Flagstaff Business News reached out to Ande Burke, who earlier this year was recognized by the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. Burke is involved in several groups in Flagstaff and is graduating with a master’s degree this spring.
1) You were just awarded the Athena Young Professional for 2014. Describe this award and what it means to you personally.
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipients are emerging leaders who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service by contributing time to improving the quality of life for others, and personally and professionally serve as role models for young women.
Personally, I’ve had the privilege of having strong women role models in my family and disciplined academic instructors embedded within my education. My mother, my aunts, my grandmother, three older sisters, my grade school principal, as well as a network of successful friends who have all had a role in my professional and personal development. This experience has meant so much to me, and is such an amazing honor because it validates what all the strong women in my own life have always taught me. Each of them has demonstrated that hard work pays off, and continuing education is vital to self and community. Of all my friends, in particular, Sara Herron of Herron Interior Designs, who nominated me for the award, has served as a positive, encouraging mentor in my life. I am very grateful to her and am inspired by the work she does in the community. To me, being an ATHENA Young Professional means to consistently seek opportunities to help the next generation of women grow to their full potential, to create balance in leadership worldwide, to lead with integrity, and support collaborative partnerships that improve the health and well–being of the community as a whole.
2) What do you think it means to be a professional in 2014?
To be a professional means you should always interact with integrity, portray strength of character, and show gratitude and humility. Honesty and transparency are often lost in business. I find that professionalism is much more than how you act during business hours, but how you interact with people and how you contribute to your community. It’s important to always be kind and compassionate and remember it’s not about you. As one person, you are powerful and should always use your voice to improve situations, but it is team, community involvement, and collaboration that truly facilitate positive change.
3) Describe your job at Mountain Heart.
As the Marketing Director for Mountain Heart Cardiology and Accredited Sleep Facility, I manage physician relations, public relations, outreach, events, marketing initiatives, internships, patient education, support groups and community partnerships. With the support, leadership, mentorship, and direction of Michael Zervas, Managing Partner of Mountain Heart Health Services, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by the best, to grow professionally, to learn about being brave, and understand how to utilize my strengths better while continuing my education and community involvement.
4) What other work (volunteer and professional) do you do in the community?
As a partner with the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, I work in Sinagua Middle School under the Skills for Workplace Success program. I present in Ms. Jillian Worssam’s 8th grade science class monthly and discuss goals, life skills, career opportunities in Flagstaff, cardiovascular health and pursuing higher education. It has been the most rewarding, fun volunteerism I have ever done.
5) What are some of your professional goals?
I graduate in May with my Masters in Public Management from Northern Arizona University. Then, I plan on applying for the Flinn Civic Leadership Academy in Phoenix. I’m also looking at PhD programs and local professional organizations to join.
6) Do you have any advice for a person just graduating from college who would like to stay in Flagstaff?
The Flagstaff Leadership Program, networking, and getting involved in the community on boards as well as volunteerism are all great ways to stay in this wonderful community and help it grow. Flagstaff is an amazingly beautiful and unique place to live and we should all strive to make it better in some way – large or small.
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