Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Judy Berman! 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 started working in marketing right out of college and loved the combination of creativity, working with data and interacting with people. I found my passion when I started working for media companies, using my marketing skills to promote the news. What I loved most about my work was leading teams of people, so I transitioned to leadership and career coaching in 2014.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
I was so fortunate to have great managers and mentors at various times throughout my career. They were so different, but some commonalities include taking a chance on me, pushing me to reach my potential, and giving me the space to try things, make mistakes, and learn from them.
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
What keeps me motivated is seeing the success of the clients I work with as they become clear about what they want to pursue in their careers. I am also inspired by their insights about and growth in their leadership skills. Effective leaders have tremendous influence and have a ripple effect that helps others.
What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?
I am very passionate about the development of girls and women to achieve their highest potential – so removing barriers to that is important to me. I was fortunate to interview for my school newspaper Alice Paul, one of the key leaders in the women’s suffrage movement. She was an alum of my school, and I spoke to her in a nursing home. Her passion, dedication to the cause, and the risks and sacrifices she made to ensure women had the right to vote were inspiring to me.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
The most amazing trip I took was to Tanzania in Africa to see the migration of the wildebeest. Seeing the wildlife was amazing, but I was also touched by a visit to a school in the Serengeti. We brought school supplies with us and gave them to the students. The joy on their faces is something I will never forget.
Why did you choose to be a professional volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I was so inspired by Lindsey’s personal story and her mission to apply all she has learned to help students. I believe strongly that education is the gateway to achieving success, and her methods are proven to help students thrive. I am honored to help the organization get its message out to a wider audience. Educate. Radiate. Elevate. is empowering the next generation of leaders.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
I believe that taking a holistic approach to education – working with the whole person – is critical to enabling students to thrive in school and out in the world. Also, one-to-one tutoring customized to each student is a proven, effective way to close the achievement gap.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
Life’s too short to be stuck in a bad match! It’s important to find a career that suits your skills, passions, and preferences. Through my career coaching, I strive to help people find the best match.
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 love to have lunch with Dr. Jill Biden. I admire her passion for education, her deep understanding of community colleges, and the power those institutions have on educating students of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences.