member spotlight november
It’s November folks, and that means we’re going to feature some of our members and their awesome businesses here at Fellow!
Did you know this is a free quarterly event for Fellow members? We offer free headshots in the space, courtesy of Treatment, and a free feature because we’re a small, locally owned business too; we know how important local support is and to be honest, it’s easy to support such awesome folks!
Meet allyson fritz
Business Name / Profession: OASIS / International Development
Explain your role in this business / profession.: As Girls Empowerment Technical Advisor, I support OASIS and our in-country partners to design, implement and evaluate programs that advance education and choice for women and girls in the Sahel.
What do you enjoy about what you do?: Having a job where my personal values and mission align with the work that I do is rare, and I'm so grateful to have found that through working with OASIS. Supporting education, especially for girls, is my passion because education transforms lives. I love collaborating with local experts and supporting them as they lead programs and initiatives that tackle the significant barriers girls face in accessing quality education in the Sahel region of Africa.
How long have you been a member at Fellow and why do you choose to be a part of this community?: I joined fellow one month ago because I recently transitioned to working remotely. I find I'm more productive when not working alone!
Meet brennon poynor
Business Name / Profession: Spokast! Podcasting
Explain your role in this business / profession.: Owner / Executive Producer
What do you enjoy about what you do?: I get to help people take their personal (and sometimes private) passions & ideas from inception to structured podcast production.
How long have you been a member at Fellow and why do you choose to be a part of this community?: 2ish months
Do you have any professional advice, life advice, or something you'd like to fill our followers in on? This can be anything!: Be authentic & don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
Meet gina claeys
Name: Gina Claeys
Business Name / Profession: Northeast Washington Forest Coalition/Facilitator
Email: gbclaeys@gmail.com
Explain your role in this business / profession.: I moderate meetings with many stakeholders about how best to manage the Colville National Forest. There's science, politics, economics, and other factors to consider and conversations can get heated. But without a facilitator, these important conversations probably wouldn't happen.
What do you enjoy about what you do?: I enjoy being a part of important natural resource decisions that are made, and it's great getting out to the forest for field trips.
How long have you been a member at Fellow and why do you choose to be a part of this community?: I have been a member since March. I love the space and feeling that I have "coworkers" during a time when most things are done virtually.
Do you have any professional advice, life advice, or something you'd like to fill our followers in on? This can be anything!: Never underestimate yourself. Be willing to try new things. Be flexible. Respect others. Find a job that allows you to have the kind of schedule that works best for you and your lifestyle.
MEET MARIAH MCKAY
Business Name / Profession: Director of Dynamism
Explain your role in this business / profession.: I am the founder, former Executive Director, and now am honored to get to be a co-conspirator with some of our regions best emerging alternative economic development talent. I help serve SIMBA business and consumer members, engage people in our Live Local INW campaign, develop new programs and member benefit offerings, and advance our intersectional mission in the wider community.
What do you enjoy about what you do?: I enjoy getting to chose to work with the amazing people who are attracted to SIMBA's mission of organizing to build a more equitable and resilient regional economy. From board members to contractors, staff and network members, SIMBA has truly knit together some of the raddest humans doing amazing things in the Inland Northwest.
How long have you been a member at Fellow and why do you choose to be a part of this community?: SIMBA has been a once a week Fellow member for the past three years. We've held special events in the space, hosted board meetings, and helped contractors escape noisy children at home. We enjoy collaborating with other Fellow businesses such as Measure Meant and Maker and Made who have both worked with us on volunteer initiatives.
Do you have any professional advice, life advice, or something you'd like to fill our followers in on? This can be anything!: Invest in the support you need to do your job well. You will never regret it!
Meet MELISSA ARDALES
Business Name / Profession: Coil Studio
Explain your role in this business / profession.: Owner & Aerial Arts Instructor
What do you enjoy about what you do?: Coil Studio - (located right across the hall from Fellow!) is an aerial arts, dance and yoga studio offering many alternative fitness and movement based classes. The classes are empowering and fun! From Aerial Yoga to Aerial Arts and Belly Dance to Cocoon Meditation (and so much more!), participants accomplish things they never knew they were capable of doing! I love to see the transformation and empowerment that participants feel in class. There is no competition within the walls of Coil, only community and support to one another. We all have abilities and to honor our own body, mind and do something new sparks tremendous growth. I see similar aspects of confidence and growth in the students at Coil as I do in my full time profession in the student travel industry where I help to coordinate school sponsored trips around the world for middle school and high school students. Yes, I am always on the go and truly love what I do!
How long have you been a member at Fellow and why do you choose to be a part of this community?: I have been a part of the Fellow community for over three years. Coil is my side business and my day job is within the travel industry. I love meeting new people and working alongside a new mix of people everyday and when I am in Spokane, Fellow provides that environment. The networking opportunities within Fellow are incredible and the space is warm, welcoming and highly functionable for many different business needs.
Do you have any professional advice, life advice, or something you'd like to fill our followers in on? This can be anything!: This past year has been a tough one for both of my career industries (Coil and fitness as well as travel with schools). The advice I am reminding myself right now it that nothing is permanent, change is constant, failure is only failure if you choose not to see it as an opportunity for growth and self-care is paramount. Take the time to breathe and clear your mind. Maybe try a yoga class. On that note... I might know of a great place to get you started! It's just across the hall!