Tell us about yourself and what you do?
My name is Chantal Valencia Lawrence and I work as an Administrative Assistant for the Safety and Preparedness department of the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

What is the mission of your organization and who do you serve?
The American Red Cross in one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations. Our mission is to provide relief to victims of disasters (natural and man-made) and to prepare the public to prepare and respond to emergencies. Our chapter's jurisdiction covers New York City, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange Counties.

How did you get started in the field? Why non-profit?
I began working for the American Red Cross as a volunteer in the Community Outreach and Marketing departments. In November of 2003, I was hired to work in the Safety and Preparedness department as an Administrative Assistant. I chose to work in the non-profit sector because I feel that I am truly making a difference in my community and city. I am much happier working in non-profit than I was when I worked in the corporate sector.

What is the best part of your job, what do you love most?
Everyday I meet interesting people- from persons who purchase products from The Red Cross Store and register for First Aid and CPR classes to celebrities, NYS Senators, and even Mayor Bloomberg! What I love the most is that I am working for a deparment and an organization that aims to serve and help others in need and also by providing the resources to learn to save a life (human and/or animal) through the First Aid and CPR classes that we offer.

What is the most challenging part of your job and how do you find ways to motivate yourself to face those challenges?
The most challenging part of my job is that there can be days that are unpredictable! I may be working on an assignment at my desk and then I am assisting customers in The Red Cross Store while counting monthly inventory! I support a staff of 22 persons and everyone has a need to be met! My days go by quickly, but when I do feel overwhelmed, during my lunch hour, I go for a walk or I find a quiet place to eat my lunch and listen to music to relax and clear my mind. I think it is very important that to stay motivated, one has to have at least an hour to decompress during the day.

What type of resources do you use to help perform your job?
Resources I use to help in the performance of my job are mainly through e-mail and telephone, but the #1 resource I have is my contact network within the organization!

What sort of professional or personal development have you done that helped you succeed at your job?
Professional/personal developement that I have used to help with my job performance have been through seminars and advice from my supervisor. I also seek advice from family members and friends and apply it to my job duties.

Any parting words?
My parting words would be that working in non-profits can be an enriching and fufilling sector to build a career and serve others. I also reccomend to volunteer! It has been proven that volunteering is good for your health!