Association Leadership - May/June 2008 - (Page 35)

community spotlight Affiliate Member My Name: Demi Hoang, CMP Job Title: Senior Sales Manager, Texas-based Associations Place of Employment: George R. Brown Convention Center Years in the Association Market: 1 Childhood ambition: When I moved to the States at the age of 7, my goal was to learn English as quickly as possible so I could communicate with my peers and teachers while helping translate for my parents. First job: My Þrst job was as an assistant in the mayorÕs Citizens Assistance OfÞce in a summer youth program. I enjoyed listening to concerns of Houstonians and helping Þnd solutions to their individual issues. Inspiration: An incredibly intelligent and independent woman, IÕve always found my mother truly inspiring. She took many risks to provide the best for her family, including losing everything we had in Vietnam by taking her young family into an unknown journey overseas Ð one including facing hunger, pirates at sea, mighty storms, unknown languages and cultures, all to get to a place where my siblings and I could have unlimited opportunities and freedom to live our lives however we choose. She was remarkably courageous. Fondest memory: When we were Òat seaÓ and especially hungry, my 4-yearold younger brother found an orange peel someone had discarded and shared it with me. I had never given a thought to eating an orange peel, but when we were as hungry as we were, the peel was amazingly tasty. As an adult, I appreciate his loving and unselÞsh act in such an unimaginable position, considering the disagreements siblings often have with one another. Favorite movie or book: IÕve always treasured and felt connected to ÒThe Sound of Music.Ó Aside from the beautiful songs and lyrics, the storyline mimics many meaningful events in my own personal life, including growing up with many brothers and sisters, accepting and loving my stepmother and immigrating to a new country. The message of hope has been with me since I Þrst saw the movie more than 20 years ago. Indulgence: Relaxing in the peacefulness of my own backyard, playing with my children and enjoying nature, for me, is a delightful indulgence. Proudest moment: I paid my entire way through college and didnÕt have the burden of a student loan when I graduated! My mother would have been so proud, had she been here to see it. Perfect day: My perfect day would be one where I could get everything Òcrossed off my listÓ and IÕd still have time to spend with my family. My life… is wonderful! IÕm exactly where I want to be. Though IÕm not wealthy, I have many, many blessings in my life that make me feel content. My profession is… always entertaining! IÕve had the pleasure of working at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston for more than 11 years. As the senior sales manager handling Texas-based associations, I enjoy the chance to meet new people on a daily basis. From the new downtown park going in across the street to added retail shops, entertainment and dining destinations a few blocks away, all the development taking place outside our doors makes the convention center an exciting place to be! Executive Member My Name: Emily Eastin Job Title: Executive Director Place of Employment: Texas Nurse Practitioners Years in the Association Market: 10 Childhood ambition: I had so many thoughts about what I wanted to be, from a nurse to a teacher to a broadcast journalist. I obtained my journalism degree from the University of NebraskaLincoln. After college, I pursued public relations, marketing and corporate communications. First job: Public relations specialist for a small PR Þrm in Phoenix. Inspiration: My grandfather and father have been a huge inspiration for me. A 1920s immigrant from Germany, my grandfather had a large family and built a very successful farming operation in central Nebraska. My father followed by starting his own farming operation in southwest Iowa. They both pursued careers they were passionate about and were both dedicated enough to put in the hard work and courageous enough not to take the easy road. I will always believe hard work and passion are key components of success. Fondest Memory: Christmas on the family farm with my entire family. We have so much fun and the time together is priceless. Favorite movie or book: ÒItÕs a Wonderful LifeÓ Indulgence: Trying new restaurants. Proudest moment: My proudest moments have been the births of my children, Johnathan (5) and Anna (3). Perfect day: My perfect day would be spending time with my family outside on a beautiful sunny day. My life… is an adventure. Being new to Texas (June 2007) and having two small children Ð of course it is an adventure. I have had the great fortune of traveling domestically and internationally with my husband and good friends. Life is good! My profession is… personally rewarding. I enjoy challenges at work and home. I love the variety my job provides on a day-to-day basis and I have always been very fortunate to work with wonderful volunteers throughout my career. ◆ May/June 2008 | Association LEADERSHIP 35

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - May/June 2008

Association Leadership - May/June 2008 Contents President’s Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions Cover Feature: Associations As a Profession Positivity: Key to Retaining Young Talent Perspectives Association Case Study TSAE Annual Conference TSAE's Newest CAEs New Members Community Spotlight Grand Membership Campaign Committee Thank-yous Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Index to Advertisers Advertiser.com The Lighter Side of Associations- New Feature

Association Leadership - May/June 2008

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