Who or what inspired you most in your line of work?

Throughout my career, I've been inspired by the idea of empowering individuals through education and workforce development. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives, particularly in terms of helping them gain the skills they need for success, has been a driving force in my work.

I've also been inspired by the dedicated educators and colleagues I've had the privilege to collaborate with at Bucks County Community College. Their commitment to excellence in teaching and their passion for supporting students have been a constant source of motivation for me.

What about your organization makes you the proudest?

What makes me proudest about Bucks County Community College is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education. The college is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its student population and the surrounding community. The College has a long history of offering quality academic degrees and certificates at an affordable price. The commitment to meeting the needs of diverse populations extends beyond this, however, as is evident in our efforts to provide customized training, community education, and professional certification programs that elevate underrepresented populations.

Moreover, the college's success in securing grant funds for workforce development programs and its innovative approach to introducing new degree and training programs, such as virtual reality skills training, showcase its forward-thinking nature and dedication to staying at the forefront of education.

What surprised you the most in your organization’s history, pleasantly or unpleasantly?

One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of the college's history is the ever-evolving reach that the College has in the community and beyond. In addition to our three-county campus locations we have a highly successful fire school that trains globally, an award-winning online learning campus and ever deepening relationships with corporate partners. One recent successful partnership with The Estée Lauder Corporation, resulted in the largest single corporate donation for the college to fund an academic supply chain pathway as well as industrial maintenance training both leading to employment. This partnership demonstrates the potential for collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders to benefit both students and the community.

On the flip side, one of the challenges that emerged was the need to adapt rapidly to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many educational institutions, Bucks County Community College had to shift to remote learning and implement extensive health and safety measures. While it was a challenging period, it was also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the college community.

What advice would you share for any woman looking to start or join an organization such as yours?

For any woman aspiring to start or join an organization in the legal, education, or strategic partnerships sectors, I would offer the following advice:

1. Be Passionate: Find your passion within the field and let it drive your career choices. When you genuinely care about what you do, it becomes easier to overcome challenges and stay committed to your goals.
2. Build Relationships: Networking is crucial in this field. Cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders. These connections can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable guidance.
3. Stay Informed: Education is constantly evolving. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and remain competitive.
4. Embrace Innovation: Be open to embracing new technologies and teaching methods. Innovation is essential in education, and being adaptable will serve you well.
5. Advocate for Inclusivity: Promote inclusivity and diversity in education and partnerships. Advocate for underrepresented populations and work towards creating an equitable learning environment.
6. Seek Leadership Roles: Don't hesitate to seek leadership positions if you have the skills and passion for it. Women can and should hold leadership roles in educational organizations.
7. Balance Work and Life: It's important to maintain a work-life balance to prevent burnout. Take care of your well-being and make time for personal interests and family.

The best piece of advice that a mentor gave to you …could be anyone in your life or on any subject?

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received from a mentor is, “Embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth.” Change can be intimidating, whether it's in your career or personal life, but my mentor emphasized that it's also a chance to learn, adapt, and discover new strengths.

This advice has stayed with me throughout my career, especially when facing challenging situations or transitions. Instead of fearing change, I've learned to approach it with curiosity and resilience, knowing that it can lead to personal and professional growth.

What’s next for you?

Now my girls have graduated from college I’m helping them to settle in and I plan to continue to do what feels valuable to the county and the success of the students and college.

Do you have a daily ritual that helps keep you on track?

I meditate for 10 minutes a day. I also do yoga on Sundays to kick off the week right and during the week I find rowing on the erg meditative movement.

Photography by Alison Dunlap

Bucks Happening collaborated with our partners at Fox & Holly to dress our 2023 Happening Women Honorees.  Fashion was custom-selected based on each woman's personality.  Check out Fox & Holly, part of the locally-owned LSL Brands company, owned and led by Bucks County entrepreneur Karen Thompson.

Tracy is wearing a blazer, layering tank, and vegan leather pantsby Nic+Zoe.

Shop a curated collection of top fashion at Fox & Holly. Peddler's Village Shop, 162, Lahaska, PA 18931