Tiffany Lee, Assistant Director – Wausau River District
What do you do?
We are a local non-profit + Main Street organization. The purpose of Wausau River District is to promote and facilitate the economic vitality and historic preservation of downtown Wausau for the benefit of the entire community.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
My undergraduate degree is in Marketing, but volunteering was a huge help as well! I started by assisting the Wausau River District with their social media efforts as a volunteer.
Why did you choose this sort of work?
I chose this type of work because I am extremely passionate about the non-profit industry and our community. Wausau is an incredible place to live and assisting to create a positive and inclusive downtown area is very important to me.
What do you like best about your work?
The Main Street program is multi-faceted, so I really enjoy doing something different every day. In this organization, we are able to work with local artists and assist in giving them a platform. I also find a lot of joy in place-making projects that help bring vibrancy to downtown Wausau, such as our painted piano project, Jazz on the River, and mural installations.
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Find a passion and nurture it. Even if you think there may not be a career in something, don’t lose sight of the activities and areas of focus that bring you happiness. Also; raise your hand, speak your mind, try new things, and remember that girls are leaders too.
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Being a female and working mother has come with its fair share of trials. The key to being taken seriously is to not underestimate your worth; your voice, opinion, and ideas matter. As I’ve grown in my professional life, I’ve also overcome the fear of asking for help and taking care of myself. It’s not selfish, it’s a necessity.
Anything else we should know?
Aside from my work with the Wausau River District, I am currently working on my MFA in Creative Writing, am an active Girl Scout troop leader, and a mother to three boys.
Thank you Tiffany Lee!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.