In my role I handle the social media, member communications and website for RMAI. I also assist with various tasks related to the events we host, and I just generally help out wherever it is needed.

I started my career as a journalist, which was my dream. I got to work in Nevada, California, and Texas for local newspapers and my work has been nationally published in places like USA Today. While I absolutely loved being a local journalist, the hours are long and when Covid hit, I thought it was time for a change. A logical next step for anyone in journalism or writing is something surrounding communications and social media. When the job at RMAI became available I jumped at the opportunity. I love the small intimacy of working for an association, but the people I work with have kept me here for the last 3.5 years.

I think something that has stayed with me is that you can’t make everyone happy. As long as you know that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing (and doing it well) then you will be okay. As a journalist, I had to develop thick skin, so the many comments people would write about my stories (or shout at me in the street) just rolled off my back. Now, as someone in communications, I try not to let outside noise affect me and focus on doing the best job that I can. 

Another important lesson is to never stop learning. You have to adapt with the changing times, because staying stagnant is just not an option. Watch videos, take a class or a webinar, and broaden your skill set whenever you can.

We are a small staff of just 9 so we all help out in each of the departments. We try very hard to bring the best of everything to our members, which can be evidenced by the longevity of some of the staff.

I work with the Industry Research Working Group and one of our main focuses lately has been how to combat bad information on social media. Many people get all of their news and information via reels or TikTok’s, so finding ways to utilize social media to combat Financial Influencers or “Fin-Fluencers” is exciting.

I think that being inclusive should be easy at this point. Leaders can tailor inclusivity based on their team and their needs. Having leaders who actively encourage communication and work with every member of their team is important. Take a look at your team and realize that differences are strengths and figure out how to best leverage that for your space.

Early on in my career as a journalist I had the privilege of working with many accomplished authors who have all reminded me of one thing: I deserve a seat at the table. I am just as qualified and capable as anyone else. My ambition and determination to do a good job and succeed is all I need.

The people around me. I only like to surround myself with people who lift me up emotionally (or professionally). On my hardest days at work, I have Shannon Parod-Tsui who has always reminded me that things will be okay. I have the incredible opportunity to work with my best friend Nicole Canon, and we get to take walks together on our breaks which is great for our mental health. You can find a job anywhere, but finding a job with people you like is invaluable.

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale

The Office Aesthetic Architect – I am responsible for decorating our office for every single holiday, to a crazy degree. 

I never really think about a legacy, I would mostly like to be remembered as someone who worked really hard but was also a good person. I think you should treat everyone with respect, no matter your title. 

Outside of work I value my time spent with my son, Fawkes. (Named after the phoenix from Harry Potter). I try to be really mindful to leave work at work and focus on other stuff once I am done for the day. I like to scrapbook and go to concerts like My Chemical Romance, Taylor Swift, and Ludacris. I make it a point to be really present for my son, my husband, and my friends whenever I can because at the end of the day that is the most important thing.

I have interviewed many people in my time as a journalist including the first person to commercially pay to go to space Dennis Tito. I have interviewed Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Marco Rubio and many other former or current presidential or local government candidates. I have ridden in helicopters to go with farmers in Texas who hunt wild boars who destroy ranches. I have written obituaries and about local sports or hometown heroes. It is important to remember that you don’t always know all of the places someone has been to lead them where they are today!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorasain/