ReServist Gail McDaniel is using her professional skills in new ways at My Sisters’ Place, a venerable agency in Westchester that provides services and advocacy on behalf of victims of domestic violence.
Sue Brennan, Office Services Manager at My Sisters’ Place and Gail’s supervisor recalled meeting her for the first time, “Gail was just so energetic. It wasn’t an absolute fit in terms of having executive assistant skills, but she brought so many other skills.”
Gail supports the organization’s Executive Director, Karen Cheeks-Lomax, Esq. as well as assists in running the office. “It’s a real bonus having Gail here and [the arrangement] works for us perfectly,” said Ms. Brennan.
"She's an absolute fit," said Sue Brennan (on left) of ReServist Gail McDaniel (on right). Ms. Brennan is the Office Services Manager at My Sisters’ Place.
Gail too was concerned about taking on an unfamiliar role, but decided to seize the opportunity. “I have to stretch myself but I have never worked at any place where I am so appreciated.”
For more than 25 years, Gail had a successful career in a fine jewelry company, where she started as a watch buyer. When the company laid her off in 2006, she was a vice president and managed the company’s merchandising information systems and corporate training.
At the time, Gail was not interested in retiring but was faced with a decision on what to do next. “Retirement sounded like a good idea but I had given no thought to it,” she said. The sudden unemployment left her stunned. “It’s a huge shock to the system.”
Not settling for retirement Gail thought about how she enjoyed conducting corporate training and coaching her younger colleagues at the jewelry company, and decided to obtain certifications in personal and executive coaching.
She launched My Career Rx, to offer career coaching to Generation Y college students and recent graduates. She conceived of, designed the website, and created a database for 175 careers based on skills, values and personality profiles. The business was doing well but she felt a need to do more.
Then she discovered ReServe, and was attracted to opportunities to contribute her skills to a nonprofit.
Missing Manhattan, Gail was looking to commute but ReServe called her about an opportunity at My Sisters’ Place in White Plains and a seven-minute drive from her home. She agreed to go on an interview and was later offered the role as an executive assistant.
She serves four days a week from 10am to 3pm. The schedule and the office’s close proximity to her home allow her time to pursue her business, exercise and volunteer work. And she enjoys being part of a critical human services organization. “Everyone is here for a cause and I belong to a community. It’s a dream come true.”
