This post is part of an occasional series focusing on Leadership Development Academy graduates and what they have done, personally and professionally, in the years following their LDA experience. Please contact us if you would like to be profiled here, or would like to recommend a graduate for us to feature.
Name:
Ethan Lee
Year Graduated:
2019
What are you doing now?
I am the Parks Supervisor for the City of Janesville.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Funny story, I was in 1st grade and my elementary school was hosting a career fair of sorts. I picked the session titled: “engineering,” and I was excited. I thought driving a train for a living would be the COOLEST job EVER! I eagerly awaited the day of the career fair and meeting an actual, real life, engineer.
The day came and I practically clicked my heels as I entered the classroom. In just a few short minutes my dreams were shattered, I was learning about the life of a manufacturing engineer in the Midwest, far from my dreams of operating the Polar Express.
How did LDA help you on your journey?
The community connections I made through LDA have proved to be extremely valuable and have led me to joining the KANDU and LDA boards.
What piece of advice would you give a new LDA participant?
Take advantage of everything the class has to offer, not just the Friday sessions, but all of the other offerings.
Attend a Business after Five, work the booth at Chilimania, or attend an alumni event. These are all amazing opportunities to expand your knowledge of the area and create more connections with some really great people in Rock County.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy doing anything that involves being outdoors: hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, and photography. On the rare chance you catch me inside I am likely down in the basement in my work shop.
Woodworking has become one of my favorite winter-time activities. I have built several pieces of furniture in our home and really enjoy the process of building a functional piece of furniture.
Favorite Rock County event:
City of Janesville’s Enchanted Forest and Hollywood Hayride! I really enjoy this event because all of the families have so much fun and it feels like the kickoff to my favorite season, fall.
I have worked this event several times and at the end of each night I feel like the event had a big impact and was truly enjoyed by those that attended. The Recreation Division staff are amazing and do a great job putting this event together every year.
Where do you volunteer?
I am a board member for LDA and KANDU Industries. I am also the chair of the Janesville Urban Forest Alliance.
When you reflect on your LDA experience, what is your fondest memory? Scariest memory?
Looking back, one of my favorite days was the first day at Prent. We learned a great deal about the program and about ourselves, which allowed all of us to quickly become bonded and invested in the process.
Learning Real Colors and how to interact based on someone’s color has proved to be very helpful in my every day life.