Misty Janks’ goal is to create a more caring world through her new role as the director of impact and outreach for the State of Michigan at Our Community LISTENS.
Learn how this 2008 Bachelor’s in Business Administration alumna is making an impact:
Tell us about yourself!
I am a proud first-generation college student from Midland, Michigan. Throughout my career, I have worn a lot of hats as operations director of a large nonprofit to the executive director of a regional nonprofit. I am excited to share that I recently joined Our Community LISTENS as the director of impact and outreach for the State of Michigan.
Sounds like you had an interesting career path. Where did you start after college?
I started off in the for-profit sector working for a manufacturing company. I didn’t feel like I was making the impact I wanted to make on my community. I saw that in hard times, the company would lay off people and make decisions that did not show any regard for their people. I didn’t want to be a part of that culture.
How easy was it to make the transition from for-profit to nonprofit?
It was challenging, yet so rewarding. I transitioned to the nonprofit sector working for a community action agency where I was the director of operations. I got my taste for helping people and I loved it. In 2013, I transitioned back to the to the greater Midland area and ran two family centers. The family centers are in very rural areas with large pockets of poverty. The centers helped provide critical resources for families.
How did these positions fill your bucket?
My passion has always been helping women and children to overcome the obstacles a build a life that they love. Education was and will always be my path to success, so I love spreading the importance of education. I am excited to continue educating others through work at Our Community LISTENS.
What will your new job entail?
Our Community LISTENS is a national nonprofit serving communities across the United States. The organization is dedicated to changing the world by creating caring communities. We inspire personal transformation through educational experiences and measure our success by the way we touch the lives of others. I attended class in 2015 and became a professor in 2016. My new role will be developing and supporting community fundraising programs.
What inspired you to take this role?
My girls are my “why.” They are my passion and my inspiration. I also care deeply about strengthening communities.
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who is a good, kind, caring person that helps people and as a good mother and role model for my girls.
What do you do when you are not working?
I spend time with my husband Keith and our girls. We love being outside and creating new memories. It is a busy life with work and a six and 11 year old, a lot of running around, but I love it.
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