Meet Jerri Monbaron, our Executive Director, joined our team in 1999.
- What originally got you interested in your current field of work? When I graduated from college, I began a career in Human Resources. Once I obtained my Masters in Clinical Psychology, I was a therapist for several years, primarily working with children. What interested me in working in the Community Development department in Humble ISD was the opportunity to help others who help children. Twenty one years later, I still look forward to Monday morning and working with inspiring educators who are changing children's lives through public education.
- Favorite thing about your current job? Being a matchmaker! Matching people who want to make a positive difference with the opportunity to change someone's world.
- How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do now? First of all, my 10 year old self would be greatly disappointed by the lack of blue eyeshadow in my makeup routine. That aside, she would be thrilled to see how all of those theater shows she and her friends put on for the neighborhood helped her to speak to others, whether it be 2 people or 2,000.
- Favorite part of the workday? One of my top highlights is when our team sits around a table and debriefs from an event (usually sans shoes but add chocolate). We would have spent weeks or months planning an event that meets the target goals and it feels great afterward to talk about what worked, what we will change next time and just share funny stories. We are usually so hands-on during an event that we don't see everything and it's nice to hear how it went from different perspectives.
- What is your definition of success? I love Maya Angelou's definition of success: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and how you do it."
- What is something on your bucket list that you are proud to have done? Jump out of a perfectly good airplane! Skydiving was an incredible experience. I'll never forget the views for miles!
