Introducing 2010 Inspire Fellow: Reena Sikdar
Name: Reena Sikdar
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Organization: Eagle Academy PCS
Former Employer: General Mills
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I wanted to work for a cause I felt connected to, surrounded by equally passionate people.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
I work at Eagle Academy Public Charter School as the Project Manager for Organizational Improvement. My boss likes to tell me I’m the “firewoman” in the office – spending all day putting out fires that inevitably come up. In addition to those fires, I do have a variety of projects that changes weekly. Some of these include applying to grants, attending meetings with DC political figures, meeting with parents of our students to understand their needs as our school transitions into a new facility, and keeping track of the school’s strategic goals and our progress. But, ask me tomorrow, and that might all have changed!
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
I come from a sales/analysis background, customer focus and CPG experience. I worked heavily with data and presentation, as well as strategic growth & large customer relations.
What are you involved in outside of work?
I’m new to the DC area and am still trying to wrap my head around all of the opportunities this city has to offer. In the past I have been able to work as a mentor, something I hope to continue here. I have definitely made it a point to be involved with music, my passion outside of the field of education. While not a performer, I love to sing, and DC has already proven to be a great place to find others with the same interest!
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role.
From my past experiences, my favorite leadership quality I was able to garner is how to read people in a business setting and achieve what they want while doing it in a way that works best for me. This is what you do in sales day in and day out, work to create a win-win situation, and I have found that this skill and acknowledgement helps in managing my own projects from start to finish.
What blogs or websites do you read on a daily basis?
I’m absolutely addicted to my Huffpost iPhone app…when I’m bored on the bus or metro, you can bet that’s what I’m reading. I also read the Atlantic, Eduwonk, CNN, and of course, E! Online.
What book are you reading right now or what is your favorite book?
My favorite is To Kill a Mockingbird – that book stuck with me when I read it in grade school, and I’ve never been able to let go of the lessons it taught me. It has really transcended time and space, it applies so much to our world today.
Where else have you lived?
I hail from the Midwest – grew up in Cincinnati, went to college in Columbus, worked one year in Minneapolis…probably the most boring list of places to live. Embarrassing. But I’ve finally made it to the East and I’m not going back!