Business Title Administrative Assistant

Employed by I have been employed at Progress Energy formerly known as Florida Power for 22 years. I have been in the Information Technology and Telecommunications Department for 5 years.

During my real job: My paid job is assistant to about 50 employees including a unit manager, 3 supervisors, exempt, and union employees.

Experience/background: I have worked my way up through the administrative ranks from Clerk to Word Processor to various levels of secretarial positions including Executive Assistant to a Vice-President. I landed in my current position after several rounds of corporate downsizing.

Other community activities: In past years I have belonged to Toastmasters Public Speaking and the International Association of Administrative Professionals holding various offices. I was also a long-time Tampa Bay Rowdies fan club member as newsletter editor and treasurer.

Birthplace: I was born in Tampa. How long living in Florida: Except for 1-1/2 in Arkansas, Florida has always been my home.

Most notable accomplishment: I count two for the year 2006 I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Finance from Eckerd College. I also saw a book published which I had an involvement with: Sunshine in the Dark: Florida in the Movies. Due to my interest in history and film I acted as a consultant in Florida film history, providing some copies of rare Florida movies to the authors during their research for which I received a generous acknowledgement in their book.

Something you may not know about me: I’m a late bloomer and I’ve grown into a bit of a Renaissance person developing a passion for learning and having many interests including history, photography, movies, music.

Professional goals: To pursue new career opportunities at work where I am currently participating in some job shadowing to explore my options. Many departments to offer a variety of opportunities.

Personal goals: Getting fit, bicycling, photography, going to movies, and the many others things I had to put aside while I was busy with school.

My words of wisdom: Follow your bliss.

Why I joined BPW: It seemed to be an organization that offered a great many things I found of value: expanding my exposure to a diverse group of people in different professions, networking and educational opportunities, involvement in the community. I had the pleasure of serving as a docent at the Great Chefs event last year.

BPW Membership length: Since early 2006.