10 Questions with Grant Writer, Holly Laird
1. How long have you been at KSBBBS? 16 years (2001-2009 and 2015-present)
2. What’s your favorite part of your job? I really enjoy all the skills required for grants, including attention to detail, creativity, critical thinking, and collaborating with coworkers. And it’s so rewarding to know that my contributions to KSBBBS will have a positive impact on Kansas youth for years to come.
3. What are three words that best describe you? Curious, empathetic, and resilient
4. Who’s your mentor and why? Les Anderson, my former Wichita State University journalism professor. Les was always available for coaching and encouragement. He also helped me find internships and freelance opportunities as well as being a reference for my jobs after college.
5. If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? It would be a quote from Christopher Reeve: “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.
I’m so grateful to have Holly on our team. She is incredibly talented and has an amazing passion for the kids we serve. Finding someone who loves grant writing is DIFFICULT, so the fact that Holly loves it is a true benefit to KSBBBS. Thank you, Holly, for being such an asset to our organization!
6. What’s your best job hack? I always have nutritious and high-protein snacks with me for sustained energy and productivity – trail mix is my favorite.
7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Time travel – I’d go back in time and revisit some of the best days of my life.
8. Name one thing on your bucket list. Learn the Thriller dance.
9. What’s something we would be surprised to know about you? I love rock ’n’ roll.
10. What’s your favorite memory at KSBBBS? One memory that stands out is when I received an email notification about a grant that KSBBBS was awarded – the largest private grant that I’d written to date. I immediately called my supervisor who then contacted her supervisor. It was so much fun celebrating this success with my team members!