Reba Rice
NorthLakes Community Clinic
Hayward, WI USA
"[People’s] inability to see my potential should not limit my potential."
Career Roadmap
Reba's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Medicine, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I started at NorthLakes, I was working closely with the interim CEO. She encouraged me to apply for the position when she left. I really doubted myself. I didn't think I knew enough and didn't have the skills to do the job. She was very supportive and asked me to explain why I didn't think I could do it. Just having the opportunity to name my fears and self-doubt in a supportive place helped me see that I did have the ability to do the job and any skills I didn't have yet could be learned.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
English
Undergrad
Graduate Degree
American Literature
Graduate
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I majored in English in college—my interest in storytelling paired with my passion for social justice have been the main drivers in my career.
2.
After graduating, I went to graduate school and earned my master’s degree in American literature.
3.
I started my career running a shelter for homeless women with children—I loved the job but was working for free, which wasn’t sustainable long-term.
4.
I eventually moved on and built my career through a wide variety of roles, including working for a computer software training company, a crisis pregnancy center, and a law office.
5.
I joined NorthLakes Community Clinic as the sixth employee when we only had one clinic.
6.
I’ve now been with the organization for about 15 years and have helped it grow to 16 clinics and 400 employees.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I can't do this. I don't know enough. I don't have the skills.
How I responded:
When I started at NorthLakes, I was working closely with the interim CEO. She encouraged me to apply for the position when she left. I really doubted myself. I didn't think I knew enough and didn't have the skills to do the job. She was very supportive and asked me to explain why I didn't think I could do it. Just having the opportunity to name my fears and self-doubt in a supportive place helped me see that I did have the ability to do the job and any skills I didn't have yet could be learned.