Let’s Meet our 2 New Chapter Committee Members …
Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question and answer type interview article.
This week we have 2 members to meet – our 2 newest NSW/ACT Committee Members!
Mandy Loomes | Director Community Engagement | Brigidine, St Ives
1.When and where did your career in education begin?
In 2003 when I was given a temporary position in Accounts Payable to cover a lady who had a car accident, which was to be for eight weeks. However she returned to work the day I started so the school said they would honour the day and sent me to the Community Relations department. I left eight years later having found my true calling and dream job in the education sector!
2. What interests you most in terms of your role?
What I love most about my role is the opportunity to bring the community together. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate on various initiatives that contribute to the strategic direction and growth of the College. Being involved in the ongoing development of Brigidine is a privilege and the variety of opportunities that arise within my role keep things dynamic, exciting and busy.
3. What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to make a difference. I get great satisfaction in seeing initiatives and strategies come to life and see them succeed, especially when these efforts help advance the College’s mission. It is fulfilling to know that my work can have a lasting impact.
4.What aspect of your role do you love the most?
Tackling the challenges my role presents and working on implementing innovative and successful solutions. Communication is key in my role and I enjoy ensuring an effective, consistent and smooth flow of information for the entire community. I also enjoy the variety that comes with my role as well as working with both my team and the College Leadership team.
5.Any advice to those new to Advancement?
Stay authentic and build relationships. Take the time to learn and understand your institution, its culture and nuances. Engage with Department Heads early on to understand their needs and how you can best support them. It’s also crucial to share your vision for your role to help align expectations. And don’t forget to take advantage of Educate Plus – it offers mentoring, access to resources, training courses, webinars, networking and a supportive community of professionals who are always willing to share advice and best practices.
6.What motivated you to join the Committee?
Having benefitted from over 20 years of engagement with Educate Plus and making the most of the resources, opportunities and support that it has provided, it feels like the right time to give back by supporting the NSW Chapter Committee in an official capacity. I’m looking forward to contributing and being part of the network that has been so valuable to me throughout my career.
Nicole Crabb | Director of Development | Queenwood
1.When and where did your career in education begin?
I began in education 11 years ago at Glenaeon as the Director of Development in a part time capacity for 6 years. I left the industry and have recently returned as Director of Development at Queenwood.
2. What interests you most in terms of your role?
I love building relationships and finding synergies with our donor’s interests and the school’s requirements. I find the passion of parents, alumnae and students for our school is inspiring. What’s more my daughter is a student so I get to see her every day at school.
3.What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is attending Alumnae events and seeing the girls and women return with such fond memories of the school, that last a lifetime.
4.Any advice to those new to Advancement?
Learn as much as you can through the Educate Plus network – attend events, get a mentor and search out a local group of industry colleagues.
5.What motivated you to join the Committee?
Educate Plus is one of the key reasons I returned to the Education Sector. I love the camaraderie, being of service and delivering a wonderful program of events and professional development.
