This is the second of a series of highlighting our Chapter’s awesome volunteers.  

 
This month, we’d like to shine the spotlight on our VP Programs, Sheri Myrick. When you attend the monthly professional development meeting (PDM), Sheri is the force behind the scenes who has reached out and coordinated all the speakers. She takes care of all the logistics, like ensuring the presentation materials you see are captured. She also helps provide leads for other of our events, such as the yearly Business Analysis Development Day in the Desert (BADD-D).

Q: How did you first hear about the IIBA?
Sheri: Kristen Call, the former IIBA Phoenix Chapter President, posted an IIBA Phoenix Chapter Event in LinkedIn for the IIBA Phoenix Chapter BADD-D. I reached out to her to learn more about the IIBA.

Q: How long were you a member of our Chapter before you became an officer?
Sheri: I believe it was less than five months.

Q: Have you held other positions or done any volunteer work for the Chapter previously?
Sheri: I had not held any other positions or volunteered for the Chapter. Kristen let me know about the board positions becoming available to encourage me to apply. After learning about the different positions, I decided that the VP of Programs was the best fit
for me.

Q: What are some of the most satisfying parts of your position and being part of the Chapter?
Sheri: The most satisfying part of my position is learning and growing from others.This includes learning from our guest speakers at our Professional Development Meetings, BADD-D annual event, fellow Board members, and Chapter members.

Q: Are there any skills you have developed by being in the Chapter that have helped you at work or elsewhere?
Sheri: Being a part of the Chapter has helped me grow my business analysis skills, leadership skills, and presentation skills, as well as helped me to grow my personal and professional network.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering volunteering for the Chapter?
Sheri: Don’t fear learning new things. Volunteering is a great way to enhance or to learn new skills in a safe environment while contributing to the Chapter’s success. Not only will you grow, but you will help others to grow.

Q: What are some of the things you like to do in your spare time?
Sheri: Connecting with my family, friends, and pets in my spare time is what gives me the most joy. I also like to use the time to research things that I am interested in learning more about.

Q: What aspect of the BA profession do you find most rewarding?
Sheri: Being a part of a collaborative team is very rewarding part of being a BA to me. I love learning from my team and feeling accomplished from contributing to the success of a project or product that we are working on.

Q: Anything else you'd care to share about the BA profession, your career path, or yourself?
Sheri: From my career path, I have learned that there are many different types of “Analysts” career paths, as it depends on your industry. Many of the skills are transferrable. I have learned that it is important to believe in yourself and to not sell your skills and experience short. If you want to become a BA, or a different type of Analyst, don’t be afraid to make that transition.

Previous highlights: 
Debbie Levin