“If you can see it, you can be it” – Elizabeth Marvel
Writing this blog post comes at the perfect time for me as it is an opportunity for reflection. In the fall of 2020, I was promoted to a leadership position at Houston Public Media which made me the youngest female and youngest Hispanic director in the station's accessible history. This is surreal on so many levels.
While public media was an essential building block for the foundation of my childhood, I never anticipated I would have the opportunity to work for an institution that produced so many of my favorite programs. Elizabeth Marvel’s quote resonates with me because I could not see it when I was younger. Unfortunately, I was and am all too familiar with the achievement gaps that arise from unequal educational opportunities and lack of representation. I grew up in a neighborhood and went to schools that were considered by many to be underserved, so our media education was not as robust as neighboring schools in the same district. All that to say, I did not know at the time that I was preparing myself for a career in public media. The parallel being that public media stations around the country produce standout, community first, mission focused content with fewer resources than other media institutions.
Our station is a university joint licensee, so we have the added benefit of University of Houston’s career development opportunities. As a UH Communications student, I was able to participate in the College Work Study program because I had demonstrated financial need. When I saw the posting for a Houston Public Media Strategic Advancement Assistant, I was excited. Here was a golden opportunity to work for a media organization that shaped my life through childhood, and I made sure the interviewers knew that the moment was not lost on me. I will be forever grateful to my mentors Elena Giralt and Courtney Lamm, HPM’s Chief Development Officer, for offering me the position when I had almost no business or fundraising experience. Their belief that my passion for the mission would propel me forward was what gave me the foot in the door that so many of us are looking for. I can say that I have worked hard every single day since to show why that decision was a good one.
Coming full circle, it is so surreal to think that just 6 years ago I was working doubles as a bartender. Non-slip shoes and chicken tenders were my best friends from 9am to 1am the next morning, and all my service industry peers know that a job like that will truly test your patience, mental stamina, and determination. Those attributes are essential when raising funds to sustain public media for our community. As Director of Membership and Donor Services, I oversee the strategic direction and project implementation of Houston Public Media’s integrated, multi-media (on-air, digital, mail) fundraising efforts and campaigns. I also lead the teams responsible for the Studio Society (major membership gift club), Member Relations, Young Leaders Council, and Mission Ambassadors (social media brand ambassadors).
There are a few things I have learned in 6 years that could be helpful to those coming up as a Young Professional in public media.
- Never Stop Learning – Public media is a highly specialized field, and it is so important to be a sponge. This isn’t just for young leaders but is vital for all public media professionals. Building that institutional knowledge will allow you to make strategic decisions and provide context for cross-departmental collaboration. Think about learning outside your scope of responsibility as well. Spend time asking your peers what they do and getting a feel for the challenges they face in their day to day will not only help you build relationships, but it will also ensure you have a better understanding of how your spoke fits into the mission wheel. “The more you know”.
- Find Your Allies and Mentors – Notice I didn’t put “find people who always agree with you”. There are so many situations that could be turned into vital learning experiences with guidance, support, and encouragement from a mentor and/or allies. In my experience, I’ve surrounded myself with people who have the mutual goal of “being a better you/them”. Often in my career I’ve been tasked with addressing a difficult situation, advocating for myself and my boundaries, and recognizing opportunities for personal growth. My mentors and allies provided coaching that led to me feeling more empowered and confident to handle all these things. Relationship building is everything.
- Never Lose Your Spirit for Innovation – There’s a common notion that young professionals bring with them a spirit for innovation and a willingness to accept (and drive) change. I don’t think this is limited to YoPros, but the principle of retaining this holds true. As you advance throughout your career, look at everything as if it is your first time seeing it. With a new lens on processes and strategy, you’ll notice different ways to approach a problem. You’ll also see ways to increase efficiency for the entire organization. Keep this energy! Complacency cannot be a reality for public media. If you lead with a spirit of innovation, you can inspire an entire team to do the same.
Houston Public Media and organizations like YoPro give emerging leaders a voice to inspire change within their organizations and communities. I hope my story and advice helped you, but the important thing is to tell and build your own story because if they can see it, they can be it.
Looking to connect with Anessa Ezeude to learn more about her experience or obtain additional career advice? Email her today at: arios@houstonpublicmedia.org.
