By: Dannika Kemp Avent
What is your current role at Yale? What other Yale groups are you involved in (volunteering, committees. etc.)?
I am currently the Director of Operations for the Yale Physician Associate Program. In this capacity, I work in unison with the Program Director to develop and implement solutions to operational challenges, shape the administrative and operational priorities, oversee the budget and support the strategic plan. I started here in 2011. Prior to this position, I was the Director of Admissions at the Yale School of Public Health for 10 years. I am also a member of the Yale Latino Networking Group.
Tell us how you achieve work/life balance as a “Working Mom” at Yale?
Sometimes work/life balance feels more like a balancing act. I stay involved in my son Trey’s (age 11) school activities and in my current work environment. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do so. I am the Treasurer/Parent Support for the Mauro-Sheridan Robotics Club and the Ticket Master/Parent Support/Treasurer for the DaeDream Performing Arts Group. Both allow me to be involved and stay a part of his daily activities.
Can you share how you have benefited as an employee of Yale?
I have to say that I have greatly appreciated and benefited from the training and other opportunities provided here at Yale. I have attended trainings, seminars, talks and information sessions from mindful meditation to retirement planning. I believe it says a lot when the institution you work for is willing to invest in your personal growth and development. I just attended a talk last week by Dr. Miguel Materin, which was sponsored by the Yale Latino Networking Group. It was so insightful and allowed me to learn about his field of study. There are so many opportunities to learn and grow on this campus.
What advice would you provide to new women employees at Yale?
I would say get to know women within and outside of your work environment and build your network. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the years from countless women at Yale. I cannot recall ever being turned away when trying to access knowledge or information. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from others. Likewise, be generous in giving information. It is always good to have a reliable sounding board when facing big decisions or just learning day-to-day.
Can you tell us about the organizations you support and the roles you serve in and outside of the greater New Haven community?
I serve as a member of the Recruitment and Admissions Council for the Physician Assistant Education Association which also manages the CASPA application (centralized application for PA programs). Two big efforts I am currently working on with other RAC members are to develop a CASPA outreach recruitment event at our upcoming conference in Washington, DC this fall and creating the first ever PAEA Admissions Handbook for new and developing PA programs.
I also volunteer for Columbus House. I volunteered for their 13th Annual Chocolate to the Rescue event this past spring to support the family shelters by acquiring donated items for their silent auction. In addition, through the generosity and support of several very special women here at Yale, my neighbors and others, last fall I started an effort to crochet and knit lap blankets for the Columbus House Medical Respite Program. We were able to donate 20 lap blankets that were greatly appreciated. I am hoping to begin the project again this fall. If anyone would like to donate yarn or participate, please feel free to reach out to me.
Lastly, I volunteer as a cycling official for the Connecticut Special Olympics Summer Games. I started participating at this venue many years ago when I was a USCF Racing Official. The time trials are held in Cheshire in May and the games are in June at SCSU. It is quite inspirational to be a part of the summer games. They are always looking for volunteers so if anyone is interested, let me know and I can help you get connected.
Tell us how you have involved the Yale community?
I have been a member of the Yale Latino Networking Group since 2006. Over the years, I’ve participated in a number of events with this group. My favorite by far is the Yale Affinity Group Book Drive, which ended May 15th.
If you could use one word to describe your experience at Yale, what would it be?
Evolution