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 I was fortunate enough to attend First Lady, Michelle Obama’s, recent address to high school and college students at Wayne State University’s Adams Field on May 26th. Delivering an inspirational message of ncouragement, Mrs. Obama reminded students that both she and the President came from humble beginnings; but with hard work and perseverance, both were able to obtain their dreams through education.
It was refreshing to have our national leadership recognize the significance Detroit has played in the historical success of our country. Reminding students that Detroit “is still the city that built from scratch, the greatest middle class the world has ever known” and that Detroit is still the city that built “an arsenal of democracy that led this world to freedom.”
Too often we forget all that Detroit has given the world, and the assets that made us the country’s leading industry are still here for us waiting to be re-imagined and re-deployed. That being said, Mrs. Obama stressed the value of discipline and hard work. The First Lady asked the audience to “embrace the responsibility of being our future.”
Encouraging students to make time for community, Mrs. Obama urges students to “Fight for every inch of your future. But take a little time each week to lift up the families, and neighbors, and schoolsthat need your help today.”
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Featured CREW Member |
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Member Profile: Marisa Varga, CPSM, LEED AP
Business Development Manager, Barton Malow Company How did you land in the commercial real estate field?
Nine years ago I graduated from Michigan State not even realizing this wonderful industry existed (I may have been slightly naïve)! I grew up in a Ford family so my first thought was automotive. I feel fortunate to have found a small Architecture and Engineering firm to work for initially after graduation and shortly after was offered a position at Walbridge and then moved over to Barton Malow where I started as their Corporate Marketing Manager. I then decided to get some technical experience as an estimator in the past two years before joining our Industrial and Self Perform Services Group as a Business Development Manager. Barton Malow is a great company and I really enjoy working here.
What single piece of advice or encouragement would you offer a woman who wants to enter your career field?
Always look for new ways to educate yourself and never stop. Take advantage of the people around you and share in their knowledge and don’t ever undervalue your skills, abilities or worth. The most important thing to advancing in my career has been my mentors, network and professional organizations.
Who is your mentor/who inspires you?
Luckily I have quite a few. My mom’s strength has always inspired me. And Sheryl Maibach, CMO and Sr. VP at Barton Malow has always pushed me out of my comfort zone to do more, be accountable and get involved. Then there are the many amazing builders that have worked for years in construction that I learn from everyday.
What do you love about CREW Detroit?
I’ve just joined, but I am looking forward toCREW events in the past and realize the value found in a great network of professional women.
Educational background and certifications:
Michigan State University, Bachelors of Arts, Communications and Public Relations
Lawrence Technological University, Master of Business Administration
CPSM – Certified Professional Services Marketer
LEED AP BD+C – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional
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