Professional, community, and civic organizations: Concord Elementary Site-Based Council Teacher Representative, Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Christian Education Committee Chair What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I spent countless hours playing school as a young child, teaching my younger siblings and all my stuffed animals. I have great memories of teachers who poured everything into their students and I knew I wanted to do the same one day. Over the last ten years of teaching, I have learned a lot. My students are my motivation to keep going. I absolutely love growing relationships with each child while watching them learn and mature over the school year. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? I have an incredible support system through my family and close friends. I have also been blessed to work under wonderful administration through my ten years at Concord Elementary. My family and mentors continue to encourage me in the best ways. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? My dad is an incredible leader in his profession. He is a quiet and genuine man that leads with a kind heart. He has taught me to listen and show grace. My dad has taught me to stand up for what I believe in the kindest of ways. He has impacted my career by allowing me to watch him lead. Professional, community, and civic organizations: Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Member, Leadership Paducah Class #37, Paducah Professional Women Member, Charity League of Paducah Member from 2017-2022 What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? I have always enjoyed celebrating holidays and special occasions with my friends and family growing up. In high school, I began to help with events for other people and was encouraged to pursue the Hospitality Management and Tourism Degree at the University of Kentucky. Once I completed my degree at UK, I was fully immersed in the event industry through internships and hands-on experience. After graduation, I realized if I wanted to work in the event industry in my hometown of Paducah and make a full-time career at it, I had to start a business myself. Thus, Bluegrass Event Planning was born in 2017 and I haven’t looked back since. I have been motivated over the years through helping some amazing clients and seeing my creativity come to life. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? My role model is my late grandmother, Mary Sue Brooks. She was a successful business owner and was the definition of a hard worker. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? The best piece of advice that I have received is to get to know my clients personally during my time with them. It has helped me to offer exceptional service and to make personal connections for the future. Professional, community, and civic organizations: American Physical Therapy Association Kentucky Chapter Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Beta Omega Omega Chapter President, WC Young Community Center President, Board of Directors What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? I was initially inspired to pursue physical therapy as a career while spending time with my grandmother at the hospital during her recovery from a leg injury. I was amazed that these individuals were literally teaching my grandmother to walk again. This motivation has evolved into a stronger passion for helping people become the best version of themselves as it relates to functional independence in their daily activities. Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? My good friend, Dr. Carmen Cox, PT, DPT, was pivotal in my professional career growth and development. She encouraged me to explore the many different avenues of physical therapy and find what I am most passionate about. Carmen and her husband are now private practice Physical Therapists based in Atlanta, GA. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? Never stop learning. Never stop being curious. There are many languages to being successful, so learn as many as you can and share them with someone else along the way. Sponsored by 40 Under Forty SEPTEMBER 2023 13 Emily Gray Kindergarten Teacher, Concord Elementary Emily Smith Owner, Bluegrass Event Planning & Rentals Ericka Hudson Doctor of Physical Therapy, Sensory Solutions-KY, LLC
