Last week we welcomed a new additon to the Komen Austin Affiliate staff, Jennifer Harman. In Jennifer’s new role as Program Coordinator, she will oversee our volunteer program and assist with education outreach and donor development. If that’s not enough, she will be the new “face” behind our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Jen and friend hit the pavement at the 2010 Komn Austin Race for the Cure
Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Harman (Jen or Jenny depending on who you ask) and I am so thrilled to introduce myself to you as the new Program Coordinator for the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I moved to Austin from the Kansas City area about 3 years ago and have become quite accustomed to answering the question “What brought you to Texas?” In light of my recent career change, “What brought you to Komen?” has been added as the common follow-up. Well, although both of those questions have multi-faceted answers, they both carry a common thread and my most compelling answer…it felt like where I needed to be.
My story of falling in love with Austin is probably similar to many. In short, I came for the music and stayed for the city and its people. My story of how I became involved with the Komen Austin Affiliate is a bit more involved. In a general sense, I have always been a firm believer in people supporting each other and taking time out to affect positive change. In a more targeted sense, breast cancer has had a direct effect on my family. I have been a breast cancer advocate from an early age as I learned about my Grandmother’s fight against the disease. She is a survivor and a shining example of strength and resilience. After surviving my own battle with breast cancer this last year, I felt more passionate than ever about getting more involved. I saw first-hand how devastating this disease can be, not only for the person going through it, but also for their families and friends. I am blessed with an amazingly supportive family and great friends, but I was disheartened to see so many going through this journey with no support system at all. I found myself reaching out to these fellow patients, even if it was just to listen to their story or sit by them during treatment, and I truly believe those moments helped me get through it all as well.
Jen rings the bell at MDA for her radiation graduation day!
I was working for a wonderful company, Edward Jones, as a Financial Advisor and was blessed by their understanding and support through my treatments. Upon returning to work after completing chemo and radiation, I became a volunteer with the Komen Austin Affiliate’s Young Professionals for the Cure. This outstanding group of individuals, from all business backgrounds, further fueled my excitement for getting out in this great community of ours and making a difference. While I sincerely enjoyed my work in finance, I felt immediately compelled to apply when the Program Coordinator position opened up. Here was a chance for me to join a group of simply amazing women in the Komen Austin Affiliate who share the same passion for helping women and men affected by this disease and, ultimately, ending it all-together. I was humbled by the support I received from family, friends and all those I know in the Edward Jones community upon sharing my decision to follow my heart and change careers. I am proud to say that I have worked for and am working with such quality organizations.
So that is my story in a nutshell and what “brought me to Komen.” I am poised, ready and excited to work with our events and, most importantly, our generous volunteers. I look forward to meeting you in person and encourage anyone interested in volunteering with the Komen Austin Affiliate to contact me. Consider this a warm invitation to join me in the joy that giving back brings!
You can reach me at jharman@komenaustin.org or 512-684-3883.
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Filed under: Advocate, Education, Komen Austin, Volunteer, Young Professionals Council | Tagged: ATX, Austin, Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast cancer, breast health, cancer, donor, education, Edward Jones, for the cure, Komen, Komen Austin, mammogram, outreach, radiation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Texas, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
