We’d like to welcome Nicky Young to the CNF Team. To help you get to know her, Nicky answered a few questions to share with the CNF community.
What’s your role at CNF?
I’m a Program Manager, mainly focusing on the peer support program and CHICA-CN.
How do you spend your time when you’re not at work?
Before COVID-19, you could find me in various exercise classes at the Y several days a week or spending quality time with my husband by visiting a local brewery or restaurant. Now, you’re more likely to find me walking my very stubborn dachshund around my neighborhood, or out on one of the many trails in Lexington.
What is your power color and why?
I would say almost any shade of green but mainly anything sage or olive. Green is comforting and relaxing to me which surprisingly, makes me feel empowered. Plus, sage is a little earthy so it makes me feel like I’m bringing a piece of the outdoors with me.
What are you passionate about?
I’ve always had a passion for helping those who face tremendous adversity. In my latest role before coming to CNF, I worked to remove social barriers for vulnerable populations for a healthcare company. That work was heavily rooted in working closely with nonprofit organizations to build sustainable and effective programming. I enjoyed the program planning aspect so much that I moved into a Project Manager role for the same company, and began managing national pilot programs to address various social determinants of health.
Which CNF Value do you identify with the most? (Integrity, Stewardship, Collaboration, Professionalism)
Collaboration. It’s cheesy but, I truly believe in the “work smarter not harder” philosophy. Some of the best ideas may arise when you pull together a group of stakeholders or community partners to share their perspective on a particular issue or need. If they’ve already tried it, you can capture their lessons learned and figure out a new way to approach the given challenge. I love a good puzzle so anytime I can flex the problem solving part of my brain, I’m all for it!
What drew you to working with CNF?
The genuine and compassionate nature of the organization just radiates through each employee when you talk to them. It was an easy decision for me to join the team!
What do you love about CNF’s story?
Their desire to support all partners in the child neurology community. I love that they bring together organizations that are having similar challenges, and encourage everyone to work together to build a better environment for any child or family living with a neurologic condition.