WWPD: Stephanie Stillings
By Jessica Payne, Jan Schwaid, and Stephanie Stillings
By day, Stephanie is a Special Projects Manager at Venice Family Clinics. By night (and some weekends) she lends her expertise in grant writing and development to Mockingbird Analytics. Stephanie brings years of experience and a passion for small non-profits that has added an enormous piece of the puzzle to Mockingbird’s team.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness at work?
Being challenged by my assignments and supported to do my best work.
2. What is your greatest professional fear?
Not having a job that speaks to my passions. In other words, there’s a saying “do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I fear that I might not ever experience that firsthand.
3. What trait do you have to work on the most?
Being outgoing – i.e., conversations/small talk, particularly with strangers.
4. What trait do you look for in colleagues?
Dependability.
5. What trait do you want to create in organizations with which you work?
Clarity for its mission/purpose/programs.
6. What organization’s mission do you most admire?
City of Hope is transforming the future of health. Every day we turn science into practical benefit. We turn hope into reality. We accomplish this through exquisite care, innovative research, and vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes.
7. What is the most important investment a business or non-profit could make?
Investing in dedicated staff.
8. What is your current state of mind?
Ready for a vacation!
1. What do you consider the most overused buzzword in your field?
“Reach out”
2. Under what circumstances do you need to adapt?
With the implementation of new technology systems.
3. What perception of your field do you most want to change?
Non-profits are not run like businesses or that they cannot make money.
4. Which person in your field do you most admire?
The doctors at my community health center who work with our homeless patients.
5. What is the quality you like the most in a boss?
Kindness.
6. What is the quality you like the most in a client?
Trust.
7. What is your elevator pitch for your job?
I’m in charge of construction and renovation projects at my community health center. Every few years we either expand by opening a new site or refreshing an existing one. Either way, the goals are always the same: to create a positive , welcoming healthcare environment, enhance primary care delivery for our patients and improve our sites for the staff and volunteers who work there.
8. What is your professional motto/mantra?
If they didn’t have faith in you and your abilities, they would have assigned it to someone else.
9. What is your professional passion?
It’s not something I do now, but it’s organic skin care/makeup and natural foods. I hope to work in one of these areas some day soon.
10. How did you fall in love with your field/job/career?
Healthy, clean living is an essential part of my everyday life and one of my personal values.