Diana Parkinson is August Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:53:18 +0000

Diana Parkinson is August Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Fri, 08/04/2023 - 14:53

Colleagues describe Diana Parkinson as a self-starter, a joy to work with, and the ultimate teammate. An engagement officer in ��AV’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Parkinson works to connect alumni with event, volunteer, and philanthropic opportunities across campus. For her innovation, dedication, and championing of student success, Parkinson has been recognized as August Employee of the Month.

President Washington with August Employee of the Month Diana Parkinson. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“I’ve worked with Diana for more than five years as colleagues and over the last year as her supervisor,” said Zavin Smith, director of development. “Diana is an excellent example of a compassionate, collaborative and collegial colleague.”

“Her commitment to the betterment of the advancement processes, thorough attention to detail, and limitless energy has caused her to be one the most depended upon team members,” said Jeff Danaher, director of development, university priorities.

“Diana has a great work ethic,” said Kira Woitek, director of development, individual giving, in the College of Engineering and Computing. “She has a great ability to get tasks done in a professional and timely manner.”

“Despite the overwhelming amount of work that everyone has to do, Diana consistently finds ways to help coworkers and the other departments on campus,” said Nikki Jerome Ouellette, director of alumni and community engagement, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Her willingness to assist others and her commitment to educating Mason employees are unequaled.”

“From my initial connection with her in my [Alumni Association] role to our connections with my role in the university within the School of Business, Diana makes a point to proactively connect and provide updates,” said Christine Landoll, president of Mason’s Alumni Association and director of business engagement in the School of Business.

“Even amidst a busy schedule full of competing priorities, Diana remains positive, professional, and is always a joy to work with,” said Kaitlin Cicchetti, director of advancement for University Life. “She is passionate about the success of our students and motivated daily to do all she can to enhance their experiences.”

How did you come to Mason:

After moving back to Northern Virginia, I decided two things—I needed to get rid of my long commute, and I missed working in a higher ed advancement shop. Mason turned out to be the right place and have the perfect role for me at the time!

Best day on the job:

I know it's cliche but I can't pick just one. My favorite moments tend to involve knowing my work has helped a student or encouraged a donor. Other highlights: when colleagues turn into friends!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Life-work balance. My supervisors at Mason have been so supportive through different life changes and events over the years.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I enjoy cooking for my family, volunteering at church, making my baby laugh, and watching my toddler play every sport under the sun. I've also been learning how to sew over the past few years and am proud to say I made my own bathing suit last year!

Are you an alum of Mason?:

Yes, I earned my graduate certificate of nonprofit management in 2021, thanks to our tuition reimbursement benefit.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Advancement

Alumni

Shira Kulok is the July Employee of the Month

Janelle Applewhite — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 19:19:51 +0000

Shira Kulok is the July Employee of the Month Janelle Applewhite Mon, 07/03/2023 - 15:19

In her role as the director of ��AV’s Child Development Center (CDC), Shira Kulok leverages her creativity, knowledge, and more than 20+ years of experience to enhance and further develop the center’s education program, while meeting the diverse needs of Mason families.

President Washington with July Employee of the Month Shira Kulok. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Parents of children at the center speak highly of Kulok’s leadership, especially during the post-pandemic transition. For her leadership and compassion during challenging times, Kulok has been recognized as July’s Employee of the Month.

“Shira has been a steadfast leader at the CDC, dealing with complex public health guidelines, concerned parents, challenging staff issues, and children returning to care after long periods of time at home,” said Sophia Balakian, an assistant professor in Mason’s School of Integrative Studies and CDC parent. “Time and again, she shows that her number one concern is the well-being—physical, psychological, and socio-emotional—of children under her care. This means that the parents are freed to do their work with peace of mind.”

“Shira and the staff at the CDC were immensely impactful and helpful to my family,” said Philip Wilkerson III, an employer engagement consultant at Mason’s University Career Services. “Our youngest, Miles, started attending the CDC at the height of the pandemic in Fall 2020. It was comforting to know that while we all were struggling with the demands of work and uncertainty, he was safe and cared for during the day…. The CDC provides a space of kindness, compassion, learning, and confidence that I know will have a lifelong effect on my son.”

“Shira has embodied the Mason value of ‘thriving together’ by creating a Mason CDC community essential to the well-being of its students and their caregivers,” said Jenna Krall, assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health and CDC parent.

“Over the past three years, I have developed great respect for the care and dedication Shira shows while running the CDC,” said community member Hunter Brown, the parent of two children at the center. “Shira has eased concerns of parents by providing transparent and consistent communication in the face of significant uncertainty.”

“Shira’s leadership has tremendously helped the Child Development Center get one of the highest ratings in the area,” says CDC parent Katherine Fakhri. “And the long waitlist is a prime example of how popular this program is.”

How did you come to Mason:

After working in a large corporate early childhood organization for 12 years, I searched for an organization that offered a smaller community and opportunities for me to develop curriculum and programming together with my team. The opening at Mason's CDC came just at this time and seemed perfect. My experiences at the center have offered me the space to strengthen my skills as a leader, shape a program based in research and high standards that support children's development, and raise awareness to the importance of prioritizing the well-being of both children and educators through mindfulness and nature-based play.

Best day on the job:

My best days on the job are when we are well staffed, and my team feels at ease and supported. When I go home knowing we all experienced a sense of fulfillment during the day, I know we did our job well.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

There's a lot I enjoy about working for Mason. I enjoy walking the beautiful campus during a break in the day, but what I enjoy most is the sense of community. Wherever I go on campus, or whichever department I contact for assistance, I feel like I belong, and I feel supported. Of course, the best community of all is at the CDC. I am very fortunate to be supported by such a nurturing and dedicated team and have wonderful families and children to connect with each day.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When I'm not working, I enjoy walking in the woods, meditation, cooking, writing, and spending time with my family and dog.

Topics

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Child Development Center

Faculty and Staff News