CQL is thrilled to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series! This is a chance for us to highlight our staff members and for you to learn about our team. For our June article, we’re featuring Maddie Robin, CQL Communications Specialist.
Seth Petre, CQL Director of Marketing, nominated Maddie for this month’s CQL staff spotlight. When nominating Maddie, Seth shares, “Maddie plays an integral role at CQL, managing the organization’s branding and visual identity, overseeing our social media presence, authoring, publishing, and promoting countless resources, designing all materials and deliverables – just to list a few examples.” Seth adds, “Maddie embodies CQL’s mission, vision, and values, demonstrating a collaborative and inclusive approach in everything she does. She’s an absolute joy to work with and CQL is very lucky to have her skills, talents, and expertise!”
We’ve asked Maddie a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her better.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I am the Communications Specialist here at CQL and work alongside Seth Petre, the Director of Marketing. I like to joke that I’m the “🎨✍🏻🖼️✨👩💻” marketing girlie, and Seth is the “📈💡🎯📆🧑💻” marketing guy. My main responsibilities here are taking the incredibly wonderful things that our CQL staff create, do, and experience and turn those into things that can be communicated to the public in a visually impactful way. Whether that’s an article, graphic, social media post, or email blast, I’m generally the one behind that!
A general overview of my responsibilities are graphic design and brand management (making sure everything we produce is in line with our branding and looks clean, cohesive, and concise), social media management, and I also am responsible for the publication stage (putting the article on our website, images, social media, email) of most of our articles we produce including — but not limited to — our Capstone Newsletters and Accreditation Success Story articles.
I am also in charge of designing any print or digital marketing materials like Infographics, Accreditation/Certification promotional kits, our rack cards, brochures, and other marketing materials. Oh! I am also the designated “PowerPoint Person”; designing and putting the final touches on all of our presentations used during our trainings and workshops, webinars, conference presentations, and so on. (I’m probably forgetting some things, but that’s the general gist!)
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
Like most, I sort of “fell into” the field. I moved to Mobile, Alabama to be with a long distance boyfriend and needed a job (don’t worry, we’re married now). A friend connected me to a provider organization here, where I started as an administrative assistant. The organization provided educational services, so it felt adjacent to my degree and was intended to be temporary, so even though it wasn’t exactly what I was wanting it felt alright! What was supposed to maybe be a year turned into nearly five and I wore many hats. In a classic “nonprofit” way, I have done a little bit of everything from QuickBooks data entry, dropping bills off at the post office, developing and implementing a fleet management system across multiple locations throughout the state of Alabama, to bringing in over $30,000 in awards fundraising and grant writing.
My last position I held at this provider organization before starting at CQL was Resource Development Coordinator, which combined grant writing, fundraising, local public relations and promotion, as well as general marketing and social media. I know firsthand the impact a thoughtful and cohesive marketing plan can have on public perception, and ultimately your funding and services.
That experience, as well as personal passion projects, led me to my role here at CQL where I love being a small piece to a bigger picture, impacting people across the globe!
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I studied at Georgia State University and obtained my bachelor’s in Applied Linguistics, focusing in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Prior to working at CQL, I spent about 5 years in the nonprofit sector holding various positions in religious institutions, an after school performing arts program, and even as a Summer Program Director for a summer camp where I was responsible for everything from designing the summer theme (logo, marketing, other theming), developing schedules, coordinating with groups and parents of campers, creating and implementing intensive curriculum, as well as managing a staff of counselors and farm interns (yes there was a working farm), and then finally a provider organization with multiple programs across Alabama.
The bulk of my time at this provider organization was in Operations, holding roles of Administrative Assistant and then Assistant to the Director of Operations. Those positions included a lot of random responsibilities, but I loved assisting with the development of training materials and special projects. Finally, as Resource Development Coordinator, I was able to play to my personal strengths and interests: marketing, design, content creation. I overhauled our marketing materials that we took to conferences, revamped our social media presence, developed a statewide month-long fundraising campaign during Autism Acceptance Month, partnering with local coffee shops over seven cities, to raise money, celebrate Autism Acceptance month, and awareness about the provider organization. I found a lot of joy in creating and developing all of those things, and am very thankful for my position at CQL where that is the main focus of my role!
I went into school originally intending to major in graphic and web design, but fell in love with language and teaching along the way. So, it’s funny how I’ve truly made it full circle back into graphic design. All of places I’ve worked, things I’ve studied, and experiences I’ve had have given me a tool belt of transferrable skills that I wouldn’t have had otherwise; I love being a part of something bigger than myself and get to continue that here at CQL.
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Perceptive
- Objective
- Resourceful
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I have a wonderful husband and two great (goofy) dogs: a shepherd mix named Atlas and a Jack Russel mix named Millie. I live in a historic home in Mobile, Alabama and we are currently working to add character back to it. I enjoy being outside, gardening, hand embroidery, and sipping an iced lavender latte on my front porch.
CQL Lightning Round!
You’re stranded alone on a desert island and have 3 books to keep you company. Which books are you reading until you’re rescued?
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Hobbit + Lord of the Rings (sometimes they’re sold as 1 book so I think that counts? Especially on a desert island, you need a lot to entertain), and The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Sweet: the best adult discovery was realizing you can buy a slice of cake from the grocery store without needing a reason to buy a slice of cake.
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I honestly went back to manual task tracking. I got a physical calendar and weekly planner notepad and divide my tasks up by day to help stay on task and not get overwhelmed.
Name the TV show(s) you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
Psych, Ted Lasso, Parks and Rec, or House Hunters: International
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given or read? Cite who gave it to you or said it.
“Never half-a$$ two things, whole-a$$ one thing.” – Ron Swanson, Parks and Rec
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
I’m left handed! (I only say that because we all work remotely, so nobody sees me use a pen)
What was your first job?
Salesperson at an Adventure Outfitter/Outdoor Store
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist! 🧑🎨
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Mac and cheese – I’ll take it any way: home made, Kraft, Stouffer’s. It’s just got to be creamy, not dry.
Do you have one totally irrational fear? What is it?
Wasps, especially yellow jackets. I haven’t had a traumatic experience or anything with them, but I just can’t.
What fictional world would you want to live in? Why?
Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings — I’m just trying to live my hobbit life down here!!
How many US states/territories have you been to? Which state was the most memorable?
I have been to 13 states (I think), Colorado has been the most memorable so far. Driving through the Rockies was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had, coming out of the tunnels to the most stunning mountains takes your breath away. Sequioa, Zion, Teton, and Cascades National Parks are high on my list.
How many countries have you been to? Which one do you always recommend people visit?
I have been to Mexico (Mexico City, Oaxaca), Belize, Costa Rica, Italy, San Marino, and Switzerland. I genuinely recommend all of them! I’m hoping either New Zealand or Ireland can be next, though! ✈️
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
Two words: scene queen. 💿🖤🎧🌧️ (those that get it, get it)
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About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership
Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
Maddie Robin: June Monthly Staff Spotlight