AROUND PACE
Dana Rawls /// STEWARDSHIP AND PLANNED GIVING MANAGER /// How did you come to work at Pace? My older daughter, ERIN RAWLS ’15, came to Pace in 2011 as a ninth-grader and my younger daughter, JILL RAWLS ’19, joined the seventh-grade class two years later. As a Pace parent, I would sometimes joke that I’d have to get a job at Pace to stick around after both girls had graduated. Jill’s sophomore year, as the prospect of being an empty-nester with time on my hands grew more real, I started looking for a full-time job in place of the contract work I had been doing. My “networking” email to Director of Advancement HEATHER WHITE in 2016 turned into a position the following year. What do you do at Pace that falls beyond the scope of your job description? I have to credit Heather for writing a very comprehensive job description… I’m not sure a lot falls outside of it. Not many people know what I do—so perhaps it’s better to answer that. I spend much of each day writing—everything from foundation proposals to articles for the KnightTimes. I also oversee the school’s planned giving initiative and, moving forward, will be working to help Pace strengthen connections with former and Life Trustees. Why is Pace a special place to work? Pace employees are kind to one another and quick to lend a hand. Pace’s electronic universe (of email to all) is one place where our caring culture is evident. Whether it’s the “Computer Guys” offering tips (they are ridiculously funny) or teachers coordinating to help one another or personal updates, the messages are supportive. This has been especially meaningful in this more distanced year.
Shakila Williams /// ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR COLLEGE COUNSELING /// What do you do at Pace that falls beyond the scope of your job description? I'm not sure this falls beyond the scope of my job description, but I spend a lot of time listening to teens and learning more than I need to know about the High School Musical series and the latest trends/challenges on TikTok. I'm also a leader of the Black, African and African Diaspora affinity group and a member of the faculty committee for the Action Plan for Racial Equity. Why is Pace a special place to work? Community. Hands down. This community is special. I'm surrounded by some of the brightest and best minds who wow me on a regular basis. From the staff to students to our incredible teachers. The commitment to learning—on all levels—is unmatched. It's also a thoughtful and introspective place. I feel supported and appreciated while also being challenged to ask myself “How can I be better?” and “What more can I offer this community?” And, I mean, the ICGL opportunities, food trucks, faculty treats, Deepak Chopra leading a meditation, Richard Blanco in morning assembly on a random Wednesday? Yes, Pace is a very special place indeed. Is there one particular memory or experience that defines Pace for you?
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SPRING 2021 ||| KnightTimes
Obviously, Pace isn't perfect, no place is, but I think this year and the way the entire Pace community navigated the pandemic is a Pace memory I will never forget. We did hard things this year. We all did. And we did it together.
