JIMI 2023 Reflections

Heather Nowak , SEMC Program Administrator

instructors to settle hotel reservations, compiled the daily lunch menu selections for instructors and cohort, planned and organized the dinner events, and sent a multitude of emails to relay details to all participants and gather information. It was extremely important that even the smallest of details were planned and accounted for and would be an integral part of a successful relaunch.

Once on Jekyll Island, my role transitioned from planning to implementation. Zinnia Willits and I arrived two days before the Institute began to organize all the program materials and spaces we would use for the next 10 days. During this prep time, we made many trips off the island to gather supplies, an exercise we would repeat sometimes twice per day over the course of the JIMI program! Once the program started, SEMC staff helped the cohort and instructors settle into the schedule and ensured they had everything needed to feel informed in a comfortable learning environment.

Iheard about the Jekyll Island Management Institute (JIMI) in the early 2000s. I had been involved with SEMC for a couple of years by that point and JIMI kept coming up. I never applied, but knew based on what the alumni told me, it was special. And wow, do I understand now! My role in JIMI 2023 was primarily administrative and organizational. I worked with the

As I reflect on the time I spent working on JIMI and on the Island with the instructors and cohort, I find it difficult to articulate what exactly makes JIMI so special. I believe it starts with the beautiful and inspiring landscape of Jekyll Island. A unique learning experience with knowledgeable and thoughtful instructors and a remarkable cohort ties the program together. I loved watching the curriculum become reality; the reality became a lasting memory. I understand now just how important and special JIMI is and this class, the JIMI class of 2023, may always be the most special to me.