractor or consultant after moving to Texas. This idea hadn’t occurred to me, but I was incredibly excited about the possibility. They saw more potential in me than I saw in myself and deserve a big chunk of the credit for my consulting career.
For almost 10 years, I served a variety of clients as a marketing and communications consultant. While some came and went, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had about five constant clients for between eight to 10 years. I’ve learned how to negotiate contracts, stand up for myself, know my worth, and figure things out on the fly. My clients have trusted me to manage tight budgets and produce creative, effective results. It has been a huge honor and so very rewarding.
Additionally, my time as a consultant, gave me the flexibility I needed to raise my children in the way I wanted to. I volunteered at their schools, attended band concerts, took kids to and from school, comforted them during doctor appointments, and did all I could to support them during their early school years.
I also took advantage of this flexibility to serve the military spouse community as a leader in the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network. The experiences and impact this organization had on me are indescribable. I sat shoulder to shoulder with brilliant, talented military spouses who were extremely passionate about serving others and advocating for the entire community. HOH-MSPN leaders inspired, motivated, and pushed me to be a better professional, leader, and person by giving me astonishing opportunities. I had the honor of meeting the Second Lady of the United States, attending meetings in Washington, D.C., and sitting at the table with the Department of Labor. This organization had deep faith in me, and I learned that inviting others in and making room for them at the table strengthens the overall organization.
This past decade has been fantastic. It has been life-giving, exciting, and fulfilling. I also know when it is time for new challenges and opportunities. I have a wonderfully supportive partner, older children (one will be leaving for college next summer - yikes!), and I have been itching to contribute meaningfully to my community.
I am beyond thrilled to announce that I will get that opportunity as the Chief Communications Officer of Goodwill Industries of Kansas at the beginning of January 2025. It has been a long-time dream of mine to lead the communications effort for a non-profit organization that provides profound benefit to our community. Goodwill Industries of Kansas transforms lives through education, training, and employment and is focused on helping those in our communities reach their greatest potential. While I have a lot to learn, I am honored to be an amplifier for the organization’s message and mission.
I have spent the last couple of weeks completing some tasks that I haven’t had to do in a LONG time, such as converting my work-from-home wardrobe into an office wardrobe and completing a background check. Our family is also preparing for the transition. We’re working out the process of everyone taking on a little more once I head back to the office. Their support throughout this process has filled my heart and reminded me how much they love and care for me. I will admit that leaving my two fur co-workers at home all day makes me a bit sad, but I know they’ll be ok.
The last day for Free State Marketing will be December 31, 2024. It has been an incredible ride and as I turn the page to a new chapter, I will always hold that experience close to my heart. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this venture, especially my clients. There aren’t enough words to express my deepest gratitude, so just know I will be forever thankful for your trust and faith in me. Thank you.