As you all know, we recently went through a Board of Directors election. As a current Board member, it is an exciting time to welcome new members to the table and get them engaged in AHEPPP leadership.
When I first joined AHEPPP, the Board seemed a little intimidating. It took me a few years to realize that the Board of Directors were professionals just like me who wanted to make a difference in AHEPPP. I want to share a little about my own experience so that everyone understands what it means to be a member of the Board of Directors.
What does the Board of Directors do?
The Board works with the Executive Director to develop and implement engagement opportunities and resources for the AHEPPP membership. We provide direction and support to all committees, build relationships across the field and with partners, and ensure that AHEPPP is in a good position.
What should you know about the Board of Directors?
We are a working Board. Being on the Board is work! Most of the resources you see have been created by Board members. As AHEPPP grows, so does the opportunity for professional staff to take on the bulk of the creation and implementation, allowing the Board to provide vision and direction. This will be an exciting shift as it opens opportunities for AHEPPP to grow.
Every voice matters. While it helps to have experience in the field and within AHEPPP before applying to the Board, we need a variety of voices to support all of our members. It doesn’t matter if you have worked in the field for three years or 20, you have a perspective that will be valuable to the Board and AHEPPP. Get involved! Join a committee, volunteer, and apply for the Board.
What have I learned?
Leadership looks different for everyone. Not all leaders lead the same. You can lead by being a strong voice or by offering support from the side. Sometimes the quietest people have the most important things to say. Listen carefully. It’s not only ok that all leaders are different, but it’s necessary to create a team and be productive.
Teamwork is necessary for success. It takes a village…to raise a child and run an organization. Our ability to work cohesively is what makes us so productive. This doesn’t mean we always have to agree, but that we respect one another and all perspectives. We are all busy with our own work and our role on the Board is volunteer, so we have to partner and rely on one another.
What has been the best part of being on the Board?
Friendships. I can say honestly that the people I have met on the Board have become true friends. We spent a lot of time together and get to know each other professionally and personally. I know I can rely on this team for whatever I need. They are supportive, non-judgmental, and genuine.
Making a difference. We all make a difference on our campuses. Doing that on a larger scale, as we do as AHEPPP leaders, is truly amazing. I love knowing that I can make a difference not only to the parents on my own campus but across the country as I support the professionals working with parents everywhere. Our work can be challenging, and often our campus partners don’t fully understand our roles. Providing a space where people truly understand what we do without question is also very impactful.
My time on the Board is coming to an end. After six years, I will serve one more year as Past President and then make way for new voices. This change in leadership is incredibly important to progress and forward momentum. I can’t wait to see the next AHEPPP leaders come forward and take us to amazing places!
