Professional, community, and civic organizations: Foster Care Review Board Member, ASAP Committee Member, Sexual Assault Interagency Council, MCHS Leadership Team, Alpha Gamma Delta Murray State University Member Experience Advisor, Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni, Paducah Professional Women Member, Paducah Young Professionals Member What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? My first job that really altered the trajectory of my career was working at a local high school in Utah. I ran their internship program and got to work specifically with juniors and seniors. It was that job that made me realize I wanted to work in education. When my fiancé and I moved to Illinois, I ended up doing a year of service through Ameri Corps at Big Brothers Big Sisters. At this job, I got to work with middle and high schoolers at local schools and I fell in love with helping those kids find their passion and prepare them for the workforce after high school. My most recent job was running an internship program through the mayor’s office called Opportunity Now. This job allowed me to have three schools I would recruit from and work with those students all summer. I truly believe that my very first job led to me being qualified for the other two, which led me to my current role. Not being afraid to take a risk and change jobs/careers made me a better employee and prepared me to be a FRYSC. Having that passion as my drive has stayed with me since I was a kid dreaming of what the future would look like. Professional, community, and civic organizations: Lone Oak First Baptist Church Member, Clark Elementary School KIDS Company Advisory Council, United Way Reading PALS Volunteer, Leadership Paducah Class #30 What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? I have always known my calling in life was to serve others. From my first high school job as a grocery store cashier to my current role, I have served others in some capacity. I am a people person who could talk to a brick wall! I genuinely enjoy building relationships with others, whether it be with clients or fellow team members. While serving others is essential to me, it is also at the core of CFSB, which inspires me. Our mission statement is simple, “We are committed to creating value for our clients, our communities, our stockholders, and our team.” I am so thankful to work for a company that values serving others as much as I do. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? I am fortunate to have so many people that have been influential in my professional growth. However, my most influential role model was my mom. When I was 14, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which returned as brain cancer a few years later. Throughout her cancer battle, her faith and optimism never wavered. She continued to fight when the fight was hard, pushed through when she felt like giving up, and showed up when she didn’t feel like it. Each illustration is relatable to my career, and I understand the value of commitment. Because of her examples of strength, determination, and grit – I am the person I am today. Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Professional, community, and civic organizations: BB&T Leadership Academy Member, Real Men Wear Pink 2022/2023 Ambassador, Kentucky Association of School Administrators Member What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? Do not get caught up in your failures or the times you have been told, “No, you can’t do this,” or “You are not good enough to do this.” Use those times as motivation, to ensure you always stay hungry for success. Make those that told you “no” wish they would have said “yes.” Nothing good was ever invented from “safe” decisions. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? My Grandfather, Rayburn Brittain, has played the most influence on my life personally and professionally. He has been a farmer for the entire 91 years of his life. He has experienced multiple roadblocks throughout his career but he is still farming even today. He has helped give me the work ethic that I have today. He has also relied on and believed I could do any task that was given to me. It is this work ethic and this belief that has helped mold me professionally in education, as well as an entrepreneur. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? “Working hard does not mean you will be successful. Working hard means you will have the opportunity at some point to be successful.” When you have this opportunity, you must capitalize on it, but you can’t quit if it doesn’t work out the first or even the second time. 10 SEPTEMBER 2023 Bre Sykes Youth Services Director (FRYSC), McCracken County High School Britne Parker VP Retail Banking Manager, CFSB Coye Elliott Principal at Lone Oak Middle School, Entrepreneur at Toy Storage LLC, A-Maize-Ing Farms, Two Birds Properties, HuntRite LLC, and Elliott’s Lawnscape
