February 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 37

someday create a legacy in parks and
recreation. I tapped into the network
of professionals that I met to create,
enhance and implement programs and
special events much different from the
norm. I began to gain the respect of
veteran professionals within my agency. In 2007, I was recognized by the
National Recreation and Park Ethnic
Minority Society (NRPEMS) and also
was a recipient of the Young Professional Fellowship, which allowed me
to shadow one of NRPA's former executive directors. Attaining such honors
further propelled my drive, my understanding of professional involvement,
and my passion to continue to be active. As a " newbie, " I was coached and
mentored to a level that I didn't fully
understand at the time. I thought that
my image would affect my advancement, so I slowly changed the company that I kept, the way that I showed
up, the way that I dressed, the way that
I spoke and the way that I thought. I remained engaged in national and local
networking through meetings, attending and presenting at conferences and
by serving on committees. I learned to
ask questions to assist with my lack of
awareness and also to embrace being
uncomfortable! From these experiences more success followed.
In 2010, I was nominated for and
selected as an Extern for the American Academy for Park and Recreation
Administration. There, I was paired
with an elite group of professional
and academic mentors, and I gained
a broader appreciation for having a
diverse group of mentors. In 2011,
I received the Mid-Atlantic and National New Professional Award, and,
in 2013, was elected as the 39th and
youngest president of the NRPEMS.
As president, I created a national
mentoring program that pairs new
and young professionals with senior
	

managers to prepare them for the rigors of leadership and brought back
the quarterly newsletter and hosting
yearly community service projects in
the conference host city. My personal
achievements encouraged me to do
more to make sure that other young
professionals were equally informed
and exposed to these opportunities.
Leadership
As a young professional, transitioning
to a leader has been one of the toughest challenges, but as the world changes, so does the definition of leadership! Initially, when I stepped into
leadership roles, I was very uncomfortable and had to learn how to lead
people often older than me. Having
active, professional mentors throughout the United States helps tremendously. Never be afraid to ask for assistance or suggestions; most leaders
have been in the same place. In my 10
years as a professional, I have grown
even more passionate about what the
future holds for all of us and for our
communities. I am now a Ph.D. student pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in
organizational leadership focusing on
parks and recreation with the intent
of further propelling and advancing
research and practice in the field.
I offer the following advice, my top
10 list for all young professionals:
*	 Find things that you love and are
passionate about. Learn to incorporate them into your position and
share your story. Let your passion
lead the way and you will never
work a day of your life.
*	 Find mentors inside and outside
of your department and the profession. It is extremely important to
stay in touch and have consistent
communication!
*	 Take advantage of volunteer, schol-

Tiffany Johnson

arship, fellowship, certification and
award opportunities. There are so
many available through NRPA and
state associations.
*	 Step out of your comfort zone by
networking with other professionals that don't look like you or come
from the same demographic or
professional backgrounds.
*	 Be a constant learner. Seek educational and professional development opportunities to assist
with your growth. In addition, the
NRPA schools will further develop
your professional pursuits, knowledge and networks.
*	 Surround yourself with positive individuals and avoid the watercooler!
*	 Think and dream BIG!
*	 Work hard and share your passion
with your community.
*	 Stay focused, determined and driven through it all.
*	 " Be the change that you want to
see! " 
Tiffany Johnson, CPRP, MPA, is a Ph.D.
student and Area Manager with the District
of Columbia Department of Parks and
Recreation (tiffanym.johnson@dc.gov).

W W W. N R PA . O R G | F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 6 |

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February 2016 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2016 - Parks & Recreation

February 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 1
February 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 2
February 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 3
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