Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
Summer Program & Guest Services Manager
When did you start working with Disabled Sports in Mammoth Lakes, CA?
I moved to Mammoth Lakes in the summer of 2006 and began volunteering with Mammoth Dog Teams. I was first introduced to Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) in Mammoth Lakes, CA when they brought a few students down for some therapy time with the dogs. In the beginning of October 2006, I was hired as a seasonal Administrative Assistant. That was DSES’s 4th season and there were only 4 staff members. However, the organization was growing rapidly and I quickly became a year-round employee.
What does your work at DSES involve?
Over the years, I have had many titles and worn many hats in the organization. I tend to describe my current job as running the summer program, overseeing the office and guest services, and handling the back office. For example, working with the database, financials, insurance, etc. as well as establishing partnerships and grants management. So much of what I do is the nuts and bolts of running the business end of things. But I love getting to work with the athletes and volunteers as much as I can!
What do you find the most rewarding about your work at DSES?
One of the things I look for in a job is finding meaningful work. No question, what we do here is meaningful. But hands down the best part of working at DSES is the people. The amazing athletes, family members, volunteers, donors, and, of course the DSES team, make even the toughest day better. I have met so many wonderful people over the last nine years that have touched me deeply. We change lives here, mine included.
What does a typical day in the middle of ski season look like for you at DSES?
It is hard to pin down a ‘typical’ day at DSES, winter or summer! But in the winter, the days are certainly full. With lessons twice a day, clinics for volunteers, possible grant applications or reporting deadlines, booking and confirming reservations for lessons, donor cultivation, event planning, and more, there is guaranteed to be a long to-do list! In the winter, we get to see the bulk of our volunteers and students, many of whom I have gotten to know well over the years. So there is a great energy and enthusiasm that makes the day pass quickly!
What was your motivation for getting your MBA?
I have often been asked why I would get an MBA when I work for a nonprofit. The skills and business practices that are taught at business school can help ANY business reach their goals, including mission driven nonprofits. Having been a part of the rapid growth at DSES over the past decade, I want to be able to sustainably continue this growth. During my courses, I was able to adapt the lessons to our organization and even complete projects using DSES as a subject. For example, financial management principles help me to better understand grant requirements and reporting, operational management can help streamline our processes, and strategic management can guide us into the future on a clear path.
Were you worried about being able to balance work at DSES and school?
At times; this was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced (so far). When I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and found a great online program at nearby University of Nevada-Reno, I knew it wouldn’t be simple. This highly ranked business school was sure to provide a top notch education and rigorous curriculum. Their Executive MBA program is specifically designed to be pursued while continuing to work full time (although that does not mean it is easy!) and provides a solid foundation in finance and management.
Fortunately, over the course of nine years working at DSES, I have also developed some juggling skills! With support from the wonderful DSES team, I was able to find a balance between school and work and even achieved straight A’s! The sacrifices, the time and energy it took to balance everything, was all worth it to earn that MBA.
What plans do you have for the future?
Although these last two years have been difficult, the skills and knowledge I have gained are extremely valuable. They not only help me to be a better leader and manager, but they can help guide us into the next chapter as an organization. With MBA in hand, I am eager to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead including working with our amazing volunteers to continue providing life changing experiences for all of our athletes. My motto truly has become, “If I can do this, I can do anything!”
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra is a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families by offering year-round outdoor sports and activities, creating inspiring challenges, providing expert instruction and adaptive equipment rallying the community to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities. DSES has adaptive equipment to fulfill everyone’s winter and summer dreams: gliding down a snow-covered mountainside, cruising on a cycle or skimming over a placid lake. Activities are customized to each individual; one-on-one or in a group. Our goal is for everyone to be active year round! DSES makes the outdoors accessible and affordable!!
To learn more or make a donation please visit:
http://disabledsportseasternsierra.org/
If you would like to be a guest blogger for DSES please contact:
Suzanne Baracchini
Communications Director
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
858.395.7344
suzanne@disabledsportseasternsierra.org
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