Mary Core, business coordinator, Avenue Scholars
I went to work after high school for Principal Financial Group (Bankers Life at the time) in an entry-level position. With dedication and receiving their top-notch training, I worked my way to a leadership role. Without a college degree and only working in the insurance sector, I planned to retire from Principal.
However, in 1999 after watching my daughter survive her battle against cancer at 16 years old, I had a new focus in giving back and impacting our community. It took some convincing from a couple of mentors and encouragement from my husband for me to follow my heart. After 21 years, in 2004, I moved to the nonprofit sector, and I’ve not looked back.
When I reflect, I realize I had blinders on, only focusing on what I was familiar with. Missing out on other opportunities. We should be open and conscious of invitations that come our way, ready to be received, promising us new possibilities. It shouldn’t take a life-changing experience for us to recognize these opportunities exist.
“It’s only after you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow and transform.” – Roy T. Bennett
In my current role, I help bridge the gap between education and business, guaranteeing careers for our youth of hope and need through supportive relationships, career coaching, education and training.
