Image: Accelerate Okanagan
A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.
Our community is strong. Growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.
Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech (@OKGNtech). It’s a showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement.
Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @okgntech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.
Meet Kandy. Kandy Schroder is the Operations and Events Manager at The Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST). When she’s not busy volunteering with kids or running trails in the backcountry, Kandy can be found spending time with her 3 daughters.
We recently caught up with Kandy to learn more about her role at the accelerator KAST and what she enjoys about working for a nonprofit.
What do you enjoy about working for KAST?
“We’ve got an incredible team and we’ve got incredible clients. No day is the same so the learning is constant here which is absolutely fantastic. As an accelerator you see everything—it’s amazing.”
“I come from a forestry and municipal government background. While I was working for the government I had been involved with KAST and saw them evolve over the years. So coming into this position was really really an exciting thing for me. Now I get to help out where I watched them help out others for so many years.”
Why nonprofit?
“With a nonprofit, you’re not there to make money, you’re there to serve the community. That part of it is pretty fantastic. You’re not looking at everybody as a customer, but as someone you are supposed to be helping.” #Givefirst
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
“I would prefer to be running on the trails in the backcountry than sitting at home or making dinner— it’s my favourite place to be in the entire world. 5:30 am is the best time of day to be outdoors – it’s totally amazing – you start the day energized. It’s my therapy.” (What does she put in her coffee?)
What’s one word that describes you and why?
“One word to describe me? Energetic. I NEVER stop moving.” (We’ll have what she’s having)
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“The best piece of advice I’ve received was the first sign of insanity is to continue with the same actions and expecting different results, so I always look to change when something isn’t working.” (PREACH)
Who inspires you?
“My husband inspires me every day. He has been teaching forestry at the college here for over 20 years and he comes home every day with great joy talking about the students and what he’s been able to teach them, as well as the relationships he’s made with the students and the staff. I find that so encouraging and inspiring.” #Joblove
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