Dear readers, in this post we would like to introduce you talented, smart girl, DNA team member Lucy. People in every organization are the most important asset! If it is good you win, if it is poor you lose. It is that simple. So meet our Lucy! Who is she and her relation to DNA?
1. What are the values of DNA?
-
One #TEAM, one #FAMILY: We do great things together, we win or lose together and we help each other thrive. We thrive together as greatness comes from unlocking each other’s potential. We believe that seeking and giving feedback are essential for us to learn. And we want to inspire each other to achieve great things. As each individual grows, so does the whole organization.
-
Act with #INTEGRITY: We act with integrity, always. It’s about being real, honest and don’t try to impress everyone, even anyone. Don’t worry what other people think. Personality begins where comparison leaves off.
- Stay #HUMBLE: If you know the best way to do something, you’ll do good work. If you share that knowledge with others, you’ll become a leader.
- SAY it, DO it: We #Honoring our word!
- Be #PASSIONATE, WORK #HARD: One thing I discovered that extra 10% of effort makes a 100% difference. It really does! We bring passion and energy to work, knowing that active participation is essential to create better outcomes. We believe nothing is impossible, we work hard, we push hard and commit ourselves fully to the goal.
- Stay #BRAVE: Take bold steps, think outside the box and write new stories.
- Build #RELATIONSHIPS. As relationships deliver results because we can’t do our jobs without each other. We we’re making a real difference by working together.
2. What is a typical day like at DNA?
DNA creates an “Exciting” routine. Working for DNA involves a lot of hard work. However, I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. Hard work pays off. DNA also creates disciplined work habits such as like develop a sense of responsibility, ensure persistency, act with good purpose… etc. Moreover, by loving what you do makes these habits easy to obtain. At the same time, it is fun, engaging. A bit of a challenge but though you work with amazing people who all share their skills and knowledge with you.
3. Is self-development part of the values and if so how is this done?
That is it! Self-development part of our values in DNA that is a key to your success. Personal development is a push. It’s a struggle. It’s a challenge. And I’ve divided personal development into three parts: spiritual, physical and mental. And problems begin when they are in conflict or out of balance. But becoming aware of yourself and how it balances with three of them is the foundation for good mental, physical, and spiritual health. Somebody who is struggling with the self-improvement process may wonder if it is worth it. They may wonder if they are wasting all of the emotional energy that it takes to successfully use self-development techniques. The answers to these this questions is that yes, it is absolutely worth it, and no it is not a waste of emotional energy. A high level of self-development can make a huge difference when it comes to obtaining success on the job and in other areas of life. If you do not know yourself, you cannot improve yourself. If you know yourself well, you will know what it is that will make you happy. A big part of this is understanding the relationships, life situations, and even job conditions in which we will be the happiest. In general development should be an integral and global task. This has implications for two dimensions: personal and also professional. For example, one can be a great person but not necessarily a good professional, and vice versa. Although, I understand that the important thing is consistency between the two: aim for a good self-development and a professional development should be the goal of any person.
4. What is the office culture/ social side like?
Challenging, friendly… Our most valuable resource is our people with a diversity of backgrounds, ideas, options, and life experiences. Our culture is one that encourages, supports, and celebrates our diversity and looks to expand and build it constantly. So join us!
5. How are accomplishments recognized?
Well, in a brief, our team has continued to grow and grow and we’re happy to add several new team members to our cool volunteering team! We have successfully completed a 5 week course in a Yerevan Primary School teaching children about environmental sustainability. In 2019 DNA has successfully sent approximately 30 Armenian Youth to different countries in Europe, for information youth exchange and education. Also there has been a meeting in Sydney Australia to investigate possibility to send for 30 days interns from Armenia who have experience in Social Entrepreneurship (for a possibility for knowledge transfer and experience). And DNA is lead organizer to represent Armenia to attend “EarthX”, in April 2020 in Dallas Texas USA, Earth X is the world’s largest environmental Conference, DNA is currently in discussions with Armenian Government and Business to support and incentive to send a Delegation to the conference, this remains as work in progress. And all those have been done during the last 8 month. So it’s all just DNA’s humble start.
6. Does the DNA engage in social responsibility programs?
Yes.
QUESTIONS RELATED TO LUCY
1. What is your favorite part about working at DNA?
People!!! I met incredible people in DNA. I have realized that happiness is not a measure of your salary, title, or degree, but the impact you have others and the collective happiness of the people you touch. I have huge respect for our Founder & President Anna. She is doing a great job! I have huge-huge respect for our board members especially Robert Bassili. I got priceless experience during this 7 month through working with him. In addition, I have huge respect for our team of volunteers. Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another. Volunteerism is one of the most selfless acts that we can become involved in. Nonprofits around the world need more volunteers to carry out their missions and make the biggest difference possible.
2. Tell me something about yourself that others may be surprise to know about you.
- I am extremely ticklish 🙂
- I fall over. A lot. All the time actually.
- I am a trained classical singer but refuse to sing in public. I sang a solo in one of our best choral performance.
- I have worked in Auto Radio Yerevan, then radio-show-the best top 10 with Jack in Radio Van. I love to try new things.
- I have always loved the water (sea, ocean, etc). I’m my happiest when at the beach, is my biggest addiction, I just can’t stop.
- My favorite book is the Bible!
3. How did you end up in your current role as DNA Ambassador?
Well, I surprised to become an Ambassador of DNA. I guess when you work hard, you can achieve anything. I really like to work.
4. What interests you most about this position?
As an Ambassador, you’ll often find yourself in situations where you have to speak to lots of new people. I like to meet new people, to communicate. You need to create a unique opportunity to build relationships with a wide network of people, including students, heads of societies, university staff, business representatives and you will be able to represent the organization excellently. You become a face of the organization.
5. What is one thing you wish you knew before you started working here?
Well. Probably, that never be afraid to ask someone to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.
6. What motivates you Lucy? Tell me at least one thing that motivates you and makes you aim for higher goals.
Again people in DNA! And it’s not about you are looking for people who are just like you, but you are looking for people who are better than you in certain areas. And surrounding myself with the best people is the key to accomplishing goals. I’m also addicted to learning. Learn something new every day. Fundraising, grant writing, marketing, volunteer management – there are dozens of specialties inside of the nonprofit sector. I love explaining how things work, and if I don’t know, I like asking questions and finding people who do know and can teach me.
By the way I’ve been told I’m good at sales, but I really don’t like selling things to people:)
7. What advice can you give to those who are first in DNA?
-
Well, so first, do not put yourself above anyone or anything. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Be humble, work hard in silence and let success make the noise.
-
Secondly, AVOID being artificial. Take the time to know yourself. When you know who you are, you can be wise about your goals, your dreams, your standards, your convictions. Knowing who you allow you to live your life with purpose and meaning. Be open to feedback. And laugh at yourself and your mistakes.
-
And finally, RESPECT YOUR WORDS, never late, does your job well and helps everyone with a smile!
8. What’s your dream?
Well, I dream so much 🙂 However, let us talk about wishes and one of my wishes is fly a plane (learn how to drive a plane) and learn to surf!
Interviewed by Carolin Semerjian