Liz Okuma has been a special gift for Hudson Job Search. Initially coming to us as a job seeker and immediately volunteering as an Advisor. Before Liz even got a full-time, permanent placement herself, she helped coach two other job seekers as their Advisor, delivered a presentation on Organizing the Job Search to one of our Monday Night Meetings AND joined the Board of Trustees. We take this month to feature Liz and spotlight her massive contributions to the organization in such a short time-frame as a volunteer:
Professional Background
Liz Okuma is an educator at her core. She attended Bowling Green State University for her undergraduate degree in Education and a concentration in Mathematics. She then pursued her master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. Then 14 years later, she completed her Ph. D in Educational Leadership and Human Resources from Colorado State University. Her professional background is in Higher Education and she has served in many roles at a local small residential liberal arts college. Her last role was the Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics. At the time of this featured story Liz is consulting for a local private secondary education school while negotiating offers for permanent positions.
Q: What inspired you to become an Advisor with Hudson Job Search?
A: Really it was one conversation with Michael Polovick. He was so passionate about the mission of Hudson Job Search, I just had to agree.
Q: How long have you been an Advisor with Hudson Job Search?
A: Nearly 10 months.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your role as an Advisor with the organization?
A: I really enjoy working with people who are looking for their next opportunity. The method Hudson Job Search uses to help clients uses sound practices and really works. I also enjoy networking with other advisors to help all clients.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Hudson Job Search Advisor?
A:I think it is a great opportunity to help others and continue to learn best practices around job search techniques.
Q: How did you learn how to advise Job Seekers?
A: Hudson Job Search offers wonderful training opportunities and monthly meetings for advisors. I have also been a job seeker myself and have learned a great deal going through the process and working with an HJS advisor. (Jim Ahern)
Q: If Hudson Job Search could do anything, with limitless donations, what would you like to see the organization accomplish in the next 5 years?
A: Continue to be one of the leading volunteer job search groups in the area. Acquire resources to help automate the different resources for advisors and job seekers. I feel so lucky to be a client, an advisor, and a trustee of such a caring and professional organization..
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