Election Platform - Nomination ID: 15901
Nominee
Adult Learners Chair
Community Chairs are elected by their Community members and provide leadership for Community activities in support of the profession by representing its members and their needs and concerns through the Division Representatives and communicating with the members. Community Chairs coordinate community activities and lead Community meetings during the Annual Conference. Community Chairs report to the Division Representatives for the Advising Communities Division (ACD). Adult Learners Chair - (elected, term October 2019-October 2021). Prior to taking office, candidates must have completed the previous year as a member in the Community and be a current member in that group.
Cindy L Firestein

Simmons University
Boston MA
 
Platform
Platform Statement: Part I

1. If elected to this position, what will you attempt to accomplish that will help to meet the strategic goals of the Association? (1500 characters or less)
If elected I will strive to meet the strategic goals of NACADA by:

• Consult with past chairs for guidance to ensure I am successful in my leadership role.
• Network with members virtually and in person to share best practices on supporting adult learners through innovative technology tools (Facebook groups, virtual meetings, via email, list serves, Zoom meetings, etc.).  This is important to me because not all members have the funding to attend conferences to network.  Using technology will allow me to promote sharing and collaboration within the group.
• Connect in person with members through meetings and socials. This is important to enhance the community, foster friendships, and collaborations.  
• Explore potential research and assessment opportunities to enhance the field of supporting adult learners. This is important to contribute to the knowledge and progress on ways to support our members who support adult learners.
• Collaborate with the Executive Office and... 


Platform Statement: Part II

2. Describe an accomplishment on your own campus or within NACADA of which you are proud. What do you believe your accomplishment demonstrates about your abilities as a leader? (1500 characters or less)
One of my proudest NACADA accomplishments is how I grew as a leader within my Massachusetts State Liaison role from October 2015 – March 2018.  This role allowed me to obtain experience spearheading a state conference, negotiate contracts, balance a budget, review presentation proposals, market events, lead discussions, plan networking events, solicit raffle donations, mentor fellow NACADA members, network with Region 1 colleagues, and collaborate with some of the most amazingly talented individuals I have ever met.  I was challenged and supported throughout my time as the Massachusetts State Liaison which allow me to become more involved in NACADA and develop more self confidence in my leadership skills.

I believe the experiences I had as the Massachusetts State Liaison and the multiple accomplishments I achieved while in this role helped me turn into a strong leader. I lead by example and truly helping others achieve their full potential.  Each challenge and accomplishment I had... 


Platform Statement: Part III

3. Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? (1500 characters or less)
I have been supporting adult learners for over six years but my entire life has been sculpted due to a dedicated adult learner.  I understand their struggles and support their goals.  My mother has been going to school to better herself since I was a little girl. I remember seeing her work fast food jobs, care for me and my three sisters, as well as sit at the kitchen table doing homework for hours. When my mom was not home my aunt would watch my siblings and I, letting us know our mother was not with us because she believed in a good education for a better life.  Now I have a successful career because an adult learner never gave up and would sacrifice her time to learn while supporting her children.

I am interested in serving in this leadership role because I know how much adult learners do and sacrifice to achieve their goals. I am motivated to run for the Chair position so I can make a greater impact in supporting our adult learners while collaborating with my fellow NACADA members... 


Platform Statement: Part IV

4. Please describe how you will work to promote the enhancement of inclusivity throughout (or within) the association. (1500 characters or less)
Inclusivity within Advising Adult Learners Community is very important to promote. I have a few ideas on how I will work to promote the enhancement of inclusivity throughout the association which include:

• I will encourage members in each region to host evening socials during their Region 1 conferences open to anyone interested in learning more about supporting adult learners.
• I will host virtual meetings each semester open to members and non-members of the community to discuss best practices when working with adult learners.  
• I plan to encourage members to collaborate and submit to Academic Advising Today to share best practices in supporting adult learners.
• I will submit proposals to NACADA conferences as well as host networking events to promote the community, recruit new members, and highlight the importance of supporting adult learners while sharing best practices. I will also encourage members from different regions to submit proposals to facilitate presentation... 


Platform Statement: Part V

5. Outline your past involvement in NACADA:
     a. Years in NACADA
     b. National Offices Help and Accomplishments Achieved

• Joined NACADA in 2009  
• Region 1 recipient of the Graduate Student Scholarship in 2010
• Region 1 conference presenter in 2010, 2016, 2017, & 2018
      o Meet Your State Liaison, 2016, 2017 & 2018
      o Multi-Media Tools That Make Sharing Info with Students a Slam Dunk, 2018
      o FOCUSing on Student Success: Connecting Academic & Career Advising Through Assessment, 2010
• Region 1 award & scholarship reader in 2015, 2016, & 2017
• Annual conference presenter in 2018
      o All Things Considered: The In’s & Out’s as a First Year Advising Administrator, 2018
• Region 1 Steering Committee member as the MA State Liaison, October 2014 – March 2018 term  
      o Spearhead the first MA State Drive-In with over 185 attendees in 2016
      o Obtained raffle donations for the 2016 MA State Drive-In
      o Recruited & supervised volunteers within MA to assist with the drive-in
      o Spearhead the second MA State Drive-In in 2017
      o Contributed... 


 
 
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