These Williams employees are building their professional talents and providing a vital service to the communities where they work by serving on non-profit boards.
Williams encourages volunteerism and board participation, understanding its value for personal and professional growth as well as positive community impact.
Hear what these employees who are currently serving on boards have to say about how their participation has helped them develop in their careers.
JoAnna Robinson, supervisor of Operations at Opal Plant, serves as Board President for United Way of Southwest Wyoming.
John Chekan, field engineer in the Tech Services group in southwest Wyoming serves as treasurer on the school board of Sublette County School District #9.
Bola Adeshina, manager of Commercial Technology – Systems, serves on the board of PAIR – Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees in Houston.
What did you learn in your capacity as a board member that you were able to apply to your own career?
Robinson: I’ve learned that all input creates a solution. On our teams we have strengths in different areas. Utilizing the strengths of everyone on my team really propels us to discuss the situation to find the best solution.
Chekan: One thing I’ve learned, or continued to cultivate, is how to work with diverse groups of individuals with differing opinions and outlooks and how to make the best decisions that benefit the most people. It is nearly impossible to have 100% agreement, but with discussion and presenting all the facts and available options, most parties can usually agree to a reasonable compromise.
Adeshina: I’ve had to work with other board members with different professional and cultural backgrounds which makes for an interesting dynamic when it comes to collaboration and making impactful decisions on complex issues related to finance, governance, development, program management and operations. I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the outcomes of the collaborations of a diverse team, either by leveraging expertise across the organization or by harnessing the inherent strengths each individual team member possess.
Do you think your board experience has helped you grow in your career development?
Robinson: Yes, I do think my role has helped me grow as a leader here at Williams. I’m practicing being brave, facing challenges and making decisions based on the best information available. I’m growing in my ability to use the strengths of others to find an answer and knowing it is okay if I do not have all the answers. Using my voice to help create awareness of the needs of the communities in which we live has also helped me speak up at Williams.
Chekan: Something that our district superintendent promotes and that I try to practice in my own life and career is the “1% better every day” mantra from Atomic Habits by James Clear. I try to be 1% better every day in both my personal life and my job.
Adeshina: Yes, it has, and I believe it will continue to propel me professionally. Serving on the board exposes me to leadership at a higher capacity which improves my readiness to take on advancement opportunities at work.
What do you find most rewarding about serving as a board member?
Robinson: For me, the most rewarding part of serving is helping agencies get funding. Getting the funding they need is how we help our communities organizations grow.
Chekan: The most rewarding part of serving on the board of trustees is seeing our school district accomplish its mission of ensuring high levels of learning for all students while demonstrating our district values. Our district also accomplished its vision of being recognized as a top-performing school district in Wyoming.
Adeshina: My journey as an immigrant has had its ups and downs so I can relate to the challenges the refugees face. I got a lot of help from amazing mentors and leaders over the years, so I find it extremely rewarding to be able to pay it forward and support others as they navigate American society, aspire to achieve their academic potential and become future community leaders.
It is important to note that while I have always had a passion to support immigrant and refugee causes, Williams made it possible! Since I joined the board, Williams has awarded two grants to PAIR. Williams also encourages volunteer time which promotes community service. In addition, Williams donated 20 laptop computers to support refugee students at PAIR.