Racheal McDonald, Meeting Services and Exhibits Coordinator, American Academy of Pediatrics
- WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OR MEMORY WITH THE GREATER MIDWEST CHAPTER OF PCMA?
My favorite memory with the Greater Midwest Chapter of PCMA was when I spoke on my first GMC Student Day Panel. Throughout college, I attended multiple events like these and looked up to the professionals that came to talk to the students. When I was first referred to as a “Young Professional” was one of my “wow” moments!
- LIST FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY.
#MarathonRunner #OreoEnthusiast #MichiganNative #ProudAunt #PlantMom
- WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR CAREER AND WHY?
The most influential person in my career so far has been Laura Griffin. I remember being a student and attending my first PCMA GMC Student Day where Laura spoke on the meeting planner panel. I knew after listening to her that meeting planning was the path in the industry that I wanted to take. About a year later, I ended up sitting next to Laura at the PCMA University session at Convening Leaders in Austin where we connected again. Laura worked at the American Academy of Pediatrics and interviewed me that summer for their summer intern program. I have been at AAP ever since. Laura has pushed me to be active in PCMA as well as helping me be the best planner that I can.
- WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
The best piece of advice I have ever received was “You don’t know what you don’t know.” This came from one of my mentors and has stuck with me since first entering the industry. You are never too old to stop learning. This advice pushes me to continue to learn and grow personally as well as professionally. You learn some hard lessons as you start out in the industry but you can’t beat yourself up if you didn’t know in the first place. Learn, move on and do better next time.
- WHERE IS YOUR “HAPPY PLACE?”
My “happy place” is being out on a run in the woods. There are very few places that let me calm my mind and not worry about everything else going on in life.
