Jennifer M. Stoff CPS/CAP

When Jennifer M. Stoff sees a chance to expand her skills, she's not afraid to go for it. Thanks to her drive and fearless attitude, she's now an event-planning whiz.

Several years ago, Stoff saw an opportunity to organize and execute an annual executive meeting and volunteered her services. She convinced management she was up to the task by referencing her expertise gained through her involvement in her professional association.

"I pointed out my experience in IAAP, where I served on the chapter board of directors and other committees," says Stoff, executive administrative assistant and fleet manager for Direct Energy US Home Services in Miamisburg, Ohio. "The experiences I gained with IAAP provided me with the skill sets and confidence necessary to assume this responsibility."

Advice to administrative professionals: "Always keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities where you can volunteer for an additional role within your organization. Provide examples of other areas of responsibility you have excelled in. Tell management that you have an interest in expanding your role and making contributions. More than likely, if they are familiar with your work ethic and organizational skills, they will be happy to have the assistance."

Advice to managers: "Recognize that the role of the administrative professional continues to evolve. We are administering and managing more than ever before. As a manager, show your support for the administrative professional who is selected to plan a meeting or event."

Gail Gray

You would be hard pressed to find a more enthusiastic advocate for the administrative profession than Gail Gray, an executive assistant with St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario. After planning many events for her management team, Gray used her skills to organize an administrative forum in her community. More than 90 local support staff from a variety of institutions attended. The event was so successful that she received a commendation from her company's CEO.

Advice to administrative professionals: "There are many opportunities for getting involved in event planning. Volunteer to help with an upcoming company social activity or ask your supervisor if you can assist with another team member's or department's event-planning activities. If events are limited where you work, initiate an informal educational session on something you have learned recently or start a charitable activity that will raise the profile of your company in the community."

Advice to managers: "Create an atmosphere of openness and empowerment. Encourage employees to bring forth their ideas and take the initiative. Allocate time for employees to attend educational sessions on trends in event planning. Supervisors can approve attendance at related educational workshops and request that a follow-up report be completed listing items learned and benefits to the company."