Name that Woman Trailblazer: This woman played her way into national fame in 1932, when she entered the U.S. women’s track and field championship as the sole member of her team. Despite competing in team events alone, she won five events and the overall championship. Her next stop: The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics where she took home three medals—one silver and two gold.
Hi there — I’m Romanita Ross!
I am a Certified Event Planner and seasoned Senior Executive Assistant. I have been in the administrative field for over 20 years, working for several Fortune 100 and 500 companies.
I’m part of many professional organizations including the IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) for 16 years; I held the office of President for both PepsiCo, Deloitte, and the first Virtual Chapters. I have been a member of Kent College Toastmasters, MPI (Meeting Professional International) Chicago chapter, and recently became a member of the Microsoft Toaster 365 chapter (serving as the Secretary).
I studied Journalism and Advertising at Columbia College and received diplomas in Accounting, Taxation, and Event Planning from Ashworth University.
🔗 Want to connect with Nita? Say “hi” on LinkedIn.
The zoom fatigue is real 😩 — luckily, we have the perfect remedy…TeamOut!
TeamOut is an online platform where you can easily book a team retreat so you can build stronger relationships with your work fam.
They provide curated retreat properties as well as concierge and event planning services, so you can focus on enjoying some quality time with your teammates.
The best part is you’ll stay at unique venues that are always within 30 minutes of an airport, so you’ll never deal with tricky and long routes.
Q: How did you get into your current role/industry?
A: I got into my current role by attending a school that specializes in the Administrative Business and Planning fields.
I initially worked as an Administrative Assistant who planned meetings. I decided to broaden my meeting planning skills by attending a course in Event planning and graduating with a diploma and certification in Event planning.
Q: What’s something you do to help boost your productivity?
A: First, to achieve an eventful day, I prioritize all my personal and work tasks ahead of time.
I journal daily which helps me to see where I can grow or have grown throughout the years.
I love to read all types of books and listen to motivational podcasts, to help me learn new things or improve skills that I already have.
Doing this has helped me to stay motivated and positive.
Q: How do you find work-life balance?
A: I start my day with a glass of water and exercise for about 15 to 30 minutes to find a work-life balance.
Afterward, I read something inspirational to carry me through the day.
When I finish work, I make sure that I turn off my laptop and spend time with my family. It helps me to stay balanced in both my personal and professional life.
Q: What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve received so far?
A: My professional advice is to always have a positive attitude.
I found that no matter the situation, such as meeting a deadline at work or completing a task at home. It’s essential to stay as positive and professional as possible.
My grandmother would often say, “This too shall pass.” So, it’s good to keep a positive attitude, which helps you realize that the negative situation will eventually pass.
Q: What’s your favorite software or app that helps with your workflow?
A: My favorite software is Excel — Microsoft Excel is commonly used for financially related activities.
It’s my favorite because you can identify custom formulas for calculating quarterly, half-yearly and annual reports.
Excel helps individuals and professionals keep track of various reports effectively. Microsoft Excel is also very popular among professionals from a science and engineering background as it allows them to work with statistical formulas and graphs efficiently.
Q: What’s a book or podcast you’d recommend to a colleague?
A: I have a variety of podcasts that are my favorite.
If you need encouragement to make permanent changes in your life, then The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor is for you. Each episode is centered around tips and motivation that encourage you to create new habits that impact your daily life.
The Daily Boost is a motivation podcast that offers a wide variety of personal development strategies and acknowledges common sense logic. Hosted by Scott Smith, this show combines lessons, personal experience, and humor to create a new motivational podcast that can fit into listeners’ lives.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
A: In my free time, I love to write. I published my first book in August of 2018, and I am currently working on my second book. Also, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, poetry reading, and (what every girl likes) shopping.
📚 Read about the benefits of journaling.
⚡Check out these Excel tips to become a spreadsheet pro.
We’ve compared monday.com to the Swiss army knife of project management softwares — and they’ve taken it up a notch by launching industry specific templates.
Here are some of our fave templates that you can use today (for free) —
For HR & Recruiting:
For EAs/Admins/Operations:
One lesson that I learned in my career took place over a conversation with a top Executive that I supported. This Executive was the Vice President of Finance, but an attorney by trade; he had a vital HR matter and he needed help with making a decision.
He asked me to come into his office, and he started explaining the problem to me. While he explained the situation, I looked to the side with hesitancy because this wasn’t my field.
I asked him if I should be weighing in on the matter at all. To my surprise, he confidently responded, “Yes.”
He told me that you can’t learn wisdom in school; you have to acquire it.
So he asked for my opinion, and I gave it to him. He ended up following my advice and later told me that it was the right solution to the problem.
I learned that no matter what your level of expertise is, or the status of your position, wisdom is something that you acquire with age and life experience.
TeamOut is an online platform where you can easily book a team retreat.
Office Otter is one of our fave to-do list software you didn’t know you needed (until now).
Bonusly put together 20 simple ways to increase motivation in the workplace. Download it free today.
Weve offers over 100 games you can play with your team to build stronger workplace culture.
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