Our career fair that took place on May 1st was the end of our 2008-09 program year and our 2009-10 program year begins again after Labor Day. During this time of transition as I reflect on the old and prepare for the new, I am always thinking about what went well, what needs to be improved and what we need to not do anymore. I'm always constantly trying to make sure that those thoughts are centered around the mission, vision and goals of the organization.
No organization can achieve its mission without partnerships; we are living in an interdependent world with limited resources. Partnerships allow us to share resources, so that we all can accomplish our organizational goals. However, how do we chose partnerships that are mutually beneficial and ensure that all parties involved stay authentic to who they are as an organization? Some of the lessons learned in the principles of leadership can be applied to selecting partners. Stephen Convey, has teaches the concepts of win-win and synergy; which I believe are great concepts and things that should be considered in selecting partners. Everyone organization has something to bring to the table that collaboration with another organization can help both organization's advance.
So as I look to the next few months, years and beyond for SEM Link to ensure our continued growth and sustainability, I'm going to have to put just as much effort into selecting our partners as I do in planning quality programs. As the saying goes, all that glitters isn't gold, not every organization is a good fit for a partnership. The exact criteria for what organizations are a best fit, that is something that my board and I, lead by our Strategic Partnership chair will have to determine. The most important thing for me to make sure if that I have the courage to stay committed to building partnerships that create synergy and are win-win for all parties involved and not be afraid to walk away from opportunities that don't. For me it is not important who we partner with, but that our partnership allow us to stay authentic to who we are and what we do as an organization, which is "unveil potential through exposure". We have to be associated with the "right" fit, not necessarily the "right" name.
Friday, May 22, 2009
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About SEM Link
- SEM Link
- Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link, Inc. (SEM Link), a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, was founded in 2004 on the premise that exposure to members of the science, engineering and mathematics (SEM) communities is critical to student development in math and science. Our mission is to promote student achievement and career exploration in math and science while increasing student exposure to the science, engineering and mathematics communities and enhancing resources that are available at local schools and community organizations. Our two core programs, Math and Science Career Academy and Experimental Design Program, provide students with an opportunity to develop their math and science skills by enhancing the classroom learning experience and teaching them skills that are transferable to other areas of life. We recruit students and professionals for our programs that have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.