INTHEVUE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2024 21 Sarah Tracy Organizations: American Optometric Association Member, Kentucky Optometric Association Member, Young Professionals of Murray Member, Murray Calloway County Senior Citizens Center Volunteer What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? The biggest challenge I have overcome was opening Tracy Eyecare Center at such an early stage in my career. With the lack of a business background, I had to navigate the complexities of what once was a childhood dream, to making that dream a reality. To overcome these challenges, I relied heavily on my husband’s business acumen, the guidance of professional advisors, and through many of the adversities... the Lord’s intervention. By continuously seeking further education, surrounding myself with an amazing support team, and taking a leap of faith, I was able to successfully establish my own private cold start optometry practice by the age of 27. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received was actually from my mother who was in healthcare as an ER nurse for over 30 years. She told me that no matter what, just be kind, genuine, and treat everyone in life with the exact same level of respect and compassion, as success will naturally follow. This advice has significantly impacted my career by allowing me to build strong, trust-based relationships with my patients. This has helped foster a loyal following, as well as an overwhelming positive word-of-mouth in the community. This not only has contributed to the growth of Tracy Eyecare Center far beyond what an average cold start practice achieves at our stage, but has also created a rewarding and fulfilling professional experience that I am blessed and humbled to get to live every week. Shanice Frazier Organizations: National Art Education Association Member, Kentucky Art Education Association Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Member What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? My biggest challenge has been making sure I am doing enough for my students. I want to make sure that I am giving them a quality art education and that even if they don’t like art, they can find something they can relate to and carry with them in life. I am constantly looking for new techniques, new concepts, and new methods of teaching familiar subjects to make art exciting and fun. What career achievement makes you most proud? I am currently working to obtain my National Board Certification which is a national accreditation in education. This is something many teachers do not try to obtain in their first five years of teaching. I am proud of this accomplishment and am anxiously awaiting the results in December. What makes me the most proud is seeing my students conquer complicated tasks and seeing the “aha” moments on their faces when concepts click in their beautiful brains. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? Be authentic. When you enter a job or career with the mindset that you will be your most authentic self, and try not to mask who you are and what makes you unique, then your career isn’t something that you HAVE to do, but rather something that you WANT or get to do. I am quirky, weird, colorful, and silly, and those special aspects of my personality help me relate to my students and gives them the freedom to be just as silly and quirky. Being my authentic self makes me a better teacher for my students and I have fun while going to work. Skyler Paige Kanipe Organizations: Marcella’s Kitchen Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter Volunteer What is one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your professional career? Change has been one of my most significant challenges as a bank project manager, particularly navigating technological advancements and regulatory shifts. Embracing these changes require fostering a culture of adaptability, continuous learning, and maintaining flexibility. Hearing the phrase “change brings opportunity” encouraged me to shift my perspective to seeing challenges as chances for innovation and growth. By implementing robust change management strategies and leveraging cross- functional collaboration, we successfully integrate new technologies and processes throughout the year. What career achievement makes you most proud? Being selected for the 2023 Kentucky Bankers Association Emerging Leaders program is my proudest career achievement thus far. This opportunity provided invaluable opportunities for growth and networking within the banking industry. Through this program, I was able to engage with peers and industry leaders, gaining insights into emerging trends and best practices. The mentorship and professional development enhanced my leadership skills and strategic perspective, empowering me to contribute more effectively to my bank’s goals. This experience not only expanded my professional network but also inspired me to drive innovation and positive change within my organization. Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Art Teacher, Paducah Public Schools Optometrist/Owner, Tracy Eyecare Center Project Manager, CFSB
