DR. PAMALA BROWN-GRINION Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer Totally “You”-nique Educational Consultants LLC Rochester, NY What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? The next generation needs to be prepared. Eighty-five percent of 2023 graduating Gen Z-ers indicated not feeling prepared for the workplace, and half said they have never received any soft skills training. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? AI technology removes the human element with learning by simulation and automation. It's interesting, but it can’t replace the human connection of people-to-people interaction. What excites you the most about your industry? To know that I’m a part of this movement that impacts the lives of others and that I’m aligned with my purpose and passion to help others change. Seventh Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT 21 KARA L. BROWN Interior Designer Bergmann Rochester, NY https://www.linkedin.com/in/karalbrown/ How do you feel your industry has changed/ evolved? The interior design industry evolves based on how people interact with and use space. So, as technology evolves, it can be incorporated into design. The way people use the interior environment changes as people and society change. For example, making restrooms accessible for everyone – when the Americans with Disabilities Act came into effect, we were tasked with designing spaces, like all-gender bathrooms, that everyone could use equally. What excites you the most about your industry? Creating spaces for people to use. It’s exciting to get the chance to create a space, and it turns out how you designed it or solved the problems that needed to be solved. TANYA EVANS Assistant Director of Field Education and Adjunct Faculty Instructor, Hunter College Support Group Facilitator, This House Has a Door Brooklyn, NY https://www.thishousehasadoor.org/ What are two key behaviors/ personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? Having knowledge, experience and academic gains are things I hold in my toolkit. The most important thing is not to make assumptions. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? So much is considered innovation, and it’s not always technology. It can be the creativity that comes from writing, arts and music. Any kind of innovation that’s inclusive and allows access to resources is needed. What excites you the most about your industry? Serving the greater good and giving back because many people have helped me get to where I am; there was always someone who helped me. Being that kind of person for others is rewarding.
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