2011 40 Under Forty: Amanda Riik
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, Veterans Inc.
Company location: Worcester
Residence: Worcester
Favorite color: Blue because of my eyes and the ocean.
Age: 31
Career highlights: I graduated from Worcester State University with a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and an instinct that I wanted to help people from different populations. For the last six years I have worked for Veterans Inc., a nonprofit that helps veterans that are homeless and in need and their family members. I started out as an employment specialist and now work as the public relations manager.
Community involvement: Previously I coached Doherty High School co-ed cheerleading for nine years. I am secretary on the Department of Transitional Assistance Worcester Advisory Board and also the Worcester Arts Council. I am co-vice president for the Worcester Women In Development, and I am the event planner/board member for the new Worcester Young Professional Women’s Association.
Biggest success: My biggest success is working at Veterans Inc. and learning a multitude of skills and traits in many different areas. I am a firm believer that you need to learn as much as you can and try everything in life once.
Biggest challenge: Public speaking is never easy and to do it over the radio or on television can be more nerve wracking. Being the public relations manager at Veterans Inc., these tasks are imperative to educate the public on what we do. In the beginning it was a struggle to get through an interview without stuttering or forgetting my thoughts. Today I am comfortable doing both but still on occasions get the butterflies.
Mentor: My mentor is my father. Words cannot express how special he has been throughout my life. He has taught me the values of working hard, team work, wellness and nutrition, and to never give up what you believe in, no matter how long it takes to succeed. Growing up came with struggles but my father always smiled and persevered through them all showing us we could get through it together as a team: Team Riik.
Hidden talent: The past three years I have been learning how to horseback ride, English Style.
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