Amanda Lowery

Career Services Advisor for California College San Diego

"Through YNPN, I have continued to build courage to lead creative projects to reach out and support my Respiratory Therapy students and graduates at California College San Diego."

What made you decide to join YNPN San Diego?

I decided to join YNPN San Diego because I was looking for a diverse and ambitious group of people who were looking to make an impact in their
community. As a fairly new member of the San Diego community and originating from a small town in Michigan, I thought that YNPN San Diego would be a great way to meet young professionals who were also interested in nonprofit work and build relationships.

How has your YNPN San Diego board service impacted your career?

My membership with YNPN has helped me connect with young professionals and have authentic conversations about working in the nonprofit sector. I found that sharing our tips and tricks around time management and project development to be helpful for all of us. Through YNPN, I have continued to build courage to lead creative projects to reach out and support my Respiratory Therapy students and graduates at California College San Diego.

What is one of your top values? How does it play a role in your personal and/or professional life?

My top value that covers my personal and professional life is compassion. I think we need to show more compassion in our day to day lives, including in the workplace. At CCSD we pride ourselves on the diverse student population. Many of our students are working parents or veterans, so it is extremely important to us to help our students and adapt to their unique situation.

What is a personal strategy or self-care practice you’ve used to cope with the impacts of COVID-19?

For a self-care practice, I have been going on morning walks to get outside and enjoy the fresh air before I start my work day.

What has been your organization’s response to COVID-19?

Due to the California state policies around schools and universities, staff and faculty have been working from home. Our campus is open for students, graduates, faculty, and staff to utilize the library and internet while the front office staff is performing temperature checks.

As a Career Services Advisor for the Respiratory Therapy program, I have been extremely proud of the Respiratory Therapy academic department and students. Back in March, CCSD donated a ventilator and three BiPAP machines to the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center to help with the COVID-19 response. We also had 13 Respiratory Therapy students accept externships with Scripps Health back in April. Recently, we have six (and counting!) students and graduates accept externship roles with Scripps Health who started back in August.

What was the most beneficial or meaningful experience you had as a YNPN San Diego member?

I was impacted greatly by my first in-person networking event that YNPN hosted back in February. As someone new and who didn’t know anyone, I was able to have friendly conversations with welcoming committee members and other attendees.

What advice do you have for someone who is just getting started in their non-profit career?

My advice would be to go back to your why and really hone in on what you are most passionate about. Think about ‘why is this important to me’?

What are you currently working on either in your work or outside of it?

Currently I have been volunteering with United Nations Association USA San Diego to assist in the UN Info Sessions which highlight the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how we can connect the SDGs to our local community. I also have been partnering with San Diego World Affairs Council to build a Young Professionals International Network of San Diego to create a community of young people who are interested in international relations and global issues. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about either organization!

If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight, please email our Membership Team!