Jill Clark March 15th 2021 Zoom Edition!

What do you do?

For the past 25 years I have had the honor and pleasure of helping community members make our home a better place as a fundraising professional for arts, education, social service and conservation organizations in Whatcom County. I just retired as Philanthropy Director for Whatcom Land Trust and am staying on very part time to help with planned gifts. For fun I sing in a mixed a cappella ensemble, Vox Antiqua, and play jazz piano with ‘Dr Jimmy and the Swingtime Serenaders’. We’re eager to get back together to practice when it’s safe to do so!

Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you'd like to pass on?

I’m feeling a little nostalgic and reflective in the early days of retirement. Sniffle. Throughout my professional life I have had no regrets and encourage you to see the good and lessons in every opportunity and failure. All the great jobs, all the crappy jobs, all the people who helped, the disappointments, stuff that gets in your way, and the big wins are all lessons that built the ladder of your life. Empathy, patience, understanding, standing up for yourself, diplomacy, leadership and positive attitude will never let you down. Use them well!

Mentors. Have them when you’re young and be one when you’re in a position to do so. I learned so much from women (and a few men!) who took me under their wing, introduced me to helpful people, expanded my horizons and encouraged my personal and professional growth. Thank you all! Also I am so grateful to have mentored many young women and hopefully passed along all the valuable lessons I learned from those who came before me. Their passion and wide-eyed can-do spirit always energize and keep you young. Plus, there’s nothing like getting a call out of the blue from a years-ago intern asking for a reference for an advanced degree or new job.

Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning. It never stops. It gives you great pleasure and keeps you going strong.