Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Ebony Clark! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
I served in the U.S. Marines for 8 years. When I transitioned out of the military, I struggled to find my way into the civilian workforce. I realized that other veterans were struggling with finding the right career and environment that was a great fit for their skills and personality. I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in Human Resources to place the right people in the right jobs and to create a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and love coming to work. It is also important for HR professionals to look out for the organization and ensure they follow federal and state laws.
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
I was inspired to pursue a career in human resources because I have seen many veterans struggle to find a meaningful career after their service in the military. I want to learn about what companies look for and how veterans can market their skills and leadership abilities effectively.
What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?
I am most proud of obtaining a Bachelor’s degree because I finished it while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I am also proud of graduating from boot camp – it was hard, but I refused to quit!!
Why did you choose to be a professional volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to be a professional volunteer for E.R.E. because I love helping people and E.R.E. gives me the opportunity to help underserved kids and college students who need skills for the workforce.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
What speaks to me most is strengthening the educational achievements of underserved youth by providing them with high-quality tutoring. COVID-19 demonstrated that underserved youth were hit the hardest during this time because of the educational gap that exists. I think everyone deserves a high-quality education because a quality education opens the doors for better opportunities.
Share one professional development goal and one personal goal you have for the upcoming year.
One professional development goal is to obtain my SHRM-CP certification. A personal goal is to write a book.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to exercise, read, take care of my plants, and spend time with my husband. In addition, I also love to research current news and trends, and I enjoy shopping.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
A book that made a significant impact on me is called One Small Boat by Kathy Harrison. It’s a book about a woman that is a foster parent of many kids, but one child deeply impacted her. It caused me to think about children that are abused and forgotten. I would love to help children that are forgotten and need hope.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
My favorite Life Lesson Quote is: “Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail to practice being brave.” –Mary Tyler Moore
This is relevant to my life because I am a risk-taker, and I’m not afraid to make mistakes. However, I learn from my mistakes and I grow from them.
Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private lunch and why? He/she might just see this! 🙂
I would have a private lunch with Lindsey Wander, the CEO of E.R.E. She is a superwoman, she juggles so many tasks and responsibilities. I would like to pick her brain and learn how she manages her tasks and time. Also, I would like to know what she has learned from being a businesswoman and CEO.
