Staff Feature: Mary Yohannes, Associate ICDP
The French-American Chamber of Commerce - New York Chapter could not provide the services, resources, and events we do without the amazing support of our staff.
This week as part of our Get to Know the FACC Staff Series, we showcase Mary Yohannes, Associate in our International Career Development Program—FACC's US-based sponsored J-1 training program that has benefited more than 66,000 young French men and women since 1983.
In light of the Chamber's digital transformation plans accelerating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary has stepped in to assist our Events Team in order to continue providing quality key-sector events to our Members.
Keep reading to learn more about Mary and her role at the FACC...
FACC: Tell us about your journey to the Chamber: What made you want to be part of it? What have you learned?
So far, my journey with the Chamber has exposed me to the importance of developing global networks and the role they can play in your personal and professional growth. In a constantly globalizing world, it's important not to limit yourself and strive to expand your connections beyond the Atlantic.
FACC: Would you describe for us your current role at the Chamber?
Initially, I was mostly involved with the chamber’s ICDP department where I mainly oversee J-1 applications within the Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, and Transportation industries and where I manage our digital career portal, CareerConnnect. Earlier this year, I joined the Events and Communication team in addition to serving as staff liaison for the Women In Business Committee. Because my role has become versatile, I enjoy the fact that I could be working on an outreach strategy one morning and proceed to research speakers for a prospective ESG investing event in the afternoon. I am fortunate to continue to grow and learn from my team and executives within our network.
You have been involved as both a member of the ICDP ( International Career Development Program) and Events teams, which gives you a multi-layered perspective of the Chamber’s activities. Tell us more about how your experience on both teams and how it has shaped your role at the Chamber.
Overall, I enjoy witnessing diverse and ambitious young professionals on a global level constantly challenge themselves and take advantage of career-advancing opportunities to diversify their experiences. With a demand that is growing, I think it's important for organizations like ours to continue to facilitate access to these opportunities across the playfield. Additionally, working closely with our Events and Communication team and the Women in Business Committee has exposed me to the work that is required to turn important conversations into actions; whether that’s promoting mentorship opportunities to address existing inequities or providing a platform for successful entrepreneurs to share their insights and inspire emerging leaders.
