New Year. New Job. Reflecting on my professional journey.

by Kelsie Guerriero

As I soak up the spirit of the holidays and anticipate all that’s ahead in the New Year, I think it’s also a nice time to reflect on the year that’s coming to a close.

In June my husband, Rejean, and I moved back to Boston so that he could continue to pursue his training in pediatric neurology at The Children’s Hospital. When you factor in medical school and residency, we’re six and a half years in to a nine year commitment (but who’s counting?!). His perseverance throughout training and genuine dedication to patient care is something that continues to inspire me. While his career has been the driving force behind our moves and transitions over the last several years, I’ve experienced my own professional “journey”, too.

In 2008 I was let go from my advertising job and toyed with the idea of shifting to a career in health and wellness. I was frustrated, tired, burnt out. Despite the lack of sleep and constant pressure to perform, I was a bit envious of Rejean’s path. I wanted to dedicate myself to something that would “make a difference”, so I dabbled in personal training and thought seriously about a MS in Nutrition, but nothing felt quite right. Plus, we anticipated having to move in 2009 and again in 2011 to accommodate residency training, so I decided to sit tight.

Our move in 2009 was to Western Massachusetts and I found myself working for a sustainable seafood company doing their marketing, public relations, online content management, social media…you name it – I did it. It was tremendously challenging and a wonderful learning experience, but I knew I wanted to be part of something larger.

Our 2011 move brought us back to Boston and I was thrilled to land at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. As Assistant Director of Development Marketing, I manage a variety of events and programs that support the lifesaving mission of Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. My team writes and produces the print materials, websites/social media, advertising, and premiums that help our front line fundraisers generate the crucial financial support that fuels our physician scientists’ ground-breaking cancer research and compassionate patient care. I’m extremely grateful to have found a position that allows me to draw on my marketing background, yet also bring my passion for health and wellness and my dedication to Pink Initiative to work with me everyday.

As you embark on 2012, I hope you take time to reflect on the year coming to a close, as well. Chances are if you’re still reading this – like me – you’re invested in a future without cancer, and you’re interested in Pink Initiative’s efforts toward that end. While 2011 was a successful year with the launch of our new website and our partnership with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation® as our 2011 fundraising recipient, we can’t lose momentum. Your continued generosity is crucial to our efforts and we can’t thank you enough for joining us in the fight against breast cancer. On behalf of all of us at Pink Initiative, we wish you a happy – and most importantly healthy – New Year.

3 Responses to “New Year. New Job. Reflecting on my professional journey.”

1. emilie says:

   January 2, 2012 at 12:45 pm

   Thanks so much for sharing, Kelsie. We’re so fortunate to have you on our board of directors and the unique perspective you offer to us all. Happy New Year!
   
   

2. Megan Clouse says:

   January 2, 2012 at 3:59 pm

   Love this Kelsie! 2012 is going to be filled with lots of great happenings!
   
   

3. June Briggs says:

   January 2, 2012 at 4:42 pm

   Kelsie,
   What a wonderful article and thank you for sharing about your new job. I am a supporter of the Jimmy Fund Walk.
   Our best to you and your husband and wish him well with his career path also.
   June and Steve xo