Maria B. Stanfield, MA, SW, LLP, a seasoned health and human services executive, is an experienced leader who’s well versed in mental health and grant writing.
Here, the founder of My Sister’s Keeper LLC, shares why she loves event planning and encouraging black families.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
What inspires me to show up to work every day is knowing that the work I do makes a difference in the lives of the youth we service and the community where I grew up in and live. When I participate in events knowing that I am giving a quality event that people will appreciate, inspires me. In addition, when people approve of my work and state that they have a great time at my events that inspires me.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
The fashion industry, for profit and nonprofit organizations also connect to my career choice. I am also keenly aware of a multitude of needs for youth in the community so there are multiple governmental agencies that service youth and families that connect to my career choice. Those entities collect data and service consumers. I am always interested in learning how I may impact positive change for youth and families in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Describe goal-setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
I evaluate my success based upon the response that I get from my guest with events. I value my success with working with youth and families on the success they feel in themselves. Success is different and growth is different for everyone.
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- The Women Who Raised Me by Victoria Rowell
- How to Be A Lady by Candace Simpson-Giles
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
What I do in the community says more of me than what I do in the office. We all have jobs that mean a great deal to us, our staff and employer but only what you do for others will last and what you do not get paid for in money but service. Service is the rent we must all pay for success. One hand to give and one to receive.
